• June 2025 Turning Challenge: Turn a Wand! (click here for details)
  • Sign up for the 2025 AAW Forum Box Swap by Monday, June 30th (click here for details)
  • Congratulations to Walker Westbrook for "Archaeological Record" being selected as Turning of the Week for June 23, 2025 (click here for details)
  • Welcome new registering member. Your username must be your real First and Last name (for example: John Doe). "Screen names" and "handles" are not allowed and your registration will be deleted if you don't use your real name. Also, do not use all caps nor all lower case.

June 2025 Challenge: Turn a Wand!

Michael Anderson

Super Moderator
Staff member
TOTW Team
Joined
Aug 22, 2022
Messages
1,910
Likes
6,234
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Hi everyone!

This month's challenge focuses on turning something that most folks did when they started out: a wand! Wands can be as simple or as complex as you wish. They can be constructed from a single piece of wood, or be composed of many. They can be wood-only, or they can have other materials included. They can be turned-only, or they can included carved/burned/painted embellishments. You get the picture--there is a lot of room for skillful and creative interpretation. Wands are also nice in that they are relatively thin, meaning you can use cutoffs easily.

Here are a few inspiring wands to get you motivated (respectively made by Evan Bahr, Ken Wraight, and John K Jordan):

636485135384373963.JPG
638024243076054715.JPG
wands_tangle_P7203955cs.jpg

There are not too many restrictions for this challenge. The wands can be as large or as small as you like, but be sure to include the dimensions in your entry post. I'm excited to see what everyone submits! As a bonus, if anyone creates a wand that is realistic enough to produce actual magic, I will send you a bonus prize. ;)

Whatever you end up creating, be sure to have fun and challenge yourself. Feel free to embellish the wand as desired, or leave it bare wood. Here are the chellenge rules, as determined by AAW Forum legal counsel Dewey, Cheatum, and Howe:
  • Entries must be posted in this thread by ~11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on June 28, 2025.
  • Feel free to post a maximum of two photos of your piece in this thread (I will use my favorite of the two when I create the voting thread).
  • Your wand can be any size, embellished or natural, one piece or multiple. Include your dimensions in your entry post.
  • As always, this is a turning contest, not a "moldy oldie" photo contest, so in fairness to everybody, make sure your work is something you have made since this challenge was issued on June 10, 2025.
  • You may not post any photos of your entry in this month’s challenge in any other thread or in the gallery until the voting has ended and a winner has been declared.
  • Voting will take place from June 29, 2025, through 11:59 pm EST on July 1, 2025.
  • Solicitation of votes will result in disqualification.
  • The winner might have to pass a lie detector test before collecting the grand prize of a dogleg high-carbon continental gouge. Good luck, have fun, make shavings, and let the chips fall where they may!!
 
If you haven't read through @John K Jordan's tutorial on thin spindle turning, please do. It is very helpful in general, and very relevant to this month's challenge:

 
If you haven't read through @John K Jordan's tutorial on thin spindle turning, please do. It is very helpful in general, and very relevant to this month's challenge:


Thanks, Sir Michael. If anyone has questions, just ask!

I started making wands when the Harry Potter books came out. Found out immediately it was difficult to control the flexing on a single part wand or other thin shaft (I use no steady rest) but figured out way that always works (it's all in the doc.) I've since made 100s, most of them pretty simple but Harry Potter fans and other magical people love them! I set up in front of the bookstore for a few of the book releases and made them while people watched - I suspect almost none had ever seen a lathe before.

wandmaking_comp1.jpg

Here's a student with her first wand.
I think spindle turning is so important to teach tool control I always start students with the skew. But skew is not required for wands - small roughing gouge, spindle gouges, Hunter tools - lots of ways work. 80 grit sandpaper - have at it. :eek:

Kristina_wand_comp_IMG_7396.jpg

One hint. I almost always make wands from a single piece of wood. But when I made some in two or three parts they were easier to turn since the flexing wasn't a problem. Multiple parts can look great too, for example with contrasting or complimentary woods, sometimes in three or more parts.

I also uploaded a PDF doc about some texturing methods if anyone's interested.

Warning: once Harry Potter fans find out you make wands they all want one!

JKJ
 
Last edited:
NOT AN ENTRY … it’s a “moldy oldie” photo.
These were made in 2010 as Christmas presents for my grandkids.

Tulipwood & Birdseye Maple and a multi-axis Ebony & Curly Maple.
About 12” in length (AIRC) and both have crystals on the butt end of the handle to add some “magic”.
 

Attachments

  • P1000024.jpeg
    P1000024.jpeg
    314.8 KB · Views: 22
  • P1000028.jpeg
    P1000028.jpeg
    403.9 KB · Views: 22
  • P1000029.jpeg
    P1000029.jpeg
    365.9 KB · Views: 22
NOT AN ENTRY … it’s a “moldy oldie” photo.
These were made in 2010 as Christmas presents for my grandkids.

Tulipwood & Birdseye Maple and a multi-axis Ebony & Curly Maple.
About 12” in length (AIRC) and both have crystals on the butt end of the handle to add some “magic”.
Very nice. That multi-axis one is amazing.
 
NOT AN ENTRY … it’s a “moldy oldie” photo.
These were made in 2010 as Christmas presents for my grandkids.

Tulipwood & Birdseye Maple and a multi-axis Ebony & Curly Maple.
About 12” in length (AIRC) and both have crystals on the butt end of the handle to add some “magic”.

Very nice. That multi-axis one is amazing.

I agree. Multi-axis is a nice touch.
I've done several long time ago, simple shape, no detail, but with gentle multi-axis, mostly enough to reshape the handle a bit, sanded to smooth - I'm told they feel good in the hand.
These are certainly oldies but I don't know if they are moldy since I haven't seen them since they got snatched up by friends.

Eastern Red Cedar from the farm.
P7203922cs.jpg

Is that burning, like with fire?! I never thought of trying that on a wand.
I LOVE turning holly, great for carving too. I took a nice block to Melissa and Graeme Priddle once and next time we spoke she said "you have any more like that?"!! :) No, but I took her some tupelo to try.

JKJ
 
Started with a 5/16th inch square of rose wood and a chunk of mallee out of the scrap bin. After turning and polish I distressed it with assorted objects.
Tech pic here:
View attachment 76785
Artsy pic for challenge here:
View attachment 76786
Fun contest! I enjoyed making this!
Only wand I own, bought years ago, has a dragon carved in it. IMG_1745.jpeg
 
I agree. Multi-axis is a nice touch.
I've done several long time ago, simple shape, no detail, but with gentle multi-axis, mostly enough to reshape the handle a bit, sanded to smooth - I'm told they feel good in the hand.
These are certainly oldies but I don't know if they are moldy since I haven't seen them since they got snatched up by friends.

Eastern Red Cedar from the farm.
View attachment 76777


Is that burning, like with fire?! I never thought of trying that on a wand.
I LOVE turning holly, great for carving too. I took a nice block to Melissa and Graeme Priddle once and next time we spoke she said "you have any more like that?"!! :) No, but I took her some tupelo to try.

JKJ
Yes, burned with a small propane torch. I wanted the want to look like it's seen some action.
I like holly as well. After Helene came through I had to take down a holly that was damaged by a large oak that had toppled.
This was just a branch section, still haven't really processed the larger sections.
 
I like holly as well

You may be aware, but if not: if taking down a holly tree on purpose it's best done in the dead of winter. If warm, fungal grey stain can spread quickly in boards and chunks, unchanging the wood except for making it uglier than ugly! I made that mistake once and have a tub full of ugly holly. (It's also a potential problem with other white woods such as maple.) The advice from the pros is cut when freezing, dry aggressively.

Still turns and carves beautifully, though.
I'm told a 2-part wood bleach will remove the stain at the surface. And dying a turning black with india ink will hide the stain and make it look like ebony!

Here's a photo of an oldie moldy (but unstained holly!) wand handle, carved, shellac applied, then the grooves filled with dark walnut grain filler and wiped off the surface as the filler dried.

wand_holly_carved_P7203954.jpg

When clearing the junk from our woods I always leave any holly trees, even if small. I have a huge holly out near the road but would never cut it - it's SO good for the honey bees! When flowering, I can hear the bees from half way across the field.

I'm starting to get ideas for a trial by fire wand, maybe an Avada Kedavra spell done wrong!

Just for fun, when someone brings a child to have one custom mad, I first send out a folded invitation on parchment paper sealed with real sealing wax with my "J" seal from a paper shop in Italy.
wand_invitation_pixelatedt.jpg
Inside is stuff about the wandmaker and instructions, for example:

Responsibility of the Owner
The wand may not be used for any evil or selfish purpose.
The wand may not be used to play tricks on helpless people or cats.
The owner will be responsible for any damage from misuse of the wand.
No muggle must ever touch the wand or see it in use.
Care of Wand
Take care to protect the wand from the elements, although it will withstand occasional use in rain or snow (or yuck, mountain troll snot.) Wipe off any moisture. You may occasionally apply a soft paste wax with a soft cloth. Do not sit on the wand or allow a dragon to step on it. Please use a charm to open cans rather than pry with the wand.
Warranty
Each custom wand is guaranteed against defects in workmanship and materials for a period of 10 generations or 300 years, whichever comes first. Coverage for lost and stolen wands is best described by the term "So Sorry." The warranty does not cover damage from childish pranks, carelessness, evil use, battle with evil forces, or chewing by an animal such as a cute puppy. For warranty service, return in person to Mr John or send by owl.


A good friend asked to bring his Harry Potter crazed nephew to have one custom made. I expected a little kid. When he got out of the car and stood up he kept going up and up. The teen nephew was a huge guy, well over 6' tall. I made the biggest honkin' wand ever with a large handle to fit his hand, his input on style, detail etc. The "kid" was trilled! My friend said on the drive home the nephew said it was the best day of his life. :) He kept the wand on a special stand on the mantel and got it down to hold it when he watched the movies!

JKJ
 
The dragon on a wave was a sculpture I picked up many years ago when I was a teenager. I have always liked dragons and wizards!
Makes me tempted to start turning wands for the markets and 3D print a holder (lots of those dragon models on Thingverse and Printables) and sell the holder with the wand at a premium....
 
Here's an idea for display. I made this from walnut in 30 minutes, take it to show&tell at symposiums, demos, etc.
Can stand vertically or more reclined. Wand support cradles drilled with 2 sizes of Forstner bits.
Lets people see and compare a variety at one time and pick one to buy with your dragon stand.

wand_display_stand.jpg

Just yesterday I bumped into a stranger, an Amazon delivery driver, who wants three wands. I tell you, fans are EVERYWHERE.

If you REALLY want to make money, try rider's crops for Hunter Jumper competition. Can easily get $300-$500 each if the woodturning is exceptional and unique.
The big-time equine competition people are loaded - $60,000 horse, $1000 jacket, 1/2 mil trailer.
A competitor is required to have the proper "costume", the crop (jump bat) is part of the ensemble.

These are my personal design, an extension of the wand hobby, feel free to steal, er, learn from them. I have zero interest in making things to sell.

I buy the fiberglass/leather part - very inexpensive. Wood needed is only 8" long (unless you go for Dressage, far more effort to make, more critical specs, worth more).
Finish is Tru Oil for durability.
The trick is finding the right venue. I know about that. Travel is required.
crops_fan_fp.jpg
crops_2015_comp.jpg

JKJ

Oh rats, I've further watered down the June Challenge thread with more distraction. I sorry.
 
John, I have a buddy who's daughter rides and is really getting into it so I wouldn't mind gifting one. Can you tell me a little more about the fiberglass/leather part? Where to buy, what assembly is required, what length, that sort of thing... and thank you for sharing.

Here's an idea for display. I made this from walnut in 30 minutes, take it to show&tell at symposiums, demos, etc.
Can stand vertically or more reclined. Wand support cradles drilled with 2 sizes of Forstner bits.
Lets people see and compare a variety at one time and pick one to buy with your dragon stand.

View attachment 76813

Just yesterday I bumped into a stranger, an Amazon delivery driver, who wants three wands. I tell you, fans are EVERYWHERE.

If you REALLY want to make money, try rider's crops for Hunter Jumper competition. Can easily get $300-$500 each if the woodturning is exceptional and unique.
The big-time equine competition people are loaded - $60,000 horse, $1000 jacket, 1/2 mil trailer.
A competitor is required to have the proper "costume", the crop (jump bat) is part of the ensemble.

These are my personal design, an extension of the wand hobby, feel free to steal, er, learn from them. I have zero interest in making things to sell.

I buy the fiberglass/leather part - very inexpensive. Wood needed is only 8" long (unless you go for Dressage, far more effort to make, more critical specs, worth more).
Finish is Tru Oil for durability.
The trick is finding the right venue. I know about that. Travel is required.
View attachment 76814
View attachment 76815

JKJ

Oh rats, I've further watered down the June Challenge thread with more distraction. I sorry.
 
Back
Top