Demo - green wood podlets, Microwave use, Embellishing - Greg Gallegos - 3/16/2024

Woodturned pieces from the functional to the sublime

At our next monthly meeting, Greg Gallegos will use green wood turning to create podlets from tree branches, review microwave drying, and demonstrate his embellishing techniques. He will show us how to create a podlet with a wafer thin head and bend a narrow stem without breaking it. On Sunday and Monday, he will teach classes elaborating on the above techniques. In class, you will get a chance to make your own creations using his methods.

Podlets are an extension of natural edge goblets with a solid base and an organic top with a bark edge. Podlets are made from freshly cut branch wood, typically 2.5-4 inch diameter and 7-8 inch long. Preferably, the pith should be off center. If you cut branches that grow straight out from the tree, that usually has the best reaction wood in it.  Working from the top down, you can use a light to determine the thickness of the upper wall (1/16”), and use 45 degree cuts with basic gouges and a parting tool to create the stem.  This is a great project to refine your cutting skills.

According to Greg: “The thing I gravitate towards the most with the podlets is actually the rim. The bark is so thin that as it dries it wraps and twists, making each one of them different. Kind of like people, they all look kind of the same but are different individuals...and wouldn’t ya know it they all get along.”

“I desire to use the wood to create pieces that will speak to and make people feel warm inside with content. My inspiration truly comes from the wood itself in trying to bring out its own qualities”.

So, when you’re running short of large turning wood, grab a few branches and make it a go. You’ll learn more about the interaction with various parts of the tree, from the impact of knots to the use of reaction wood and off-centered pith.

Ask Greg if he is still the mayor of Podlettown…

Embellishments

Here’s a few examples of Greg’s embellishment styles:

Resources:   See more of Greg’s work…

 - Visit his gallery at https://www.naturalselectionstudio.com

 - Watch his videos at https://www.facebook.com/NaturalSelectionStudio/videos_by           

 - View photos and follow him at https://www.facebook.com/NaturalSelectionStudio/

Classes:

   Podlet & Green Wood - Greg Gallegos - 3/17/2024   Embelishment - Greg Gallegos - 3/18/2024 

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