The phrase “tools of the trade” has today been adapted to mean machine-equipment that does the hard work for you, but master artisan woodworker Robin Wood challenges this.
Robin Wood revived the craft of turning wooden bowls on a pole lathe that had died out with George Lailey in 1958. Rather than depending on sandpaper, sharp tools and the power of the foot are the secret to the unique character each finished bowl comes with.
Wood’s woodturning trade developed after his love of woodland conservation as a National Trust forester led to an interest in traditional blacksmithing skills. He is determined, through his voluntary chairmanship of the Heritage Crafts Association, to encourage others to revive such lost skills. Wood and his wife even offer classes that give interested beginners an opportunity to try their hand at spoon carving.
A few years ago, Wood took on a friendly man vs. machine competition with Mike who used an electric-powered lathe to create the same bowl. If time were important, would man or machine win the race? The results are shown in the short clip below.
