Jim Terry - Woodturner

Woodworking has been one of my interests as long as I can remember with projects ranging from cabinetry to furniture. With a degree in engineering this Gamecock moved to Tarheel and Wolfpack country and after 36 years retired from AT&T. Retirement provided the opportunity to get more involved with woodworking which was a nice change from spending all day at a desk in front of a computer. I became involved with a local craft organization for which I made a variety of small furniture and novelty items. It was some of these items that led to the need for some turned spindles, so I bought my first lathe. This was in the late 90’s when the addiction to turning began. I have since replaced that first lathe with a Jet 1642 and a Jet 1014.

Most of my turning is from wood made available from tree trimming and removal projects. There is usually a good supply of local wood here in North Carolina. There are two ways I may approach a project. One is to take a piece of wood, maybe a burl of one with unique characteristics and design a piece that will best display what that wood has to offer. The other approach is design a piece first and then search for the appropriate wood to produce it. With either approach, I believe it is important to achieve a form that has good lines and is pleasing to the eye.

I have for the most part been self taught by reading, attending demonstrations and using that knowledge to improve my skills. I have been fortunate to attend demonstrations of many of the masters from around the world. I am a member of the American Association of Woodturners and the Piedmont Triad Woodturners Association. I owe much to the members of our local club for the knowledge and inspiration I have gained from this great group of friends.

Thanks for taking a look at my site. The galleries contain a variety of items that represent some of my more recent work.

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