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Let's talk about design changes. While this is not exactly a project based article, I think it is productive to take a step back and think about how woodturning requires creative flexibility. I will use this walnut box as an example. In my imagination, this was to be a minimalist box, a cylinder with a flat lid. However, this box endured numerous design changes.

First and I think most common is that design changes are affectionately called design opportunities. These design changes are forced changes that usually to accommodate a mistake. If you have been turning for more than a week, you know what I am talking about. These are the sudden and unexpected changes that usually result from catches. These situations often require the turner to take a step back and evaluate the options. Usually, the final turning is a compromise between the mental image of the finished piece and minimizing your loss. The final product can still be beautiful, just not what was planned.

Creative Flexibility

Occasionally, these design changes result from defects in the wood. For example, a crack appearing after the turning has begun. These kinds of natural surprises can often be incorporated or overcome by the turner. The solution typically requires creative flexibility on the turner's part.

I consider this type of creative flexibility to be an important skill in the realm of creative turning. Typically, precision turnings, duplicates, furniture parts or fitted elements do not lend themselves to designed flexibility.

Freestyle Changes

Another category of design changes is perhaps the riskiest. These often result when one has a spur of the moment idea that deviates from the original concept. This is what I would call freestyle changes. For example, as I was turning the lid for the walnut box, the thought occurred to me that perhaps it would look better with a domed lid. This was an idea that was immediately implemented without any other considerations.

As I was admiring my work, I thought it would look even better buffed with white liming wax .

Remember this was to be a minimalist cylinder. So, I buffed out both the body and the lid. Almost immediately, I felt a slight tinge of disappointment with this treatment.

As I pondered my dilemma, I realized the lid was too thick and heavy. This occurred because I made a quick decision to modify the design, without considering the total impact. So it went back on the lathe to take a little off the top.

During this process, I realized I liked the box better without the liming wax. So I turned away the surface of the box and erased my misadventure with the liming wax!

At this point, you might expect me to say I turned a flat lid. But no, I strongly preferred the design change of the domed lid.

I finished the box with a dark wax that blended well with the walnut. The final product is very close to my original concept. I am pleased with the results.

This process reminded me that experimentation can result in pleasing forms. It also reminded me to be flexible when things go awry. Most of us have been at that point where frustration clouds creative solutions. When this happens, we need take a step back and reevaluate the situation. Occasionally, we need to the make the tough decision to return to the original concept, or as close as the situation allows.

I hope this article will encourage you to take creative risks. Just as important, when the risk-reward ratio goes against us we must remain flexible. Hmm, sounds like a good life lesson.

Curtis was a former President of Central Texas Woodturners , is a member of the American Association of Woodturners , and is a member of Fine Woodworkers of Austin . Curtis teaches and demonstrates nationally for Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. He also teaches for TechShop. He owns a studio where he works and teaches. Curtis lives in Central Texas with his wife and four young children. Take a look at his website at www.curtisturnerstudio.com or visit his Instagram: tx_planes .