Let me introduce myself to you. My name is Ken Smith and I live in a small village in Ayrshire. I am 57 years of age and semi-retired.

My son-in-law gave me his old lathe as a present and that got me started. It soon became obvious that I was not going to be able to turn the type of bowls and vases that I required on the small lathe. I have now invested in a Nova DVR3000 XP, and have never looked back.

 

 
I love to turn almost anything of any size. Bowls, platters, vases, tazza`s, pens, clocks, boxes etc. My latest project was a fruit bowl full of wooden fruit. A request from the Wife (kept her happy.)

I like to turn all kinds of wood, but one of my favourites has to be Yew.We source our wood from all over the world, however, we try to use wood from sustainable sources.
I purchase a lot of mine from Just Wood in Ayr, and the owner Charlie is always on hand, a mine of information.

 

I sometimes take part in Craft Fairs up and down the country.This was our stand at Coupar Highland Games last year. I also attended Loch Lomond Highland Games. I have sold at the local church fete in Coylton in Ayrshire and also at the local fete in Portpatrick in Dumfriesshire. I also take a stand at Lanark Xmas Fair.

Wood is a great favourite as it is very tactile and no two pieces are ever the same. A small selection of my turnings are also on sale in a small gift shop called Something Special, this is situated on the main street in Prestwick in Ayrshire, and is run by Richard.

My garage can no longer hold a car, but it makes a great workshop. A nice wood burning stove for the winter and I can while away many an hour. My wife now classes herself as a garage widow.

Please take the time to browse through my gallery. I am always open to suggestions and if you require something not on show, just get in touch with your request.

Contact me using the link above or by calling me direct on 01292590008. Alternatively e-mail me direct at ismith2808@yahoo.co.uk

"Enjoy the Pieces"