By Alison O'Sullivan

PROJECT DEMONSTRATION: SPURTLE (Scottish spoon for stirring porridge)
DEMONSTRATOR: SHANE HEWITT

Shane introduced the demo as a Two Tool Project, a skew chisel and a 16mm gouge.
Item to be turned, sides to be removed with bandsaw and then planed, no sanding, oil finish.

• Suggested timbers for project  Kauri, Pine or Kaihekatia. ( As this is a kitchen utensil be careful to use food safe wood only)
• Wood used in demo : Kauri 55mm sq X 500mm in length.
• Drive centre/live centre load 3-4mm into end.

As diameter of piece is small 50mm sq., speed approx 2,200 rpm. (At lower speed the chisel will reject and bounce back)

• Using 16mm chisel, begin at tail stock end, glide along length, creating 'hedge hog' effect.
• Then remove excess to maximum diameter to form a cylinder.
• Shape handle, knob shape, at tail stock end.
• Shape top like baton.
• Continue to refine shape to appear like mini baseball bat or small truncheon.
• Use skew chisel to refine shape.
• Adjust tool rest, top of rest to centre height.
• Move tool rest along as you work on different areas.
• To refine baton head use use roll over cut on lower corner of tool edge.
• Support the wood with other hand while turning to prevent chatter. (Top of Spurtle can be shaped to match the curve of base of particular pot)
• Use Skew Chisel to form top of Spurtle going down hill motion to make clear cut.
• Forming handle and body of Spurtle use gliding, delicate cuts for best results, always supporting wood with left hand throughout.

Use of Skew Chisel:  The upper and lower corner (point) and the LOWER THIRD of the edge of the tool ONLY, to be used.
Suggestion: Mark tool with permanent red marker as reminder of section to use.

• Using bandsaw, remove opposite sides.
• Plane to finish.
• Use oil as finish.

Have fun making 50!