Turning an Egg

Turn some eggs for Easter or just for fun. Turning eggs is also an enjoyable and simple way to hone your woodturning skills.

 Preparing the Blank

Let’s start by selecting a blank 2” x 3”.  If you plan on coloring the egg, select a blank that is light in color such as Holly, Silver Maple, or Ash.  Mark the center on each end of the blank.  Mount the blank on your lathe, we recommend using multi-tooth centers for your safety in the event of a catch.

Turning a blank round with a spindle gouge.
Turn the blank round

Turn the blank to round with a roughing gouge. Now we need to cut a tenon on one end of the blank to mount in a chuck, do this using a skew or dovetailing tool. 

Cutting a dovetail tenon with a skew laid flat.
Cut a tenon on one end of the blank

Turning the Blank

Mount the blank in your chuck using the tenon we just cut.  Let’s begin to shape the egg, for this we like to use a spindle gouge with a fingernail grind.  To keep the shape anatomically correct, grab an egg from your fridge and use it as a guide when turning your egg.

Mounting the blank into a chuck and tightening the jaws.
Mount the blank

Once your egg is turned, sand the egg to 320 grit.  If you’re going to color the egg, we recommend using a sanding sealer prior to dyeing, for even penetration of the dye.

Turning the egg to shape with a spindle gouge.
Shape the egg with a spindle gouge
Sanding the egg blank.
Sand the egg to 320 grit

Dyeing and Finishing the Egg

With the lathe running slowly (50 – 100 rpm), apply an even layer of dye using a small rag or cotton swab. Apply as needed until a uniform color is achieved. Using a small rag, finish the dyed area of egg using Myland’s Frictions Polish or a similar finish. Carefully part off the egg using the long point of a skew chisel or small hand saw. Make sure to support the egg with your hand while cutting to prevent the egg from contacting the tool rest or dropping on the floor.  Sand, dye, and finish the newly exposed ends of the egg.

Applying finish to the turned egg with a soft cloth.
Finish the egg with friction polish or similar finish
A group of turned eggs with a dyed band laying on a table.

Now turn a few more eggs and display them in a wooden bowl or use them for an Easter egg hunt!

Supplies Used:

3 thoughts on “Turning an Egg”

  1. Thanks, I always enjoy New Ideas and appreciate your help. Happy Easter to all there and your always so helpful when I place orders

    Reply
  2. I will make some for my wife.She is my child that never has grown up,she loves holidays.Please send out more projects of this kind.

    Reply

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