Ep 3. The Wood Turner

A Craftsman's Legacy is a show that celebrates artisans and their crafts. In season 2 episode 3, entitled "The Wood Turner," host Eric Gorges travels to San Antonio, Texas to meet with master wood turner, Rudy Lopez.

Rudy Lopez has been working with wood for over 40 years. He first started his craft as a hobby, but eventually turned his passion into a full-time business. Lopez's expertise lies in his ability to turn unique wooden pieces that are not only beautiful, but also functional. Eric Gorges is excited to learn from Rudy and explore the art of wood turning.

The episode begins with Gorges meeting Lopez in his studio where they discuss the basics of wood turning. Lopez explains that wood turning is the process of shaping a piece of wood into a circular object using a lathe, a machine that spins the wood while it is being shaped with a variety of tools.

Gorges then watches as Lopez works on a new project, a large salad bowl made from mesquite wood. Lopez starts by selecting a piece of mesquite wood that has been cured and stabilized, which prevents the wood from cracking as it dries. He then mounts the wood onto the lathe and begins to shape it. As the wood spins, Lopez uses various tools to carve away the excess wood and create a smooth, symmetrical bowl.

Throughout the episode, we see Lopez work on several different projects including a comb and a wooden box. Each piece showcases Lopez's attention to detail and mastery of his craft.

As Gorges observes Lopez's work, he is impressed by the amount of time and effort that goes into each piece. Lopez explains that wood turning is not just about shaping wood, it's about understanding the wood and how it behaves as it's being shaped. He says that it takes years of practice and experience to be able to create pieces like his.

In addition to showcasing Lopez's work, the episode also highlights the importance of passing down artisanal skills to future generations. Lopez has been teaching wood turning classes for over 20 years and is passionate about passing on his knowledge to others. Gorges and Lopez discuss the importance of apprenticeships and how teaching the next generation of artisans is essential for keeping these crafts alive.

Overall, "The Wood Turner" is a fascinating look into the world of wood turning and the artistry behind it. Rudy Lopez's passion for his craft is evident throughout the episode and viewers will be left in awe of his skill and creativity. The episode also serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving these crafts and passing them down to future generations.