Small logo About the Turner

I'm Steve Rackley, hence Essarwood (SR Wood - I wasn't feeling imaginative at the time). I've been wood-turning since late 2001, having come to it via metal-turning. My metal-turning lathe (originally purchased for making parts for my vintage motorycles) got lots of use making brass and aluminium lace bobbins, as my other half makes and teaches lace and other needlework. This led to the acquisition of a woodturning lathe for wooden bobbins and other needlework-related items, which in turn (!) led to general woodturning.

Based in Blackwater, Hants, just outside Camberley, I make turned items which are functional as well as attractive, from large bowls, cheese boards and bread boards to lace bobbins and needle-cases, as well as decorative items such as wooden fruit, eggs and wall plaques. Since the decline of the craft fair market I now concentrate mainly on accessories for lacemakers and other needleworkers, though I'm glad to say they also buy some of my other items.