Robert Sorby varekatalog Robert Sorby catalogue 2018-2019 | Page 65

Nick Agar - Decorative techniques in spiralling and texturing
Creating beautiful and wondrous textured shapes in wood can be perplexing to many. A variety of
tools are available to help the turner experiment and perfect this art – but none offer more variety and
intuitive feel than the Robert Sorby Texturing Tool and Spiralling System.
For those familiar with these tools an array of patterns and shapes can be created by presenting the
tool to the wood in different ways. Various sizes of spiral, stars, flowers, cross-hatch patterns and a
range of indentations can transform turned items into pieces of art. Add colour to the projects and you
will be amazed at what can be achieved.
Inspirational artist and woodturning wizard, Nick Agar is renowned the world over for his artistic
textured creations in wood and a range of mixed media.
Here Nick shows a few finished pieces to demonstrate just some of the shapes and textures that can
be achieved using the Robert Sorby spiralling system and texturing tool and its smaller stable mate the
modular micro spiralling system and texturing tool. These shots were taken while working on the latest
Robert Sorby Inspirations film soon to be freely available on Robert Sorby’s YouTube channel.
To see how Nick achieves these marvellous designs visit: www.youtube.com/user/robertsorbyengland
Nick Agar is an award winning
woodturning artist with a well-earned
reputation for producing highly individual,
beautifully crafted art from his riverside
studio in Devon.
With more than 25 years’ experience he
has a great understanding of his medium.
Nick’s work is in constant demand from
collectors across the globe and he counts
royalty among his illustrious clientele.
Nick is a registered professional turner,
a member of the AWGB and AAW, and
an elected member of the Devon Guild of
Craftsman.
To see more of Nick Agar’s wonderful work
visit his website: www.turningintoart.com
“I’ve been using these tools for as long as
I can remember but I’m always finding new
ways to use them." Nick Agar
SPIRALS IN BLUE
This example finished in blue uses the medium
cutter for the modular micro spiralling tool. Nick
achieves what appears to be a complex pattern
quickly and efficiently. Working away from the
centre of the piece he presents the teeth of the
cutter at different angles to achieve the varied
designs.
RADIANT FLOWER
The full size spiralling tool was used to create
this beautifully patterned example finished in
red. The centre flower-like design was created
using the 2mm cutter, while the patterns
working their way to the outside were used
with the larger 4mm pitch cutter. Hold the tool
steady to create each pattern, the difference in
the pattern being the angle at which the tool is
presented to work.
STARBURST
This black finished starburst-like swirl was
created using the full sized tool with the 4mm
pitch cutter. Start in the middle, but unlike the
varied patterns in the red and blue examples
where designs are achieved by holding the
tool in place; use a sweeping action whilst
simultaneously presenting the tool at an open
angle as you work towards the rim.
BOWL REVERSAL
To create the multiple patterns
represented on the underside
of this beautiful bowl, Nick
uses a blend of the tools and
techniques. Here the medium
and fine cutters of the modular
micro tool are combined with
the full sized tool’s texturing
wheel and a further three
spiralling cutters at 2mm,
4mm and 6mm pitches to
create the variegated design.
FAVOURITE TOOLS INCLUDE:
330H Spiralling System
350/02 2mm Pitch Cutter
350/04 4mm Pitch Cutter
350/06 6mm Pitch Cutter
370A Modular Micro Spiralling System
370/01 Fine Cutter
370/02 Medium Cutter
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