I’m Richard Spencer, the Heritage Woodturner. I’ve been a woodworker for over 60 years, and during that time, I’ve spent a lot of hours at the lathe learning what works, what doesn’t, and how to make the craft enjoyable for people at any skill level.
After I retired, I taught woodturning and woodworking for 10 years at a community college. Teaching gave me the chance to help others get started in the craft and to share the simple satisfaction that comes from making something with your hands.
These days, I continue teaching in a different way. Instead of a classroom, I make instructional videos on YouTube. I try to keep things clear, honest, and practical, just like I did when I taught in person. My goal is to help anyone who wants to learn woodturning feel comfortable giving it a try, whether they’re completely new to it or have been turning for years.
I also deal with macular degeneration, which has taken much of my vision and made it impossible for me to drive. Even so, it hasn’t taken away my ability to turn. I’ve had to adjust how I work, and I rely more on touch, muscle memory, and the experience I’ve built over a lifetime. But I can still do the craft I love, and I still get the same enjoyment every time I step up to the lathe. Woodturning has been part of my life for so long that continuing to turn feels natural, even with the challenges that come with vision loss.
If you want to learn more, or if you just enjoy watching woodturning, you can check out my YouTube channel using the link below. I hope the videos help you in your own work and maybe inspire you to try something new at the lathe.