Phil Stoner

Following a career in publishing, Phil completed a Master's Program in woodworking and discovered a passion in woodturning that remains his artistic focus in wood. His current work showcases the inherent qualities and beauty of the wood itself. His pieces are selected from local hardwoods that he harvests from downed trees and limbs. He carefully studies each log and reflects on its potential in a turned piece.

Some pieces are roughed into blanks on the lathe and left with thick walls which are coated with sealer to prevent cracking during the 4-6 months of drying time. They are then re-mounted on the lathe and turned into final form. Other pieces are carved to final form straight from the fresh logs. After the piece is selected and rough cut into round with a chainsaw or the bandsaw, the blank is mounted on the lathe and the outside shape is carved, along with a tenon on the bottom. Then the blank is reversed and the tenon is gripped by the jaws of the chuck, and the inside of the piece is carved out. The shape of the inside walls are formed by carefully paralleling the shape of the outside walls.
Once arriving at its final form, Phil sands the piece inside and out through a sequence of 8 different grits of sandpaper, up through at least 600 grit. Most of his pieces have show the natural color and grain of the wood. The typical finishing process begins by soaking the piece in natural oils to bring out the natural color and grain of the wood. Phil then hand applies multiple coats of finish, resulting in a hand-rubbed, natural appearance. He thinks of the resulting pieces “Inspired Art,” because he has the great privilege of cooperating with the inherent artistry and creativity of the Creator in the wood.

Cumberland Valley TACA

Phil Stoner