As the wood turns Truro man brings wood turning to the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition
Things take shape in Laurie Canning’s hands.
The Truro man is a wood turner, and he demonstrated his craft during the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition.
“You never know, when you put a piece of wood on the lathe, what will be inside, what it’s going to look like,” he said.
Canning learned how to do wood turning as a Grade 10 student in Parrsboro.
“We had a great teacher – Jack Steeves,” he recalled. “I found it interesting and read a lot of books about it, and I’ve been doing it somewhat ever since.”
Canning lived in Lower Onslow and worked as a heavy equipment mechanic, but after retiring he got more involved in wood turning again. He now lives in Parkland retirement community, in Truro, and this year is the first time he’s provided demonstrations at the exhibition.
“It’s a relaxing hobby,” he said. “I don’t let it get too serious. I mostly make things for people I know.
“I know a few other people who do this. At one time, not many women did it, but there are quite a few now.”
He’s always happy to share information on wood turning, and to listen to suggestions from others.
“It’s nice to meet people, and somebody always has a good idea.”
In wood turning, a lathe and hand tools are used to cut shape out of wood
Items made on the lathe include bowls, tool handles, knobs, rolling pins, boxes, legs for furniture, urns, platters, and chair seats.