Emiliano Achaval, wood lathe artist. Located in Makawao, Maui, Hawaii
I started turning about 24 years ago. A huge Big Island Koa tree fell in my yard. A friend of mine stopped by to see if I wanted to sell the wood… I hesitated, and he offered to teach me something to be able to use the beautiful wood all over my yard. I ordered an entry level Sears Craftsman lathe and some soft carbon steel turning tools… I’m a self-taught turner, never had a lesson, but I did buy lots of books and old VHS tapes about woodturning. My good friend Cole Warren allowed me to go watch him turn at his old gallery in Makawao, his help was invaluable. I doubt I would be where I’m now if it wasn’t for Cole’s help. I’ll always be grateful for his support, teachings, and advice. Cole’s willingness to share what he knew always stayed with me. Another one of my very first mentors, was my wife’s cousin, Johnny Baldwin. He gave me lots of advice, and share his wood pile with me. One of the palm tree pieces he gave me, he said that if I found a bullet in it, he wanted it. General Patton had shot at it, while doing a handstand and drinking whiskey, on a dare, in a party at his house, during world war 2… Johnny brought many world-class turners to Maui, letting everyone come for the learning experience…
It was the foundation of my learning experience, sharing the knowledge with fellow turners, that led me to be one of the founding members of the Maui Woodturners Association. I was voted as the first President on February of 2016. We are a chapter club of the American Association of Woodturners.
In 2006 I purchased an Australian made lathe: a Stubby S750, in my opinion, one of the more solidly built and most versatile lathes available anywhere in the world today. It weighs around 800 Lbs with the added sand, needless to say, there is no vibration at all, even with big unbalanced pieces. In 2020 I took possession of a brand-new custom built 3HP Stubby 1000 lathe.
I turn most of the native Hawaiian timber species, included Koa wood, Koa, Milo, Kamani and lots of others. The occasional fruit tree like Lychee, avocado, and mango. Also hard to find Pheasant wood. If it’s wood, local and it's nice, I will turn it…
I have been working for Woodturning Magazine UK for over 4 years now. Truly an honor. After dozens of articles and 4 covers, I'm still having fun! Aloha from Maui!! Emiliano
It was the foundation of my learning experience, sharing the knowledge with fellow turners, that led me to be one of the founding members of the Maui Woodturners Association. I was voted as the first President on February of 2016. We are a chapter club of the American Association of Woodturners.
In 2006 I purchased an Australian made lathe: a Stubby S750, in my opinion, one of the more solidly built and most versatile lathes available anywhere in the world today. It weighs around 800 Lbs with the added sand, needless to say, there is no vibration at all, even with big unbalanced pieces. In 2020 I took possession of a brand-new custom built 3HP Stubby 1000 lathe.
I turn most of the native Hawaiian timber species, included Koa wood, Koa, Milo, Kamani and lots of others. The occasional fruit tree like Lychee, avocado, and mango. Also hard to find Pheasant wood. If it’s wood, local and it's nice, I will turn it…
I have been working for Woodturning Magazine UK for over 4 years now. Truly an honor. After dozens of articles and 4 covers, I'm still having fun! Aloha from Maui!! Emiliano
I’m the President of The Maui Woodturners Association. A non profit club dedicated to the education and organization of those interested in woodturning. We are a chapter club of the world’s largest woodturning organization the AAW. For more info about the club: www.mauiturners.com
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Woodturning UK Cover
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Woodturning UK Calabash Article
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New Zealan Woodturning Association Artist Profile
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Woodturning UK Magazine Cover
That’s me, Emiliano Achaval, in front of my Stubby S750 lathe at my studio.
KEA Woodturning Studio, Emiliano Achaval, Lathe Artist