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I am writing to answer Kristoffer who is thinking that I do segmented turning because the trees dont grow in Australia big enough for my projects like my last one The Planet Earth, for example. This artical could be an answer to many of L Js who may ask the same question.
Yes, there are a lot of huge trees in Australia and from time to time some members of Sydney Woodturners bring a trailer full with large logs to give away. I dont take any because I'm interested, mainly but not only, in segmented turning. If those logs were nice colours and grain, I would take some, but I'd slice them and make them suitable for segmented work. I tell you why:
I'm numbering the reasons as they come to my mind, not as priority.
1) You may have noticed that I had used the colour of the timber to produce multi colour projects.
2) Segmented work gives you almost already hollowed blanks.There is very little to cut saving timber and time.
3) There is no last minute crack as in one piece project
4) The grain is in the same direction all around, unlike one piece project.
5) When one piece project shrinks, it turn into oval and very noticable for those wth sharp eyes.
6) If you like, segmented work is environmently friendly, because we use, most of the time, off cuts instead of distroying or killing a tree.
7) A project like 300mm diameter, is too heavy to handle and stabilise on the lathe. 8) Which rolling pin, for example, catchs your eye, plan one or segmented?
9) After all, for those who like challenges, segmented work give them the real challenge.
Keep in your mind I'm not saying that segmented turning is always better than one piece project. I love and admire many of them and I have turned many of them as well. I may send few as projects in the near future.