The workshop

Most of what I make away from a keyboard comes off a lathe. Townsend Turnings is the family workshop here in Ashburn, Virginia: hand-turned bowls, pens, bottle stoppers and shaving sets, with custom commissions welcome.

The other half of the shop is a CNC router and a laser engraver, both of which I built myself. Most of what comes off them ends up as gifts for friends and family.

I live in Ashburn with my wife and our four sons. I’m also a volunteer Firefighter/EMT Captain and past President of Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue.

“The art of turning is the most serious occupation of those people of intelligence and merit, and among the amusements and reasonable pleasures, this is the one most valued by those who seek in some honorable exercise the means for avoiding the faults into which great idleness leads one.”

Charles Plumier, 1749