What does wood turning involve?

Wood turning involves the process of rotating a piece of wood on a lathe, which is a specialized tool designed for this purpose. As the wood spins, various cutting tools are applied to shape the wood into circular forms, such as bowls, vases, or table legs. This technique is distinct for its ability to create symmetrical and smooth shapes, which are often challenging to achieve through other methods.

The other activities mentioned do not define wood turning. Cutting wood into sheets pertains to sawing and milling rather than shaping. Drilling holes involves creating openings and does not utilize the spinning motion of a lathe. Carving intricate designs by hand is more closely related to traditional woodworking techniques that do not rely on a lathe's rotational movement and precision. Therefore, the essence of wood turning is specifically captured by the use of a lathe to rotate and shape wood.