1-on-1 WoodTurning Classes

 

OVERVIEW

Our beginner's woodturning class is designed to guide you through the fundamentals of woodturning, gradually building your skills and confidence. With hands-on experience and expert instruction, you'll learn how to safely and effectively use a lathe, create various woodturning projects, and understand the nuances of tool handling and sharpening.

 

First class

iNTRODUCTION AND fUNDAMENTALS

in the first session, we’ll start by assessing your current skill level to tailor the instruction to your needs. You’ll learn about the essential components of your first lathe, including the headstock, tailstock, tool rest, and bed, as well as the differences between benchtop, mini, and full-size lathes.

We’ll review the basic set of woodturning tools: roughing gouge, spindle gouge, parting tool, skew chisel, and bowl gouge, explaining the purpose and proper handling of each. Safety is a top priority, so we’ll cover the do's and don'ts in the shop to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Understanding wood orientation is crucial for successful woodturning, and we’ll discuss how grain direction affects your cuts. You’ll also learn the importance of proper stance and body movement, key factors in controlling your tools and creating smooth, precise cuts. By the end of this session, you’ll practice making basic cuts with the roughing gouge, parting tool, and spindle gouge, forming beads and coves.

Wood tuirning Basics

Discover the art of woodturning with foundational skills in safety, tool handling, and technique. From setting up your lathe to mastering essential cuts, learn the core techniques needed to turn raw wood into beautiful, handcrafted pieces.

 

SECOND CLASS

Facework and Small Bowl Turning

In the second session, we'll reinforce the basics and introduce facework techniques. You’ll learn how to use a faceplate, 4-jaw chuck, and bowl gouge. The goal is to create a small bowl that you can take home. We’ll cover mounting techniques, turning strategies, and finishing touches for a polished result.

Classes for All Ages

I offer woodturning instruction for all ages, tailoring lessons to fit each student’s skill level and interests. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your craft, learn hands-on techniques in a supportive, engaging environment.

 

third class

End Grain Box Turning

This session focuses on end grain turning. You’ll learn how to use 4-jaw chucks, box scrapers, round nose scrapers, and flat scrapers. The objective is to create a small box, developing your skills in precision turning and hollowing techniques.

Passion for Woodturning

With years of hands-on experience and a deep knowledge of woodturning techniques, I bring both passion and expertise to every lesson. My goal is to share practical skills and insights that help students confidently create and refine their own unique pieces.

 

FORTH CLASS

Sharpening and Tool Maintenance

Proper tool maintenance is essential for safe and effective woodturning. In this class, you’ll learn about sharpening techniques, tool grinds, and the use of wheels and stones. We’ll discuss the physics of steel cutting wood and explore the differences in wood types, enhancing your understanding of tool performance and wood behavior.

Entertaining and Fun Experience

Enjoy a fun, immersive woodturning experience where safety comes first. We provide a supportive environment that combines hands-on learning with essential safety practices, so you can focus on crafting with confidence and creativity.

 

FIFTH - SEVENTH CLASS

Continuing with Face work and Hollow Forms

These sessions will delve deeper into facework, focusing on creating larger bowls and shallow hollow-forms. You’ll learn how to use the 40/40 grind bowl gouge, bottom feeder, and negative rake scraper. We’ll also introduce hollowing tools for more intricate projects. By the end of these sessions, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of advanced turning techniques.

 

Class Goals:

  • Safely use a lathe in your workspace

  • Recognize when to stop before a situation becomes unsafe

  • Gain proficiency with a variety of woodturning tools and techniques

  • Learn how to sharpen and maintain your tools

  • Develop a keen sense of cautionary signs to prevent accidents

  • Complete several woodturning projects, including a small bowl, end grain box, and larger bowls or hollow forms

 

Join us and unlock your potential in the fascinating world of woodturning. This class provides the perfect foundation for anyone looking to master the art of woodturning safely and effectively. Classes beyond Class 7 will be part of our intermediate woodturning curriculum, where you can continue to hone your skills and take on more complex projects. Sign up today and begin your woodturning journey!