Woodturning I: Lathes, Spindles & Vases Class

With Chris Hoehle

Woodturning is a specialized woodworking technique where a lathe spins wood at high speed while the craftsperson shapes it with gouges and chisels, much like a ceramist throwing pottery. It offers endless creative possibilities and the pure joy of projects that can be completed in hours or even minutes. As you make your first cuts and watch shavings fly, you may find the process surprisingly relaxing and meditative. After practice exercises to master the core curves and shapes of woodturning, you’ll put your skills to work crafting a vase. Join this supportive beginner-friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • A small, elegant hardwood vase, perfect for holding dried flowers. This project is designed to teach you the core techniques of spindle turning as you practice creating coves, beads, and smooth tapers.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Essential lathe safety and operation

  • Fundamentals of spindle turning

  • Proper use and handling of turning tools

  • How to create basic shapes like beads, coves, and tapers

  • Understanding wood selection and grain direction for turning

  • Sanding and finishing techniques on the lathe

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Wood lathe, spindle gouges, parting tools, and sharpening systems.

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Safety: Lathe components, workshop safety, and proper stance.

  2. Demonstration & Hands-On Practice: Several rounds of the instructor demonstrating basic tool use and how to create fundamental shapes, followed by students practicing cuts on sample pieces of wood to build confidence. 

  3. Project Work: Students shape their own hardwood vase with instructor guidance.

  4. Wrap-Up: Sanding, finishing on the lathe, and Q&A.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

  • Class Capacity: 7 maximum, 4 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 18+

  • Partner Ticket Available?: No

  • Available for a Private Class?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

This class is taught by local professional woodturner and DTL shop monitor Chris Hoehle. He has been turning wood for over thirteen years and has studied with many of the top professional woodturners in the field today at some of the best craft schools in the country such as Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Tennessee. He remembers what it was like to be a beginner though, and he's eager to share his knowledge and experience with you and help you get a good start in this exciting craft! You can check out Chris's work on his website, www.studiocsh.com, or on Instagram, @studiocsh. Here's a quick video of Chris turning a carver's mallet to give you an example of what you might be doing in this class: instagram.com/p/BU1lZrdj44L