Woodturning I: Lathes, Spindles & Vases Class

With Chris Hoehle

Woodturning is a specialized form of woodworking in which the lathe spins blocks or rounds of wood at high rates of speed while the woodworker cuts it using various hand-held gouges and chisels, to create round forms much like a ceramist throwing pottery on a wheel. It offers the craftsperson an endless amount of creative possibilities, and a joyful, improvisational immediacy- projects can be finished in a matter of hours (or even minutes), not days or weeks!

In fact, you'll go home with your first completed beginner project, a small vase for dry flowers. This class is taught in a very "hands-on" manner, and you'll quickly understand why so many people are captivated by this form of woodworking as you make your first cuts with the gouges and chisels and watch the shavings effortlessly fly away as you shape the wood. Class participants often remark that the act of woodturning itself is very zen-like or meditative, and much less intimidating and more relaxing than they thought it would be. After some practice exercises to get comfortable with the tools and learn how to create the fundamental curves and shapes that are the building blocks of all woodturning projects, you'll move on to creatively putting it all together to craft your vase. You'll also learn about the fundamentals of wood selection and working with the grain, how to use and sharpen the traditional woodturning gouges and chisels, sanding and finishing, and much more.

All materials for the class projects, including wood, sandpaper, finishing supplies, tools and safety equipment are included in the cost of the class, and after you complete the class, you'll also be certified to use our lathes to work on your own projects and continue building your woodturning skills during open workshop hours.

No prior woodworking experience is necessary- while beginning woodturners often do have experience doing other woodworking projects, it is possible to start your woodworking journey at the lathe and this class will be taught with a focus on the complete beginner!

• Prerequisites: None. No Experience Required.

• Class Capacity: 7 maximum, 3 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.