Intro to Woodturning

Woodworking

Intro to Woodturning

Get started in woodturning by learning safety, tool control, and how to create basic shapes for spindle and bowl turning.

Tuition Assistance and Other Policies

Meeting Times
  1. Tue, 1/7/2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  2. Wed, 1/8/2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  3. Fri, 1/10/2025 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Tue, 1/7/2025 - Fri, 1/10/2025

Waitlist

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Type:
Class, Equipment Certification, Has Prerequisite

Location:
Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio

Interests:
Woodturning

About

You'll complete a small project in this beginner-level class — almost a semi-private lesson, with one instructor or teaching assistant for each two students.

  • Session 1: Learn about woodturning safety, bevel contact, and gouge techniques with a focus on good body mechanics, all of which are important to building a foundation for your  turning skills. Use the You'll complete a small project in this beginner-level class that's almost like a semi-private lesson, given that there will be one instructor or teaching assistant for each two students.spindle roughing gouge during most of the class, then get an introduction to the regular (“fingernail”) spindle gouge.
  • Session 2: Review the earlier lesson then focus on the spindle gouge and parting tool as you learn new mechanics for turning beads and coves. Toward the end of class, learn how scroll chucks and tenons work.
  • Session 3: Increase the precision and enjoyment of your turning technique by making a small project such as a tea-light holder,  honey dipper, spinning top, or goblet with your own design elements. Use a negative-rake scraper to smooth the surface, while using a scroll chuck, a Jacobs chuck, and a Forstner bit where needed. Learn the basics of sanding and how to use the buffing system. If you need more time to complete the project, instructors will help you in Open Studio.

Completing this class clears you to use the wood lathes for spindle turning during Open Studio. While you also will be eligible to take a bowl-turning class, it is strongly suggested you spend time turning in Open Studio a few times before you enroll in a bowl class.

Materials

A $20 material fee, included in the cost of the class, covers all the materials you'll need.

Prerequisites

You must have completed Orientation to the Woodshop.

Class Policies

  • Ages 14 and up are welcome.

  • Wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

BARN Policies

Instructors or Guides

Jamie Straw

Jamie has been turning wood for many years, working on both spindle and bowl projects, and has taught woodturning at BARN since July 2017. She also serves as coordinator of BARN’s woodturning program. She is a past vice president for education and training for the local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners. Her focus is on helping students build skills progressively as they design and create their woodturning projects.

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