About
This class has been postponed until the fall.
NOTE: PRICING REFLECGS 5 SESSIONS, TWO DESIGN SESSIONS OF 2 HOURS EACH AND THREE TURNING SESSIONS OF 3 HOURS EACH. I DELETED THE LATER SESSIONS TO CLEAR UP CALENDAR. - JEANNE
* This class has a prerequisite. Please see below.
Work with designer and master woodturner James Leary to design and turn a chess set. In this five-part class, you will spend two sessions with Jim as he guides you in developing and refining a theme and design for your chess pieces. This process includes deciding on the set signature, piece signatures, proportions, etc. You will spend the remaining three sessions at the lathe (and other applicable tools).
The first session will be two hours long, with information and discussion that will enable you to decide what type of design you’d like to turn. Between that and the second session, you will think through your design and sketch out the chess pieces. In the second session (also two hours), you and other students will discuss and further refine your designs. A large range of styles is possible, and you will be able to consider your tastes in design as well as your relative proficiency in woodturning.
During the final three sessions (three hours each), you will proceed to turn your chess pieces. Some designs may also require use of the bandsaw or carving tools, although woodturning is the primary focus. The total number of pieces you complete during class will depend on your turning proficiency, but you will learn how to successfully duplicate multiples, and Jim will help you fine-tune your turning technique. You can expect to finish a majority of pieces in class.
Photos are from Woodturning Chessmen by Mike Darlow, which will be used as a reference in the class. The Woodworking Studio library has a copy.
Details:
- Students must have taken * Intro to Woodturning at BARN or must arrange a skill review session by contacting Jamie Straw at (360) 551-9233. Regardless of prior class experience, all students must have good gouge skills and enough turning experience to follow their own design without close supervision. If you are not sure whether you have the necessary experience, please contact Jamie Straw for a review or assistance in Open Studio at least two weeks before the class.
- If you want to work on your pieces during Open Studio time, you must also have taken our free, one-hour Orientation to the Woodshop class plus Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 1. Open Studio time is always free for members. Non-members can use Open Studio time to complete class projects without paying the usual $20-a-session guest fee.
- On the turning days, short-sleeve or tight-cuff tops and close-toe comfortable shoes are required. No jewelry other than "button-type" earrings, so no rings, bracelets, or necklaces. Long hair must be tied back.
Instructor:
James Leary has been a woodturner for 35 years and formerly was a professor of design and architecture at the University of California, Berkeley. Once a production bowl turner for a national kitchenware company, he also has designed furniture for Parker Knoll of England and toys for Mattel. He currently enjoys turning everything from finials for antique clocks to large architectural restoration pieces at his shop in Kingston. He especially enjoys turning gifts for children in his family, and has designed and turned a chess set for a young chess master in Seattle.
