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Intro to Woodturning

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

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Intro to Woodturning

Intro to Woodturning

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

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  • Registration is closed for this class that began Oct. 30.

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Learn the basics of wood turning as you make two projects in this three-part class.

In Session 1, you will  turn basic spindle shapes  as you learn  about safety, technique and how to use the tools with good body mechanics — all important to building a foundation to launch your turning skills. Tools you will use: spindle roughing gouge, spindle gouge, parting tool, small skew.

In Session 2, you will learn more about spindle turning as you make a goblet or a candlestick. You will learn about design elements and balance, and how to use a template or story stick and calipers. In preparation for bowl turning, you will also learn to turn a tenon and begin learning how to hollow wood on the lathe.  Additional tools covered: negative rake scraper, template, calipers. 

In the final session, you will turn a bowl. This will begin with a short explanation about selecting wood and cutting a bowl blank on a bandsaw. You will receive a pre-cut blank. You will mount it on a lathe, rough turn the outside and tenon, then mount the work in scroll chuck and hollow the interior. You will learn how different bevel angles work in different parts of the bowl and experience how face- and end-grain  react differently to the cutting tools. Tools:  bowl gouges (two types), spindle gouge, parting tool, negative rake scraper.
Details:
  • All tools and materials provided.
  • Clothing: Short-sleeve or tight-cuff tops; closed and comfortable shoes.  No jewelry other than "button-type" earrings for women (no rings, bracelets, necklaces). Long hair must be tied back.
Instructor: Jamie Straw has been turning wood for about three years, but she has enjoyed teaching since she was 14 years old.  She is currently Vice President for Education and Training for the local chapter of the American Woodturners Association. Her focus is on helping students, especially new turners, build skills progressively as they design and create fun woodturning projects.




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