About

Get started on your woodturning adventure with this three-session beginner's class, where you’ll complete small spindle projects as you learn safety, tool control and how to create the basic shapes involved in spindle and bowl turning.

By successfully completing this class and our free, one-hour Orientation to the Woodshop class, you will be cleared to use the wood lathes for spindle turning during Open Studio. You will also be eligible to take a bowl-turning class, although it is strongly suggested that you spend time turning in Open Studio a few times before you enroll in that class. (Note that you still must take Tool Safety Classes before using other power tools in the Studio.)

• In Session 1, you will turn basic spindle shapes as you learn about woodturning safety, gouge 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.
• In Session 2, you will refine your use of the spindle roughing gouge and spindle gouge, learn how to use a parting tool, and design and turn a spindle project between centers. You may need to sand and finish your project outside of class.
• In Session 3, you will increase the precision of your turning technique by making a small project such as a honey dipper, finial, spinning top or goblet, with your own design elements. You will be turning using a scroll chuck, and further refine your gouge skills by turning a thinner design with smaller elements. Time permitting, a texturing tool may be used on appropriate projects.

Apparel:  Short-sleeve or tight-cuff tops and closed-toe and comfortable shoes are required. No bracelets or necklaces; earrings must be no longer than 1". Long hair must be tied back.

Instructor: Jamie Straw has been turning wood for several 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 classes.  She is 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.