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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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About

In this beginner-level class, you will complete a small project if time permits.

  • Session 1: Learn about woodturning safety, bevel contact, and gouge techniques with a focus on good body mechanics — all important to building a foundation to launch turning skills. Use the spindle roughing gouge during most of the class, then get an introduction to the regular (“fingernail”) spindle gouge.
  • Session 2: Review the earlier lesson, and 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 of your turning technique by making a small project such as a honey dipper, finial, spinning top, or goblet with your own design elements. Use a scroll chuck, a Jacobs chuck, and a Forstner bit. 

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.

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.

Instructor
Bruce Claiborne

Bruce Claiborne has been woodturning for more than 15 years. He enjoys making spindle projects, bowls, platters, and boxes. He is active in the local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners and was instrumental in establishing the woodturning area at BARN. For years, he volunteered in the woodworking shop at Bainbridge High School, where he helped students with their woodturning projects.

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