Course Name:  

Duplicate Spindle Turning

Duration:

6-8 hours

Class Size:

Max 6 persons

Description:

    We often wish to turn several items that are identical.  Yet, this is often very difficult.  This one-day hands-on class will teach you techniques to do this job. We will cover the tools and techniques of duplicate spindle turning by doing at least one skills-building project. (e.g., table legs, candle sticks, etc.).  Students may bring their own project or one will be provided.

You will Learn:  

• Design considerations;

• How to “read” a spindle;   

• Creating a Story Stick;    

•  Using diameter calipers;  

• Review of specialized spindle tools;

• Decorative techniques (spiraling, fluting and barley twists - time permitting).

Pre-requisites:

    This is an intermediate-level class.  You should have taken a Spindle Turning class (e.g., Introduction to Spindle Turning) or have recent spindle turning experience before enrolling.

Tools/Materials required:

    Each student will need:

• proper safety equipment (dust mask, full face shield)

• a lathe that can mount 18" between centers;

• four 3x3x16" straight-grain blanks; 

• a roughing gouge, skew, spindle gouge, veiner calipers, several OD calipers  (note: some tools will be available but students are encourages bring their own)

• a grinder must be provided.

Course Name:  

Introduction to Bowl Turning

Duration:

6-8 hours

Class Size:

Max 6 persons

Description:

    This one-day hands-on class is an introduction to the tools and techniques of wooden bowl turning.   The emphasis will be and proper tool technique rather than creating a finished product.  The objective of the class is that each student be able to cut with minimal tear-out on both the outside and the inside of a bowl.  We will also review techniques for finishing the bottoms of bowls. 

You will Learn:

• What are the tools for bowl turning;

• How to mount a rough blank;

• How to make outside cuts without tear out;

• How to prepare a spigot for mounting in a scroll chuck;

• How to make inside cuts without tear out;

• How to sharpen bowl gouges.

Pre-requisites:

             None

Tools/Materials:

    3 semi-dry bowl blanks per student sized to the lathes available;  one lathe per student; students should have their own tools although some will be available.

Course Name:  

Managing Green Wood

Duration:

6-7 hours

Class Size:

Max 6 persons

Description:

    Trees are constantly being felled and we are often offered the wood free of charge.   However, if the wood is not treated properly it will often check (crack) until it is unusable for turning.  This class will explore how to prepare, treat, and store green wood to reduce waste and minimize cracking.

You will Learn:

     How to mount and rough out green blanks;

     The 10% rule;

     Use of Center Savers;

     Treating green blanks;     

     Chucking up dried blanks for re-turning.

Pre-requisites:

            Students should have completed at least 10 bowl.

Materials/Tools:

      Two "green" blanks per student sized to the lathes available- can be trimmed or rough.  One lathe per student.  Students should have their own tools but some will be provided. 

Course Name:  

Special Topics in Wood Turning

Duration:

TBD

Class Size:

TBD

Description:

    There are a wide variety of topics in wood turning that are not covered by my basic curriculum.  However, I will create a custom class when there is sufficient interest. Sample topics include:

         - Chasing Threads

         - Natural-edge Bowls

         - etc.

 Please contact me for details.

You will Learn:

             TBD

Pre-requisites:

            TBD

Tools/Materials:

              TBD

Course Name:  

Texturing and Colouring

Duration:

12-16 hours

Class Size:

Max 6 persons

Description: 

This hands-on class will explore various methods of decorating turned objects both on and off the lathe. Techniques include wire brushing, pyrography (wood burning), painting, hand and power carving, airbrushing, hammering, bleaching, sand blasting and so on.  You will turn and decorate several pieces over the two days. 

You will Learn:

• How to do a number of texturing and colouring techniques;

• How to keep lines crisp and avoid “bleeding”;

• How to explore options without actually doing them;

• The impact of colour and texture on the visual character of a piece.

Pre-requisites:

This is an advance-level class.  Students should have recent turning experience (20 or more turning projects in the last year) before enrolling.

Tools/Materials:

   Materials will be provided. Tools are available but you are encourages to bring your own if you have them.  You must wear appropriate eye protection at all times.