Spring 2023
June 10-11
Fall 2023
October 21-22

This weekend course is perfect for complete beginners to bowl turning, or folks whose skills have gotten rusty and need refreshing. The course is taught on mini lathes but the techniques explored scale up to much larger lathes and we’ll talk about that transition on the final day.

The core of this course is translating the fluid relationship between your body, legs, and arms into smooth curves on your working surface. You’ll learn how to really dance with the gouge as you work the transitions between curves; inside and out.

In this weekend course we explore cutting theory by looking at the impact of grain direction on how a gouge cuts. You’ll learn how to balance cutting safety and creating a finish that needs minimal sanding.

The class is taught using traditional gouges, not carbide tools. Using a sharp gouge is key to cutting well and safely. We introduce you to sharpening on the grinder. 

You’ll learn about the different chucking methods to create the interior and the exterior of the bowl, plus how to reverse chuck to finish the bottom of a bowl. 

There will be the opportunity to make several small bowls about 6” diameter. We also explain how to finish and explore various finishes.

When you finish this class, you will have an understanding of how the tools are used to remove wood, and feel confident about putting a tool onto spinning wood.

Tools  

The school is equipped with all the turning tools you'll need for the class. If you want to bring along your own turning tools and work with them, we encourage you to do so.

Required Equipment

• Pencil

• High-collar shirt or turning smock

• Hair tie for long hair

• Face shield (if you have one - the school has plenty)

• Dust mask

Prerequisites 

For beginners. The only prerequisite for this class is enthusiasm. This class is designed for complete novices up through experienced turners who would like to tune up their skills.

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday in Building 315 (April) and Building 304 (October) at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 10
Cost: $350
Materials Charge: $35