Offset Turning for Artists and Woodworkers
5 Days, Open to All
Summer 2025
September 15-19
Are you a maker who wants to create beautiful forms for the legs and knobs on your pieces? Are you a woodturner who wants to up your skills to the next level? This five-day offset turning class is for you! Offset turning allows you to make geometrical shapes with the lathe which happens by changing the center point of the piece on which you are turning. Unlike regular turning, you can carve irregular forms. The offset technique unlocks a whole new series of shapes and creativity on the lathe. Whether you need a week of pure skill-building on the lathe or just want to learn something new, this class will provide a safe supportive atmosphere to accomplish your goals! All skill levels are welcome.
In this five-day course, we will be exploring offset turning on the lathe. This skill can be used for tool making, creating unique shapes like ellipses, triangles, soft squares, and spirals which then could be applied to other craft or furniture projects. During this class you’ll be making a series of objects on the lathe. You’ll rough things out, make shapes, spindles, beads and coves, and all the basic shapes. Most of these objects will become small containers with lids, the total number created will be dependent on you.
We will work on developing proper techniques to upgrade your spindle skills, you will learn stance, tapering, sharpening, and pommel cutting. Led by Beth, you will also explore design on the lathe; playing with shape, texture, and form. We’ll also cover some basics of finishing with milk paint and surface detailing.
Tools
We are equipped with the turning tools you'll need for the class. However, if you want to bring along your own turning tools and work with them, we encourage you to do so.
Required:
High collar shirt or turning smock
Hair tie for long hair
Pencils
Paper/sketchbook
Recommended:
Personal protective equipment (face shield, mask, and safety glasses) that is comfortable
Turning tools if you have them; roughing gouge, spindle gouge, parting tool, bowl gouge, bedan tool, and skew, hair dryer
Prerequisites
Open to all. This class starts with the basics, but expands. You’ll learn and practice the act of spindle turning and offset turning.
Class Information and Registration
Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 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: 12
Cost: $940
Materials Charge: $75
Woodturning, Sculpture, Instrument Making