Turning can be a relatively low cost hobby (in woodworking all things are relative). A mini-lathe, a set of turning tools, a grinder for sharpening, a worklight and some protective gear can be bought for between $750 and $900. A mini-lathe can easily be stored under a bench. Setting it all up takes a relatively small amount of space.
We encourage you to try turning and learn from master turner Bonnie Klein. Have you been turning for a while? Bonnie can tune up and extend your turning skills. We are delighted to have Bonnie with us for two weeks this year.
What to expect in the classes:
We provide a lathe for each student, turning tools and materials. If you have your own turning tools feel free to bring them along so that you can learn using your own tools. We do require you to bring some markup tools. See Bonnie's Tool List.
We suggest that you bring a face shield and a comfortable dust mask. You can buy a face shield from Woodcraft for around $22. You can also buy face shields at Edensaw (our local lumberyard).
You can also get a great idea of what it is like to be in class from this entry in our blog about Bonnie's Classes in May 2010.
The Basic Woodturning class
An important part of turning is to develop a technique that will produce the best possible finish from the tool - reducing the amount of sanding necessary.
During the class, cutting theory, tool usage, and tool sharpening and shaping techniques will be demonstrated and discussed. With a good understanding of cutting theory and tool usage, this is within reach of the beginning turner as well as the more advanced turner.
The students will be guided through some basics and then turn several projects good for skill building or production. The use of chatterwork and color will be part of the class.
This course is recommended beginning turners but even experienced turners will benefit greatly from Bonnie's tutoring.
Class size: 8 Minimum enrollment: 6 (One month in advance)
Cost: $290
Materials Charge: $15
Turning Small Bowls
We will spend two days learning about turning bowls out of green (freshly cut) wood and dry wood. How to use a bowl gouge, the variety of shapes and sharpening the gouge will be demonstrated. You will learn about chucking methods, turning procedures and reverse chucking to finish the bottoms. Since we will be using the small Jet lathes, the bowls will be about 6” in diameter. Novices and beginners are welcome at this class. For more experienced turners this is a great opportunity to get your skills tuned ip.
Class size: 8 Minimum enrollment: 6 (One month in advance)
Cost: $290
Materials Charge: $15
Turning Lidded Boxes
Come and learn to turn a basic box with a slip fitted lid. In this one day we will explore the best tools for the job, how to shape and sharpen them and how to use them. Boxes offer many opportunities for surface decoration – such as inlays, finials, and chatterwork, just to name a few. You will learn about hollowing, fitting a lid and reverse chucking. Turning boxes is a lot of fun and could become addicting!
Prior turning experience required
Class size: 8 Minimum enrollment: 6 (One month in advance)
Cost: $145
Materials Charge: $10
Bonnie's Tool List:
This is Bonnie's list of tools that will get you started turning. We are equipped with the turning tools you'll need for the classes. However if you want to bring along your own turning tools and work with then we encourage you to do so. Whether you have your own turning tools or not we ask you to bring the items in bold below.
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3/4" roughing gouge
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3/8" spindle (shallow fluted) gouge
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3/8" bowl gouge
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1/8" parting tool
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1/16" parting tool
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½” round nose scraper
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½" square scraper
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Skew (3/4” or 1”)
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Chatter tool
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Sandpaper (80,120,220,400,600)
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Eye protection required
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Face, hearing or respiratory protection if needed
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Glues (CA), finishes and rags
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Shop lamp or gooseneck lamp for extra light
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Jewelers magnifiers for sharpening
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Paper, pencil,
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Small ruler
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Colored felt pens
