Individualized Studio Woodturning Classes
Designed for all experience levels. 

If you are new to woodturning or never had personal instruction with a competent turner you may not know what you are missing. Professional woodturning instruction is a great investment, as you will learn of the common pitfalls and ruts that can quickly bog down your learning process and enthusiasm. I will help you get the most out of your time at the lathe. 

Come to my studio for a class or, if more convenient, I can come to you.  If you have a partner or friend with similar interests, arrange for a two person class.  Scheduling is flexible, either weekdays or weekends. Contact me with what will work for you.

In teaching, my goal is to pass on my enthusiasm for turning wood. I want to get you well rooted in the essentials so you can grow into your own areas of interest. I will make available as much of my woodturning background and working experience I can in the hopes of achieving this end. I will tailor the pace of learning to your needs and the content of the instruction to your interests.

Located in Cambridge, Vermont, my studio is a ten minute drive from Smuggler's Notch ski area and the village of Jeffersonville.  As such, there are a variety of options for accommodations, dining, and outdoor recreation year round.  For more area information see the Smuggler's Notch Chamber of Commerce web site.  In some instances it may be more helpful for me to come to you. I can teach with what you have or help design your workspace. There will be additional costs for travel and time.

Bowl Turning Classes:
Learn how to turn functional bowls from locally available wood.

• Finding and using wood from local sources in its readily available green state
• Taking the wood through the processes of preparation, shaping, texturing, finishing, and drying emphasizing aesthetic consideration throughout
• Lathe operation, safety, and maintenance
• Proper tool use and sharpening
• The idiosyncrasies of working green hardwoods, how to work with them, and their effect on the design and process.
• Creating objects with everyday use in mind
• Lathe, tool, and equipment selection

Spindle Turning Classes:
Learn techniques for turning table and chair legs, baseball bats, tops, boxes, and other spindle-oriented work.

Areas covered can include:

• Material selection and preparation
• Shaping and sharpening of tools such as gouges, parting tools, scrapers and skews for spindle work
• Forming traditional spindle elements like beads, coves and pommels
• Tool control in scraping, roughing and finishing cuts
• Sanding and finishing options
• Project oriented techniques such as candlestick holders, spinning tops, boxes, etc

I have the necessary tools available for you to work with although I encourage students to bring their own tools if they have any. I am happy to make recommendations on where and what to buy if you will be purchasing them before the class as the options can be overwhelming.