Classes run from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day with a 1-hour lunch break. Each student is assigned a lathe and a tool panel with all the necessary tools and chucks. Other supplies and equipment such as grinders, bandsaw, disc sander, glue, abrasives and finishes are supplied. Most wood is supplied as needed, If you choose to bring some of your own wood, please bring only domestic woods free of fungus and decay so we can all breath easier. No exotic woods please.
Woodturning 101 Workshops
Our most popular woodturning course, the Woodturning 101 course is highly recommend for those have little or no experience on a wood lathe. Also, we recommend this course for those who have spent significant time on the lathe yet are not proficient in sharpening and proper cutting techniques.
Topics to be covered
- Proper tool selection- which tool and why
- Tool sharpening- basic theory and correct sharpening methods
- Proper tool techniques- the “how and why” of making tools perform properly
- Fundamentals of cutting- shearing versus scraping; which is best and when
- Basic elements of design
Projects*
- Eggs
- Vases
- Unseasoned bowls
- Basic boxes
- Platters
- Bead and Cove Spindle
- Goblet
*Projects may vary due to time constraints
Woodturning 201 Workshops
This class is for experienced woodturners who want to “brush up” on their skills. Projects and tool techniques are more advanced than in the Woodturning 101 course which require students to be proficient in basic cutting techniques. If you’re not confident with most tools and/or suffer from frequent catches with gouges and skews, we recommend attending a Woodturning 101 course prior to participating in a Woodturning 201 Workshop.
Topics to be covered
- Advanced tool techniques- variations on cutting techniques for optimum results
- Tool sharpening- proper techniques used to create standard and custom grinds
- Elements of design- exploring the fundamentals of form, function and design
- Woodturning mastery- improving overall speed, technique and methods
- Basic elements of design
Projects*
- Natural edge bowls
- Unseasoned bowls
- Lidded boxes including thread cutting
- Hollowing techniques
- Platters
*Projects may vary due to time constraints
Signature Workshops
Signature Workshops offer students the opportunity to learn the techniques and methods developed through years of experience by today’s top professionals to create their signature work. A Signature Workshop at Craft Supplies USA is a unique opportunity to spend time with a top professional learning the ‘tips and tricks’ they use in their personal workshops. Students need to be proficient in basic woodturning skills including proper tool sharpening and cutting techniques prior to attending this course.
Two Day Workshops
We occasionally offer 2 day Basic courses along with several Specialty Workshops. Specialty workshops are project oriented classes and are the perfect opportunity to learn how to turn specific projects including special techniques used. If you’re limited on time or if you’d like to learn specialty techniques from the best, these classes are for you!