If you are new to woodturning or thinking about trying it, learning how to use the lathe and associated tools safely can be a daunting challenge. You will learn the basic skills to be able to set up and use a wood lathe. This course covers basic spindle work from beads and coves to bowls and lidded boxes, with the use of basic woodturning tools. You will also learn how to sharpen and maintain your tools, with tuition from an experienced turner and tutor.

You will be allocated your own lathe and tools to use throughout the course, and you will receive practical step-by-step instruction throughout the course to enable you to learn how the lathe is used safely.

You will make a range of items within the time scale of the course, building on tool skills and understanding how the basic range of woodturning tools work. This covers a spindle practice piece, faceplate work, how to use a chuck to make a bowl and how to make a lidded box with a fitting lid. Time will be spent looking at how to sharpen tools, explaining timber and grain direction, sanding and finishing.

This is a practical, step-by-step, tutor-led, demonstration course, which allows for techniques to be shown and repeated as needed. Questions are encouraged, and each tool will be introduced in stages, allowing you the time to practise using them.

Please note, woodturning can be a demanding activity, both mentally and physically, so a good level of fitness is required.

Included

On this course, the College will supply all of the materials, including abrasives and the seasoned timber for the projects described.

What students need to bring

• Please bring some overalls, A boiler suit or A smock to protect your clothes against the woodshavings and dust. These need to be close fitting, including cuffs and neck, with no loose ties.
• long hair must be fixed/tied back.
• Please wear covered, Sturdy, but comfortable shoes, as A lot of time is spent standing at the lathe.

Available to buy

Available from shop: Abrasive, cloth-backed Some finishes

Available from tutor: Some timber, if required

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals (safety boots, if specified).

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 9pm (attendance is essential)

Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am - 5pm
Morning session: 9.15am - 12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm - 2pm*
Afternoon session: 2pm - 5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Departure day
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
Teaching finishes: 3pm

Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am. Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

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