Intermediate Turning

This is an opportunity for recent learn to turner graduates (and others) to expand your skills. Each of the classes will focus on one or two new tools and skills that are gradually more difficult and produce rewarding results. Since the classes are challenging in skill and time, a two-four hour workshop during the following Monday and under the guidance of one or more of the instructors will be offered but not required.
The format will be essentially the same as our Learn to Turn experience. A demonstrator will show how to perform the project in sequential steps. Then the Intermediate Turner will complete that step under the guidance of our instructor group. New tools and techniques which were not included in the curriculum for Beginning Turning will be used. This will give the Intermediate Turner an opportunity to properly use a new and possibly expensive tool (before purchase) that can provide an additional dimension to their turnings. These classes will not focus on refinements to the use of the previously taught tools but will expose the Intermediate Turner to different experiences that can be used in other projects. Gaining confidence in learning turning skills will prepare the Intermediate turner for classes with professional turners

Class 1:

Making a lidded box featuring fitting the top and bottom of the box for a smooth, tight joint and a textured (spiral or otherwise) dyed and gilded top. The Box Scraper will be used to make the sides and joints for this box, and several types of surface enhancing tools will be available including: small and large spiral tools, the elf tool, and other embossing tools to embellish the top. The small spiral tool will be demonstrated.

Class 2:

Making a jointed and beaded hollow form approximately 4” in diameter by 7 “ high. The Jackofsky carbide hollowing tool “Hollow Pro series” will be used to carve out the end grain of the form and the D-Way 1/8 in. beading tool will be used to cut the beads and hide the seam between the two halves of the form.

Class 3:

Making an end grain natural edge bowl or platter. Natural (with bark showing) or “Live” edge bowls and platters can be unusual and very beautiful. Cutting end grain so that the growth rings show also can provide beauty and interest to the inside of a bowl or the surface of a platter. It can also expose a beautiful sapwood ring. The Jackofsky tool can be used to hollow out the bowl.

Class 4:

Making multi-axis spindle forms can provide interesting and sometimes extraordinarily effects in the woods. Four forms will be shown in the handout; a). two axis v cuts, b.)two-axis beads, c. two axis coves, and d.) twisted three-axis posts. These can all be assembled in a “conversation”. The two-axis cove will be demonstrated at the class. Wood will be provided for all four pieces.

All these classes are very challenging, and it is unlikely that the newer turner (or even more experienced turners) will be able to finish the projects in four hours. We will provide starting instructions and demonstrations and a handout for each piece, but it may be necessary for the turner to finish some of the work on their lathe following the class or at the Monday workshop that will be offered.

All wood, tools, and handouts for the projects required for the classes will be provided. The fee for the series of classes is only $220, which covers the wood, use of specialty tools, and overhead on the shop. You must be a current member of NEOWTA to take the class. The fee is due to reserve your place in class.

There will be a maximum of 6 students for the class (minimum of 4 for the class to make), and the class will be filled on a first sign-up/first fee paid basis.

Please sign up at the NEOWTA Meeting Room bulletin board if you are interested.