Making turned wooden boxes is fun, but takes a certain amount of skill, and if new to woodturning, can be a daunting challenge. Understanding grain orientation, tool selection, sharpening and safe working practices, design and finishing are all part of this course. As a new turner or an experienced turner wanting to learn new skills, these few days will allow you to develop your woodturning skills.

You will have access to your own lathe, tools and accessories over the duration of the course. Step-by-step instruction and demonstrations will cover the practice of making the wooden boxes. A range of basic woodturning tools will be used and explained within the making process. From a basic piece of timber through to the polished box, each stage of making will be explained, allowing you to put it into practice at your own pace with as much supervision as required.

You will learn how to use and maintain the key tools, and all the key skills to enable you to repeat this within your own workshop at home.

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 materials, including abrasives and most of the timber (Ash/sycamore) as 3” square lengths that can be cut to usable sizes, and is clean, seasoned and split/defect free. (Other suitable timbers are most English hardwoods, cherry box log, laburnum.)

What students need to bring

Some overalls, boiler suit, or smock to protect your clothes against the woodshavings and dust; these need to be close fitting, including cuffs and neck. No loose ties. Long hair must be fixed/tied back. 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 80-240
• Timber blanks

Available from tutor:

• Additional timber if required

Additional information

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 6.45pm for registration
6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included)
8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential

Daily timetable
Course teaching 9.15am - 5pm (lunch included)
Dinner: from 6.30pm (included for residential students)
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 (lunch included)
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

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