During the three days of the course, you will learn how to design and shape a bowl, plate and cup, how to make blanks and how to turn the blanks into a finished product, while turning greenwood on a pole lathe and using traditional hand tools. All the products you make will be suitable for hot food and drinks.

Day one - begins with splitting the log and axing out a blank for your bowl. Then you will start turning, using the foot-powered pole lathe with hand-forged hook tools. At the end of the day, you will use a hook knife to carve and smooth out the final step.

Day two - you will axe out a plate blank and turn it using the foot-powered pole lathe and hand-forged hook tools. The tutor will talk about different designs and shapes. At the end of the day, you will again use a hook knife to get a smooth finished product.

Day three - is end grain cup turning day. This will be more advanced turning, but based on the previous days’ experience and knowledge, you will be ready for the more advanced process of cup turning.

The course is suitable for beginners but, even if you have turned a few bowls already, there will be lots of skills, techniques and learning opportunities to take away, along with your wooden ware!

This course will take place in the Sculpture Courtyard situated 10 minutes walk from the main College building across the walled garden.

Included

On this course the tutor will supply all prepared timber and materials used on the course, and use of a pole lathe, hook tools, axes and knives, and other relevant tools.

What students need to bring

• An apron/overalls and stout covered footwear is essential, suitable for woodturning
• Suitable clothing/suncream for working in the semi-covered courtyard space.

Available to buy

Available from tutor: The tutor will bring a selection of his own woodturning wares for discussion, or purchase if you wish.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no sandals or open toes).

Please note: due to the physical nature of this activity, you need to be able to comfortably grip the handle of an axe and turning tools. The average person will have plenty of strength and dexterity to participate in the class. Use of both hands/arms and leg/foot will be necessary.

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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