Upcoming Classes

I teach classes at the Sterling Heights Woodcraft store. The store has moved just a half mile north of their previous location. You really need to get out to the new store, as it's wonderful. Lot's of new wood and equipment and a much nicer layout than their previous location allowed. I'm taking the summer off from teaching so no classes are currently planned until after the move. Since the new classroom is much larger than the old one I may be revamping the class offerings. What's listed below is what I have taught before, which should give a good idea of what's coming for the Fall. If you have any suggestions of what you'd like to see me teach please just send me an email.

Beginning Bowl Turning Thursday, April 12, 2007 from 4 PM to 8 PM also Sunday, April 22, 2007 from Noon to 4 PM
In this class the basics of proper preparation and safety are discussed, demonstrated and practiced. The students will learn how to make a bowl from conventional "lumber" and from a log, such as found in your fireplace wood pile. Faceplates, chucks, live centers and tool use are covered, and you'll discover how to avoid problems and how to recover from them when they occur. You will be making a bowl on the lathe, so bring your tools and safety goggles or face shield.

Make Your Own Woodturning Tool

Not presently scheduled

As the name implies, you're going to make the tool in this class. This is one of my custom designed tools that you can see on the Tools page and also on the Available page. The portion that will be made in class is the handle, which will be turned by the student from blanks prepared by me. All hardware is supplied, and I will do the final assembly, including the special carving for the storage of the Allen wrench.

The photo at left shows one of the techniques you'll learn in making a tool handle, or any such segmented item that requires centering for success. To the right is a close-up of the finished tool that the student above is working on.

My new method of centering will also be discussed. This is for items that do not require a hole down the center.

Segmented Turning Techniques

Friday, April 20, 2007 from 5 PM to 7 PM

This will not be a hands-on class. In this class we'll discuss the various ways to design, lay up and create many different kinds of segmented turnings. The class will consist of lecture, computer presentations and demonstration.

The class is arranged to progress from the most simple to the most complex segmented turning constructions.