Woodturning for Beginners
Get started with woodturning and learn about tools, safety, maintenance and techniques. This course is held offsite in Papatoetoe.
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Description
During this course you will learn about tool purchase and maintenance, workshop layout, types of woodturning, be introduced to using a lathe, plus learn about health and safety considerations. Each course will comprise a learning component and a practical hands-on session. By the end of the course each student will have turned a spinning top and a Harry Potter type magic wand, and possibly a bowl or other item. It is expected students will finish three items during the course, in additional to learning how to turn wood.
This course is held at the South Auckland Woodturners Guild workshop at the Brewster Sports Centre, Tavern Lane, Papatoetoe.
Course outline
- Introduction to woodturning and the woodturning workshop. Practical: timber selection, timber mounting, and turning round for spindle turning.
- Purchasing tools and equipment for the woodturner. Sanding. Practical: spindle turning and making a spurtle. Unfinished.
- Maintenance and safety in the workshop. Practical: spindle turning a dibble. Finish with oil.
- Sourcing and harvesting timber. Practical: turning spinning tops. Waxing.
- Toxins associated with turning (timber and finishes). Practical: turning the outside of a bowl.
- Planning and designing an item. Practical: complete the bowl.
- Jigs, attachments and other aids to turning a piece. Practical: start turning an item of student's choice.
- Short review. Practical: complete any unfinished items.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course, it is expected students will:
- Be able to operate a woodturning lathe
- Know how to sharpen chisels and gouges.
- Gain a basic understanding of some timbers.
- Learn several finishing techniques.
What to bring
All materials are provided for this workshop. The following attire requirements relate to safety:
- Wear closed-in footwear
- Avoid loose/flowing clothing, wear a short-sleeved fitting/smock-type top for operating machines (tutors will give more info on the first night). The aim is to avoid any garments which might become entangled in the lathe.
- Secure your long hair (tie up and well back)
Tea and coffee will be supplied. Bring your own snacks.
Important safety notices
- You will not be able to operate the machinery if you have consumed alcohol, so please do not imbibe any alcoholic drinks on the day of the class.
- Your tutors will give a full health and safety briefing. Hazards include machinery operation (lathes, drill presses, band saw, bench grinder), sand paper, loud noises, dust, fumes from oils and wax. Ear and eye protection, and masks, will be provided.
- You will not be able to operate machinery unless you are safely attired.
About your tutors Ian and Strett
Ian has been turning for nearly 20 year and is a senior tutor of the South Auckland Woodturners Guild Introductory and level S2 training program. Strett has been turning for eight years and tutors alongside others at S2 level and coordinates training at the SAWG.
We both enjoy helping others learn, develop craft skills and achieve their best.
