Woodturning classes

I offer woodturning classes here in London. Would you like to try your hand, spending an exciting and satisfying day learning a new skill? Perhaps for a new hobby? Or do you know someone who would enjoy the experience of making their own wooden bowl? A woodturning class makes a brilliant ‘experience’ gift!

No previous experience is necessary, and most people who come to my workshops have never used a lathe before.  But the classes are also suitable for people who have done some turning and want to improve their skills. The workshops are great value, with no hidden extra charges.

I offer classes for just one or two people at a time in my own studio in North London (at 17 Ashbourne Avenue N20 0AL, which is not far from Underground stations and Junctions 23 and 24 on the M25). I also teach larger groups at the Camden Town Shed (see below).

These classes are a great opportunity to express your creativity. Making a bowl will give you an insight into the craft of turning. The beautiful hardwood bowl you take home will be a thing to be proud of.

Making a bowl needs concentration and care, and you will enjoy the challenge. After an intensive session, guided through every step of the process to shape your bowl to the best of your ability, you will end the day with a great sense of achievement. Your bowl will be your own work, made with your own hands. You will be amazed at its quality. The bowl will be nicely turned and finished, and there won’t be another in the world quite the same!

All woodturning classes in my own workshop are one-to-one, including those for two people. I explain each step in the process before you carry it out, working at your own pace and gaining confidence as you go. You will have my undivided attention to make sure you get the most from the day. A class for one person usually takes between four and five hours. Working with two, the class takes a bit longer, usually between seven and eight hours.

During my woodturning workshops, you will learn how to avoid catches and get a better surface on the wood, so that less sanding is needed.

I can help you develop your skills with spindle gouges and the skew chisel. These tools are used to make a great variety of items such as candle sticks, furniture parts and much more. The class is one-to-one, for one person only, and normally takes about 4-5 hours. Although anyone can attend, this class is of most benefit to those who already have some experience.

Though it is not essential, I recommend that beginners interested in spindle turning start with a bowl-making class, because it will help them get a feel for how the tools work. This skill is transferable to spindle turning.

Bowl turning and spindle turning are the two main branches of the craft of woodturning, so I offer half-day classes devoted to each. But I also offer a combined class for people who want to cover both topics in a single day.

Refreshments and a light lunch are provided.

Because there isn’t time in one day for two people to do this class, I can only offer it to one person at a time. Many people find spindle turning challenging at first if they have done no turning before. This class is quite intensive, with a lot to take in in a limited time.

Book a one day class

I also offer a shorter class on tool sharpening, because sharp tools are vital. If you can’t sharpen, you can’t turn! You will learn how to shape the tools properly, how to get their edges sharp, and how to make and use the simple jigs that make sharpening quick and easy.

All my woodturning classes are very informal and flexible. I can usually tailor the lessons to your own requirements, but please let me know before booking if you have any particular issues that you would like to cover. To find out more, call me on 07496 021531.

A yew bowl