Woodworking & Furniturecraft
Pole Lathe: Turning
Course Overview
Turning on a pole lathe—a wonderfully simple hand-built machine that needs only your leg and a wooden pole or bungee to power it—is a challenging and empowering experience. Your whole body must work together to make a useable and pleasing turned wooden item. Over three days we will learn to axe out blanks from green wood and turn bowls with pole lathes and tools provided by the school or that you've made previously. In this segment we will cover the basics of turning, cutting techniques, and bowl design. We will also discuss handling and storing green wood, sharpening, axe skills, and how to dry and finish your bowls with oil and milk paint. Beginners will be guided through the basics of turning open form bowls while those with experience or those who have taken the class before can take on more advanced techniques like end-grain cup turning, nests (multiple bowls from one piece of wood), and handled mugs. Instruction will be given according to your personal goals and skill level.
Students should be prepared for a very physically demanding class that requires a certain level of stamina, coordination, and physical strength as well as the ability to follow precise instructions with regard to safety. Students must be able to stand on one leg for extended periods of time and have the hand strength to open a sealed jar or swing an axe or hammer repeatedly. If there are questions about this or if students have injuries or physical limitations, please contact the school before registering.
Session Information
This is part of a three-course series. Each course complements the others while also being excelent standalone experiences. They may be taken together or individually.
- Pole Lathe: Build Your Own, 11/1 - 11/3
- Pole Lathe: Forge the Tools, 11/4 - 11/5
- Pole Lathe: Turning, 11/6 - 11/8
Dates
This course has been cancelled to mitigate the risk of spreading COVID-19. We offer our deepest apologies. We truly believe in the power of craft to build community, and we know that community is needed more than ever in times like these. However, the need to stay healthy and protect our friends and neighbors is the most critical priority.
If you were registered for this class, you should have received an email regarding your refund options. If not, please call us at 218-387-9762 or email us at info@northhouse.org.
Click here for additional information.
We truly hope to see you in another class at North House soon!
Course Details
Required
You will need the following tools for this class:
All required tools/materials are provided by your instructor and North House and will be available once the course begins.
Optional Tools
Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.
More Information
Once registered, students will receive a confirmation email with further class information. Please call us if you haven't received it within 24 hours.