Learn to make spoons, ladles and other simple kitchen utensils on the spring pole lathe. Long before the industrial revolution, craftspeople turned objects – from the everyday to the ornate – using a simple machine made of wood, iron and rope: the spring pole lathe. Press the pedal to engage the natural elasticity of a small diameter pole, watch the stock spin back and forth, and listen to the thumping rhythm of this ancient tool. Learn to use a set of chisels and gouges to form the spinning stock into a useful object. In this class, you will use a spring-pole lathe to create a wooden ladle or spoon. Starting with a green birch log, you will split out turning stock, and practice spindle-turning fundamentals on the lathe before starting your own project. This course is appropriate for both beginners and experienced electric lathe turners wanting to unplug; techniques learned will enhance your understanding of all types of lathe turning. Additional projects – including rolling pins and tool handles -- may be an option if time allows.

You will need the following tools for this class: