Turning wood on a pole lathe—a wonderfully simple hand built machine that needs only your leg and a wooden pole to power it—is a challenging and empowering experience. Your whole body must work together to make a useable bowl or cup. During this three-day tutorial students of all levels will gain skills. 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. Some time will also be spent in the blacksmith shop forging hook tools and discussing their design and maintenance. This class will be a good lead up to the Pole Lathe: Build, Forge, and Turn class in 2020. Students should be prepared for a physically demanding class that requires stamina, coordination, and physical strength. Students must be able to stand on one leg for extended periods of time, have their joints in good working condition, 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.

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. However, if you have a sharp axe or any hook tools, please bring them.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.