In this course students will learn to design and create thin-walled side grain vessels on the lathe. The instructor will introduce some of his most effective methods and nuances of approach in cutting side grain based on time spent as a working professional trade turner for Northeast furniture maker Shackleton Thomas. Students will learn about the advantages of utilizing green or dry materials, and how specifically focused practice and efficiency at the lathe directly mirrors the process of effectively producing vessels that are visually striking and well designed. The instructor will help students to discover what tool control and fine technique is, and how to utilize body mechanics and the basic range of turning tools to produce exceptional results. He will also cover how simple tool modifications can greatly improve the overall cleanliness of surfaces cut straight off the tool to drastically reduce sanding. This course requires some prior experience in woodturning, but is open to those working at a beginner level.

Topics and skills covered will include: the principles of turning thin side grain walls, methods to create structural balance when turning thin, an introduction to basic tool modifications in sharpening for better results on side grain, designing for utility versus display, components of visually well-designed pieces and how to develop an eye for form, an introduciton to advanced understanding of tool usage, theory, and application, and finishing options.