Intro to the Lathe with christianne

INTRODUCTION TO WOODTURNING

About the Class Learn the fundamentals of spindle turning on a wood lathe in this hands-on, two-session workshop. Working with a variety of tools and techniques, students will go from raw wood blank to a finished functional project, and leave certified to use the wood lathes in the MakerspaceCT woodshop.

Prerequisite: MakerspaceCT Woodshop Certification

Session 1: Concepts and Spindle Turning Students learn lathe fundamentals and practice essential shaping techniques.

Topics

• Parts and function of the wood lathe: headstock, tailstock, tool rest, spur and live centers
• Safety techniques for woodturning
• Introduction to turning tools: roughing gouge, spindle gouge, skew, and parting tool
• Tool sharpening on the bench grinder
• Preparing and mounting wood blanks
• Spindle turning techniques: roughing to cylinder, v-grooves, beads, coves, and ogees
• Sanding and finishing

Hands-On Project Students prepare and mount blanks, practice shaping techniques, and preview the project for Session 2.

Session 2: Projects Students complete a finished spindle turning project using the skills developed in Session 1.

Topics

• Preparing blanks with pilot holes and threading
• Mounting and turning a project workpiece
• Shaping, sanding, and finishing to completion

Hands-On Project Students choose and complete either an ice cream scoop or bottle opener using a Woodcraft turning kit, leaving with a finished, ready-to-use piece.

Course Outcomes Students gain:

• Certification to use the wood lathes in the MakerspaceCT woodshop
• Confidence using core turning tools and a bench grinder for sharpening
• Understanding of lathe anatomy, wood blank preparation, and spindle shaping techniques
• A finished handmade woodturning project

Provided All materials including wood blanks, project hardware kit, sanding supplies, tools, PPE, and instruction.

What to Bring Closed-toe shoes and hair tied back. All other gear will be provided.