Woodturning Classes

Woodturning has been around since before 300 BCE. The lathe shown in this ancient carving was a 2 person operation, with one person turning the simple machine with a rope, while the other shaped the materials using dinosaur teeth. I’m just kidding, they had tools. As you can imagine, there have been many advancements in the lathe over the last 2,000 years. Thanks to the industrial revolution and invention of electricity, we won’t have to use a rope, our feet, a bow, or a water wheel to make something beautiful and, sometimes, useful on a lathe.

Intro Turning Classes

I know for some, the thought of putting a sharp tool up against a piece of wood that is rotating at 1500 rpm can be intimidating. However, when following all safety rules and knowing how to use the tools, woodturning can be very fun, rewarding, safe, and even relaxing.

In the intro class, I will cover proper safety, the parts of a lathe, proper tool usage, tool sharpening, spindle turning and bowl turning. The classes are typically one night a week for 3 hours, running 6 consecutive weeks. Going in, it is important to realize that wood is imperfect and no 2 pieces are the same. Projects may crack or break. It happens, it’s the nature of the beast and something that all woodturners have to get used to. However, I have make up time built into my schedule to ensure that everyone completes a bowl.

In class we will make, at a minimum, a mallet, and a couple of bowls out of fresh green wood. Depending on each student’s progress, we may have time to work on more projects. Some students have completed as many as 4 bowls.

Tuition is $380 for cash, check or Venmo, if you’d like to use a credit card the fee is $395. This includes all materials, instruction, a Wilder Wood T-shirt, and part of the fee will be used as a deposit to hold your place. When you register on the next page you will be asked to pay $40 as a deposit. Classes are small, limited to 3 students, so it is imperative that we fill them. The deposit is nonrefundable, unless we are able to fill your spot. The remainder of the tuition is due at the beginning of the first class. If you need to work out a payment schedule, just let me know ahead of time via email, and I’ll do what I can to accommodate you.

At the moment, all class sessions will be held on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 6pm - 9pm. If you are unable to attend Tuesday or Wednesday evening classes, please email me with a requested time and day of the week. If I can fill that time slot, I will open a class.

What you need to know before your first class:

• Class is located at 930 Mason Ave, Ste A, Louisville, KY 40204

  • When you arrive you may park along side of the building, on the street.

• We are located in a wood shop. Other classes will be in progress, it may be noisy and/or slightly dusty. It may be quiet and instructions being given.

• I have all personal protective equipment you will need. However, especially given the COVID-19 situation, if you own your own face shield and/or safety glasses, please bring them.

• Do not wear open toed shoes.

• No loose fitting clothing.

• No strings from hoodies or other clothing.

• Hair must be tied back.

• Feel free to wear something over your hair.

• I prefer a button up shirt or zip up collar, as wood chips like to fly right down your shirt.

• Bring water or something to drink.

• You will get dusty and dirty, please dress accordingly.

• Be prepared to relax and have a little fun.

Go to registration