Fundamentals of Spindle Turning

Dates: Saturday, January 23rd & Sunday, January 24th (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Rick Angus

Students will be trained in fundamental chisel and gouge spindle-cutting techniques and developing an eye for making the shape desired. Using these techniques, turners cut wood efficiently and leave a smooth accurate surface in their work. We learn how to use the bevel gracefully to guide the knife edge along a smooth curve, and why this technique allows such smooth tool control. We sand to perfection and add a quick oil finish to bring out the luster of your work.

This class focuses on practicing proper techniques and we make a series of totems that serve as a reminder of the techniques that you learned. Beginning by roughing the blank to a cylinder, we practice the planing, chamfer, and peeling cuts with the skew chisel. We proceed to the detail gouge and learn coves and beads. After practicing the fundamental cuts, we discuss what items can be made your new repertoire such as a candlestick, mallet, cooking flipper, bud vase, spurtle. We then choose a project for you to make—each students makes items of their own design.

Tools & Supplies: *Students may bring any spindle turning tools they might have (but not required), and be prepared with a couple spindle pieces that you would like to make. All tools and supplies will be provided for this class.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

• Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
• No loose clothing
• Long pants suggested
• No loose jewelry
• Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: Fundamental Techniques in Bowl Turning or equivalent experience (at instructor's discretion). If you have questions about prerequisite requirements, please email ce@nbss.edu.

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.