Spring 2026
June 6-7

Woodturning is challenging and requires the aspiring turner to develop a complex set of skills. In turning, many people aspire to turn bowls. We strongly believe that you need to learn the basic skills of working with gouges by turning spindles first. Starting bowl turning without going through this step is just too hard.

The first project in the class is making a French rolling pin using a series of straight and inclined cuts. This helps you understand how to start from a square blank and end up with a useful kitchen implement. (It’s my favourite type of rolling pin.)

The second project in the class is making a candlestick. Working from a standard pattern, we show you how to stage the development of the shape - starting a coarser cuts to create the basic shape, you then refine to shape. We then finish the candlestick with milk paint and add a polished surface to make it look great!

Tools  

The school is equipped with all the turning tools you'll need for the class. Please bring a pencil and a notebook to track what you are learning in class.

We recommend that you wear close-fitting clothing for this class. Chips and shavings fly freely when you’re turning, so V-necks are not recommended. Please make sure you tie back any long hair. The School provides dust masks, but if you have one that works for you, please bring it. The school provides face shields, but again, if you already own one, we encourage you to bring it.

Prerequisites 

Open to all.

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the school.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12
Cost: $420
Materials Charge: $35