NWWT Classes

Stuart Batty - February 2020

Northwest Woodturners has two types of classes – Visitor classes and NWWT-developed classed. 

Nationally Known Instructors
Our visitor classes are conducted by nationally known woodturners visiting us for our monthly general meeting and stay on for two days of classes or demos. We have had Stuart Batty, Ashley Hardwood, Glenn Lucas, Janice Levi, Dale Larson, Carl Jacobson, Reed Gray, Jimmie Allen and other well-known and respected turners.

NWWT Classes
NWWT has developed a series of classes targeted at beginners and intermediate turners who are interested in learning the craft or improving their skills. We have seven club midi-lathes, each equipped with a bright light, chucks, live centers, measurement tools and everything needed for the classes. We have plenty of loaner tools that you can use and try out. In addition, we have three sharpening stations equipped with CBN wheels and Oneway Wolverine sharpening jigs.

In addition to the instructor and co-instructor, there are three or four helpers who are experienced turners and can provide one-on-one supervision during the practice times.

Classe registration is limited to seven students, after which a waitlist is started in case of cancellation. Our location is a heated barn with doors on two ends for good air flow and is large enough for the lathes to adhere to the current "social distancing" guidelines.

All classes are designed to maximize time on the lathe.  A short demonstration by the instructor followed by hands-on work at the lathe with the help of the assistants.

The Five Classes

  • Sharpening - A class all beginners need to take as well as anyone uncomfortable at the grinder
  • Bowl Turning 101 - Basic Beginner Level - no experience needed
  • Bowl Turning 201 - Intermediate Level - A chance to expand on your bowl making techniques
  • Spindle Turning 101 - Basic Beginner Level - no experience needed
  • WoodTurning Projects - Lidded Box (projects may change each quarter) - advanced spindle techniques

Requirements and general information for all classes

  • Proof of Vaccination is required
  • Students must be members of NWWT
  • Class will be limited to 7 students - one per lathe
  • Instructors and helpers are experienced NWWT members
  • 3 Sharpening systems will be available
  • A basic tool set is available for each lathe for basic level classes
  • All wood will be supplied
  • Students bring their own PPE (face shields, dust protection, ear protection)
  • Coffee and snacks will be provided, but bring your own lunch


      Sharpening

      Course Objectives

      The objective of this 5-hour class is to go home with all your tools sharp and understanding how to replicate it at home.
      • 3-4 fully equipped sharpening stations are available
      • Wolverine Jig system will be used for the class.
      • Other  sharpening systems are discussed and some demoed 
      • Comprehensive sharpening document HERE

      Class Agenda

      • The advantages and disadvantages of different tool steels
      • Overview of the common methods of sharpening: grinders, wheels, jigs
      • Explain scraper sharpening techniques
      • Demonstration of hand sharpening
      • Sharpening time - Sharpen your tools with help from instructors using the Wolverine Jig



      Bowl Turning 101

      Course Objectives

      The objective of the class is to go home with a bowl (or two) made during the class and the skills needed to make one at home.

      • 7 Midi-lathes available for students plus the instructor's lathe.
      • Class binder with notes and reference materials for all
      • All wood is provided
      • Required Tools are provided
      Prerequisite: None required.  Bring any tools you have but the required tools will be provided for the class - sharp and ready to go.  This class is designed for the brand new turner.

       Agenda
      • Sharpen any required tools that you may have that will be used in the class with help from the instruction staff.  Pre-sharpened club tools are available if you do not have any.
      • Mount a green blank between centers; flatten the bowl bottom surface; cut a tenon
      • Mount blank in a chuck
      • Instruction on the basic push-cut and pull-cut techniques with the bowl gouge
      • Cut the exterior shape and interior surface, with a bowl gouge and smooth the inside with a scraper
      • Reverse the bowl and finish cut the bottom
      • Start a second bowl (time permitting) to finish at home
      • Each student will take home one bowl and one blank for practice.




      Spindle Turning 101

      Course Objectives

      The primary objective of this course is to walk beginners through making basic spindle pieces such as a candle stick, honey dipper or simple toy. This course is targeted at members who have never turned wood, or who want to take a refresher course before advancing to more complex spindle projects.
        • 7 Midi-lathes available for students plus the instructor's lathe.
        • Class binder with notes and reference materials for all
        • All wood is provided
        • Required tools are supplied
        Prerequisite: None required.  Bring any tools you have but the required tools will be provided for the class - sharp and ready to go.  This class is designed for the brand new turner.

        Agenda

        • Sharpen all tools used for the class (loaner tools are available)
        • How to find the center of your blank
        • Mount a square blank and making it round with a Roughing Gouge
        • The majority of the morning is making Beads and Coves with a Spindle Gouge.  Beads and Coves are an important technique used in most all turnings.
        • Spindle Project - The class will pick a simple project which the instructor will demonstrate for you to make. As time allows, students can choose to make a second product.



           Bowl Turning 201

          Course Objectives:  

          The primary objective of this course is to refine your skills in the finer details of bowl turning.  When you look at a bowl, your eye is very discerning.  You will learn optimal bowl shapes, rim designs, and base options.  Skills learned here will help you advance to the next level of expertise. 

          Each student should complete two bowls in class, not including sanding and finish application.

          • 7 Midi-lathes available for students plus the instructor's lathe.
          • Class binder with notes and reference materials for all
          • All wood is provided

          Prerequisite Skills

          • Ability to prepare and mount a bowl blank between centers and in a chuck using a tenon or a recess
          • Ability to shape the outside and inside of a bowl using a bowl gouge
          • Ability to use a scrapper for finishing the inside of a bowl
          • Ability to complete a basic bowl except for sanding and applying finish
          If you have not yet developed these skills or are unsure, please attend an open shop and talk with one of the helpers before registering for this course.

          Agenda

          • Tune-up/sharpen tools for the class with help from the staff.
          • Presentation on advanced design and form concepts, shape, rims, bottoms
          • Review of bowl gouge grinds: 40/40, traditional (50°), bottom (65°-75°), Ellsworth, etc
          • Mounting options: when to use a tenon or recess
          • Turn a “once-turned” bowl through the finish-cutting stage with a green blank
          • Turn a roughed and dried bowl blank supplied (or bring your own) to the point of final scraping:
          • Learn methods for truing warped tenon or recess for re-mounting
          • Learn methods of cutting thinner wall thickness
          • Learn methods of scraping thin-walled bowls
          • Discuss sanding and finishing options if time permits



          Woodturning Projects - Lidded Box

          Course Objectives
          The primary objective of this class is to teach additional spindle turning skills by making a lidded box.   There are a variety of techniques learned in this class that are applicable to many other projects from candle holders to pepper grinders and even bowls.

          Depending on the skill level of the class, introduction to the skew may be presented.

            Prerequisite Skills:  If you have not developed the skills described below or are unsure, attend an open shop session and discuss it with one of the helpers before registering for this course.  Skills required are:

            • Use of a rouging gouge to round square stock.
            • Use of a spindle gouge to make beads and coves
            • Use of a parting tool.

            Agenda

            • Sharpen all tools used for the class with help from the instruction staff.
            • Practice beads and coves with the spindle gouge as a warm-up exercise
            • Discussion of box designs from simple to more complex
            • A simple box will be chosen as the class project
            • Fitting the lid discussion and techniques
            • Adding some flare to the box discussion
            • The finished box can then be embellished at home.


            Northwest Woodturners
            PO Box 1157
            Lake Oswego, OR 97035

             Northwest Woodturners is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. 

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