Critical to good turning is sharp tools. So I'll demonstrate 
sharpening each tool and then you'll do it. We'll use jigs on the grinder that will help you. After turning two days, you'll find that when you are doing something wrong it is usually because the tool is dull.

I'll demonstrate, each tool, followed immediately by your trying what you've seen me do I'll encourage or correct what you do. You will either be practicing on spindle stock or we will be turning a bowl, sometimes of green wood. The amount of time you spend on spindles and/or bowls depends on your interest in each. You progress according to your ability. Ask questions as you think of them. Just practice techniques or apply the techniques to specific projects.

 As you are doing all this, you'll learn why you are doing what I have shown you. You'll also learn why a technique is not working for you. My goal is for you to understand the "why" behind the "how" so you will be able to practice by thinking about turning rather than by rote imitation.

You might not have instant success, but I am always pleased at the progress a student makes over two days. One student told me when he had returned to his own shop that while practicing he could imagine hearing me saying "Do this," or "Do that."

CLASS FORMAT

The typical class consists of two morning and afternoon sessions and an evening session. In Florida, we start at 8:30 the first morning and work until 9:00 at night, taking time out for lunch and dinner. The second day again starts at 8:30 and ends about 5:30, with time off for lunch. Any two consecutive days of the week are acceptable to me.

If we are in your shop, we would have a similar arrangement and the same amount of time, though we might not always start in the morning. (The actual starting time would depend on my arrival time.)

Student roughing out central column for table.
This is a project the student brought along.