Woodturning is the craft of using the wood lathe with hand-held tools to cut a shape that is symmetrical around the axis of rotation. Like the potter’s wheel, the wood lathe is a simple mechanism which can generate a variety of forms. Items made on the lathe can include tool handles, spinning tops, cylindrical boxes, pens, chessmen, spindles and pegs for furniture, balusters and newel posts, baseball bats, hollow forms such as bowls, platters, and chair seats.
- Do I need to bring my own wood and wood glue?
Members will be responsible for bringing in their own materials for woodshop. MADE will have a scrap bin available for test cuts.
- Do I need to bring my own turning tools?
MADE provides access to a set of communal turning tools. Members are responsible for sharpening them before use, and should account for this when making reservations. Members are also welcome to bring their own personal turning tools.
- Do you have a tool for sharpening turning tools?
Yes, the Tormek water-cooled grinder and all the appropriate sharpening jigs are available along with the wood lathe. The Wood Lathe Access class includes training on sharpening.