Keith Gotschall         

    The school has been smoothly running since September. Some changes for the better have taken place as the the needs of a smaller class are different from the larger classes I usually teach.  A class size of 2-3 people ensures close individual instruction.

     My goal is to provide safe, fun, in-depth instruction on the techniques of wood turning. Though we will make projects in class, I think it is more important that you take understanding and proper technique home with you to your own workshop. There you can explore on your own the wonderful world of wood turning!

    Judging from the feedback sheets, lunch has been a great success. Thank you Catherine for the wonderful food and plentiful snacks through the class days. 

                                     Contact info
 

Available dates:

• August 16th, 17th Open  One spot left!
  
• September 20,21     Full up!
• October 18,19  Open
  

Classes

    Currently we are running class one weekend a month. There has been lots of interest right here in the upper Arkansas River valley, so at this point most people are coming from the immediate area. I expect this to change, so check with me on availability and to get information of lodging etc. if necessary.  Because of recent feedback, there is also the possibility of 3 to 5 day classes. Many of the students are ready for more! I am currently putting together a syllabus for an advanced class. Instruction will be given on either a VB36 bowl turning lathe or on a Vicmarc VL300 long bed lathe. Both very solid professional machines. There is some thought of adding a couple mini lathes, but for now we are working on the big boys. I will also provide the tools needed and all the material that we will go through in class (which can be a lot of wood!) Of course if you want to bring your own tools that is encouraged.

    The price for the 2 day instruction is $280 and includes lunch. We will be turning from 9am to 5pm, which can make a long day! Of course there will be ample breaks and time for questions, making sure your trouble spots are covered. A $50 deposit will hold your place, call or email to get any more information.  Of course, if your in the area and just want to stop in and see the shop, that is usually fine too! Call first to make sure I am around.

2 days of turning!

 The basic turning class goes like this.

First day, we get together and talk about what your needs might be, what problems you have had with your turning. We will also go over safety and how things will work during class, then we get busy turning!

    The general rhythm of class is that I will do a demonstration and then the class will make the same thing, with my help as needed. The first demo is on spindle turning, use of roughing gouge, skew, and spindle gouge. Then the students get to make some chips! This is a fun part of class and we go through some wood! Emphasis will be on correct technique and getting the most out of the tools.     Then we will make a couple projects that will use the new skills you have developed.  Some possible projects will be bottle stoppers, pepper grinder, carving mallet, magnets, etc.

    Next day we will start in on some bowl turning techniques. Emphasis will be on turning "correctly" getting a smooth finish that needs little sanding. We will turn a bowl all the way through, start to finish. Other possible projects would be a platter, and a bowl with fitted lid. We will also go over all sorts of other information such as sharpening, wood selection, finishing, cutting from the log, etc.

    This is an outline that will be roughly followed, and changed as necessary to meet the needs of the students.