Description:

Wood Turning is both one of the most relaxing and satisfying facets of woodworking, but a lathe can be the most dangerous tool in the shop, if not used properly. This class will go over the different parts, features, and safe operation of the Jet WL-1236 3/4 HP wood lathe in the Artisan's Asylum woodshop. Students will learn about different types of turning tools, proper use of and efficacy when yeilding these tools, as well as sharpening techniques to keep them cutting cleanly. Students will learn how do "Spindle Turning" as well as Turning on a "Mandrel". 

Class Goals:

At the end of the class, students will leave with a brand new wooden pen to show off, as well as the skills and information needed to safely and competently pursue independent woodturning projects.

Prerequisites:

None.

Materials Provided:

Douglas Fir scraps will be provided as practice material for the students. If students would like to practice on fancier wood (not recommended) then the instructor will provide it at an additional cost. Pen-making kits will be provided for the final project, cost included in the registration fee.

What to Bring/Wear:

Closed toe shoes, no bracelets or dangly things, and a method for securing back long hair.

Instructor Biography:

Dan Landers is a former Carpenter, Union Electrician, and Firefighter, so he knows how to make and break things. His most recent conquest was earning an Electrical Engineering degree from Northeastern University. He has also worked Sikorsky aircraft on giant helicopters, and underwater robotics at Qinetiq-Foster Miller. Thanks to Artisan’s Asylum, Dan has been on Engadget, Hackaday, SpikeTV and at Maker Faires with his Node.JS tank robot; he is also one of the crazy people working on the STOMPY robot of PROJECT HEXAPOD fame. He is currently in a PhD program in engineering, but is very interested in spreading the joys and annoyances of other aspects of “Making.” Despite a paradigm shift toward technology, Dan is also a woodworking traditionalist and a wood buff, and guards and holds dear about 90 different species of wood stock, including exotics, large live edge slabs, and several extinct wood species.