This class will focus on spindle turning, with brushes as the product that will let us explore sculptural forms!

What You'll Learn

This class will include an introduction to spindle turning on the lathe, with a focus on getting the cuts that will let you work smoothly as you make the shapes you’re looking for. The parting tool, spindle gouge, fingernail gouges, and skew will be covered as we work towards our own sculptural designs. We will all start with the same design, a brush handle, then apply finish and learn how to put the bristles in!

With an understanding of that process and if there is time and interest, each student will design their own brush, working on the lathe to create their design.

Each student will leave with a turned bench or clothes brush and if time allows, a brush of their own design, and the skills to design and make more brushes on or off the lathe!

Tools Used

Lathe with parting tool, spindle gouge, skew, and fingernail gouge
Drill press for creating holes for our bristles
Various hand tools for setting the bristles in the brush

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner to Intermediate

This class is suitable for beginners to intermediate turners. Even if you have a lot of turning experience, this will introduce a couple new techniques if you've never turned spindles and a new product you might not have created before!

Schedule

1 day, 7 hours

There will be a break for lunch.

Safety

PPE: We provide safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks if requested. Safety glasses are required in the shop at all times. Face shields are required and will be provided for turning classes.

Dress: We’re probably going to get a little dusty! Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry. Anything that may get caught in machinery, like long hair, must be tied back and secured.

Accommodations: While we’ll be moving about the shop for most of our time together, we aim to make the craft as accessible as possible for everyone. Please reach out if you have any questions about our space or may need accommodations of any kind.

What to Bring

If you have a favorite tape measure or pencil, bring it along. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered!

Bring a lunch and some snacks or make use of our many local establishments to grab a quick bite during the lunch break.

Instructor Bio

Eli Barlow is a woodworker, jeweler and teacher living in Plainfield, Vermont. He has experience building chairs and teaching at Sawyer Made, learning windsor construction and design from George Sawyer. He was first introduced to green woodworking at Sterling College, where he has since taught an introduction to the shop class. Yestermorrow is another institution where he has attended as a student and returned to as a teacher, for ladder back chair classes in their Woodworking Certificate program. He has a small jewelry studio in the Crumb Factory, an artist collective started with friends in Montpelier VT. Eli is constantly grateful for the teachers in his life, and inspired by the craft community he gets to be a part of!

Woodturning: Hand-crafted Brush