Learning Wood Lathes: Turn a bowl!

In this hands-on class, you’ll learn the foundational skills of woodturning by creating your own wooden bowl. Perfect for beginners or anyone looking to sharpen their lathe skills, this course covers everything you need to know to safely and confidently shape wood on the lathe.

We’ll begin with a safety overview and an introduction to the tools you’ll be using carbide scrapers, and chucks. You’ll learn how to mount a blank, rough shape the exterior, hollow the interior, and finish the bowl using modern turning techniques. Along the way, we’ll talk about grain orientation, tool control, speed settings, and how to avoid common pitfalls like tear-out and catches.

By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with your own hand-turned bowl and a solid foundation in bowl turning techniques. All materials and safety gear are provided.

Whether you’re new to the lathe or looking to build confidence with curved forms, this class is a great entry point into the world of woodturning.

No prior experience needed for this course, all supplies and materials are provided.

Please wear comfortable well-fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty!

• Instructor and student introductions
• Overview of class goals and what you'll make
• Shop safety basics
• Lathe operation
• Tool handling
• PPE (face shields, appropriate clothing, hearing protection if needed)

• Introduction to key tools: bowl gouge, scraper, chuck, calipers
• Choosing a bowl blank and understanding grain orientation
• Lathe components: tool rest, speed controls, locking mechanisms
• Proper tool rest positioning and speed selection

• Mounting the blank using faceplate or screw chuck
• Roughing out the exterior shape
• Creating a tenon or recess for chuck mounting
• Practice: stance, grip, and controlled tool movement
• Smoothing the outer curve and refining shape

• Remount bowl using chuck
• Begin hollowing the interior: proper approach and grain reading
• Wall thickness control and measuring
• Tips to prevent tear-out and tool catches
• Refining interior shape and surface

• Sand through grits (80 to 320 or higher as time allows)
• Proper sanding technique on the lathe
• Apply finish (e.g., friction polish, oil, or wax)
• Buffing and final touch-ups

• Remove bowl from chuck
• Light refinement of bowl bottom or foot
• Final tips: bowl care, finishing options at home
• Optional: group photo and bowl showcase
• Q&A and cleanup

Hello everyone! I’m John. I’ve been passionate about woodworking for about six years and am really enthusiastic about fostering a community within CCM. Originally from Lubbock, TX, I relocated to Denver in mid-2016 to pursue a career in software engineering. I’m eager to teach classes and contribute to expanding both the woodshop and our community offerings at the Makerspace. Besides woodworking, I have a keen interest in 3D design and printing, software development, gaming, and climbing. I live nearby, so you’ll probably see me around quite often! I look forward to connecting with all of you and building something great together.

Host or Publisher Clear Creek Makerspace