Introduction to Woodturning: Make a Fruit Bowl

Join this class to explore the art of woodturning using recycled timber. You'll discover the beauty and versatility of working with sustainable materials while honing your woodworking skills!

This Recycled Timber Course offers a multitude of benefits, both practical and creative. Participants will delve into the world of woodturning, a skill that not only hones craftsmanship but also fosters a deeper appreciation for sustainable practices. By utilising recycled timber, learners contribute to environmental conservation while discovering the inherent beauty and uniqueness of each piece of wood.

Beyond environmental consciousness, this course provides hands-on experience with woodworking tools and techniques, empowering individuals to unleash their creativity and bring their design ideas to life. Through guided instruction and practical exercises, students develop proficiency in operating a wood lathe, mastering spindle and faceplate turning, and refining finishing techniques.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Woodturning course, you should be able to:

• Identify various woodturning tools and their uses
• Safely operate a wood lathe and other woodworking equipment
• Create basic woodturning projects such as bowls, vases, and utensils
• Apply finishing techniques to enhance the appearance and durability of your turned items

After finishing this course, you might like to enrol in our Introduction to Carpentry Course.

Course content

What will be covered in this Woodturning course?

Session 1: Introduction to Woodturning

• Overview of woodturning tools and equipment
• Safety precautions and best practices
• Basic spindle turning techniques

Session 2: Turning Small Projects

• Turning a simple bowl or dish
• Creating decorative wood-turned objects
• Sanding and finishing techniques

Session 3: Advanced Turning Techniques & Design

• Introduction to faceplate turning
• Hollowing techniques for creating vessels
• Experimenting with different wood types and textures
• Incorporating recycled timber into your designs
• Design principles for woodturning projects

Session 4: Finishing Touches

• Troubleshooting common woodturning issues
• Applying stains, dyes, and finishes to enhance the natural beauty of wood
• Buffing and polishing techniques
• Finalising projects and preparing them for display or use

Intended audience

This Woodturning course is suitable for beginners and intermediate woodworkers who are interested in exploring sustainable crafting practices. No prior experience with woodturning is required.

Course venue

The Bower - Redfern

107 Redfern Street, Redfern NSW 2016

Course materials

Learning resources

All necessary learning resources will be provided during the course, including access to woodworking tools and equipment.

What to bring to class

• Apron or old clothing suitable for woodworking
• Closed-toe shoes for safety

Additional information

Please note the following:

• This course involves working with power tools and sharp objects. Participants must adhere to all safety instructions provided by the instructor.
• Students are encouraged to bring their own recycled timber if they have specific projects in mind.

Course tutors

Mario Dato

Hailing from Calabria, Italy in 1965, Mario Dato has

been making shoes for over 50 years. Getting his start in a factory

producing children’s shoes, he graduated to designing

and crafting bespoke...

View Mario Dato's profile

The Bower

The Bower is a not-for-profit organisation with a

mission to: Reduce the amount of hard waste going to landfills through

education, repair, reuse and resale, Raise awareness of the value of

waste...