New Class: Turning Green Wood on the Lathe
Most woodturners start with kiln-dried lumber, but there's a whole world of turning waiting in freshly cut wood. We're excited to introduce a new two-part woodworking class that explores the art and science of turning green wood.
Green wood—wood with a high moisture content—is often easier and more enjoyable to turn than dry wood. It cuts beautifully on the lathe, is widely available once you know where to find it, and opens up an entirely new range of materials for your projects. Of course, green wood comes with its own challenges. As it dries, it can warp, twist, and even crack. Learning how to work with those changes is part of what makes green wood turning such a rewarding skill.
In this hands-on class, you'll learn the traditional "twice-turning" method used by many bowl turners. During the first session, we'll discuss where to source green wood, how to process logs and rounds into turning blanks, and how to rough-turn a bowl while it's still wet. You'll also learn how to prepare your project for the drying process.
Between classes, your rough-turned bowl will dry and naturally change shape. When you return for the second session, you'll work with a dried and warped bowl blank to learn the techniques used to bring it back into round, refine its final shape, and create a finished display piece. We'll also cover strategies for dealing with cracks and other surprises that can appear as wood dries.
Whether you're looking to expand your woodturning skills, make use of locally sourced wood, or simply try something new in the shop, this class offers a fascinating look at one of the most rewarding areas of woodturning.
Upcoming Class Dates
June 8 & June 15, 1pm – 4pm
If you've ever looked at a freshly fallen tree and wondered what you could make from it, this class is for you.
