Studio Tutorials

I have recently started to give tutorials for one or two people in my studio in northern Vermont. I am here as a resource, to share my ideas and skills to help the students add to their own set of skills. My goal is to present my ideas in a way that is understandable to people of varying learning styles. I find that the teaching/learning process is not one-way and that I always learn from my students.

I provide individual instruction for one or two people in my studio on a per diem basis. The studio is located in rural northern Vermont on 40 acres of fields and woods.We can tailor the instruction to meet your needs and can focus on any or all aspects of open bowl turning.

I can show beginners efficient methods of making bowls and help more experienced turners hone their turning skills.
Email me for maps, lodging and scheduling information.

Alan Stirt Woodturner
1267 Enosburg Mtn Rd
Enosburg Falls, VT 05450
(802)933-2125

 

Topics can Include:

• Introduction to the lathe.
• Safety.
• "Reading" the grain and making shape and grain work together to create special bowls from plain wood or to get the most out of special grain patterns.
• Holding methods, chucks and vacuum chucks.
• Roughing out bowls using green wood.
• Drying and re-turning roughed out bowls.
• Efficient sanding techniques.
• Adding texture with turning tools.
• Fluting and carving turned work.
• Finishing turned work.

 

Details

• Number of students:one or two.
• Cost: $350/day for one student: $450/day total for two students.  This includes instruction, green wood and lunch.
• Schedule: By mutual agreement, on weekdays or weekends.  Timing can be flexible, but is generally from 8:30 AM to 4:30PM.
• Lodging: There are Bed & Breakfasts and Inns 15 to 20 minutes away.  There is a campground 5 minutes away. Meals are available in Enosburg or Montgomery. Lunch is at my studio.
• Location: 8 miles outside of Enosburg Falls, VT.  Closest airports are; Burlington, VT - 1 1/4 hour drive and Dorval Airport in Montreal, Quebec- 2 hour drive.
• Wood: We'll mostly use green local hardwoods.  Some small, dry roughed out bowls will also be provided. If you want to work on larger pieces, you can bring your own wood or check with me to see what I have available.
• Equipment: Two Oneway 2436 heavy duty lathes.
• Turning Tools: Students who have tools are encouraged to bring them so they can bring home properly ground & sharpened tools.  Turning tools will also be available for use at the studio.  A few specialized tools are available for purchase.