Due to an uncooperative knee, I am unable to schedule teaching and demonstrating sessions right now. If you’re interested in scheduling when I get things sorted out, please email me and I’ll let you know when I’m back in action.

WOODTURNING INSTRUCTION

Studio Instruction

I give tutorials in my studio in Vermont which are tailored to the individual. We'll work out the topics to be included based on the needs and skill level of the student.
The workshop will consist of technique demonstrations, hands-on turning and carving and design discussions as desired by the student.

Photo: Al giving a demo in Vermont, 2006.

    • 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.

    • Turning and sanding green wood.

    • Efficient sanding techniques.

    • Adding texture with turning tools.

    • Fluting and carving turned work.

    • Rotary tool texturing.

    • Use of milk paint and other coloring methods.

    • Finishing turned work.

  • Details for All Day Tutorials

    • Number of students:one or two.

    • Cost: $400/day for one student: $500/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 and sharpened tools.  Turning tools will also be available for use at the studio.  A few specialized tools are available for purchase.

  • Details for Half Day Tutorials

    • Number of students:one or two.

    • Cost: $250/ half day for one student: $300/day total for two students.  This includes instruction and some wood.

    • Schedule: By mutual agreement, on weekdays or weekends.  Timing can be flexible, but is generally from 8:30 AM to 12:30PM.

    • 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 and sharpened tools.  Turning tools will also be available for use at the studio.  A few specialized tools are available for purchase.

Studio Workshop Topics