About this course

Learn the basics of how to make turned wooden boxes, from the timber selection, tools, and sharpening, to design ideas and different shapes. Starting with mounting the timber on the lathe you will be guided through to sanding and polishing the completed items to take home.

Course Description

Making turned wooden boxes is fun, but takes a certain amount of skill, and if new to woodturning, can be a daunting challenge. Understanding grain orientation, tool selection, sharpening and safe working practices, design and finishing are all part of this course. As a new turner or an experienced turner wanting to learn new skills, these few days will allow you to develop your woodturning skills.

You will have access to your own lathe, tools and accessories over the duration of the course. Step-by-step instruction and demonstrations will cover the practice of making the wooden boxes. A range of basic woodturning tools will be used and explained within the making process. From a basic piece of timber through to the polished box, each stage of making will be explained, allowing you to put it into practice at your own pace with as much supervision as required.

You will learn how to use and maintain the key tools, and all the key skills to enable you to repeat this within your own workshop at home.

Please note woodturning can be a demanding activity, both mentally and physically, so a good level of fitness is required.

Timetable

Arrival Day - this is the first date listed above

Courses start early evening. Residential students to arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm.

6.45pm: Welcome, followed by dinner (included).

8 - 9pm: First teaching session, attendance is essential.

Daily timetable

Classes 9.15 - 5pm, lunch is included.

From 6.30pm: Dinner (included for residential students).

Evening working - students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with their tutor's permission and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.

Last day

Classes 9.15am - 3pm, lunch is included.

Residential students are to vacate their rooms by 10am please.

(This timetable is for courses of more than one day in length. The tutor may make slight variations)

Course Materials

Included

  • On this course, the College will supply materials, including abrasives and most of the timber (Ash/sycamore) as 3” square lengths that can be cut to usable sizes, and is clean, seasoned and split/defect free.
  • (Other suitable timbers are most English hardwoods, cherry box log, laburnum.)

What students need to bring

  • Some overalls, boiler suit, or smock to protect your clothes against the woodshavings and dust; these need to be close fitting, including cuffs and neck. No loose ties.
  • Long hair must be fixed/tied back.
  • Covered, sturdy but comfortable shoes as a lot of time is spent standing at the lathe

Available to buy

  • Available from shop:
  • Abrasive cloth backed 80-240
  • Timber blanks
  • Available from tutor:
  • Additional timber if required

Additional information

Wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear i.e. no open-toes or sandals. Safety boots, if specified.

Tutors

Jason Breach

Jason Breach teaches and demonstrates throughout the UK, Australia, and the USA. Jason was introduced to the woodturning lathe at the age of twelve. Starting with a course with Cecil Jordan; introduced him to the art of the turned wooden box. He is a regular contributor to Woodturning Magazine. 

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

Courses of interest

Interested in a career in woodworking?

Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more