Play ball!
One of the most fun turning projects we’ve ever offered, in this one-day class every student will make a regulation-sized baseball bat out of hard maple, just like those commonly used in the MLB.
This is a great class to take with your favorite baseball-loving kid (or inner kid), and your completed bat will be the envy of the ball field. You can even personalize it with a custom wood-burning design.
Professional turner Matt Monaco will walk you through the entire process, so even if you are new to wood turning, you will cover all the bases, and end the day with a successful project and some major-league fun.
You’ll learn:
- Basics of woodturning, including wood selection, lathe operations, and tool usage
- Tapering and shaping
- Surface preparation
- Wood burning
- Finishing a turned surface
Prerequisites: None. Open to beginners.
Tools required: All tools and materials supplied by the school.
Please bring ear and eye protection and a properly-fitting face mask that covers your nose and mouth (valved masks are not allowed).
Please read and understand our Refund and Cancellation policies. By making payment you acknowledge that you have read and understood these policies.
Please note: If you are paying by cash or check, your registration is not complete until payment is received.
Safety
Eye, hearing and dust protection are required in the machine room or when operating machines in the bench room.
Long sleeves and loose-fitting clothing are not allowed around the power equipment. Long hair must be pulled back and secured.
Closed-toe shoes are required. Open-toed shoes or sandals are not allowed.
COVID Policy: Masks are optional, however, if you are exhibiting symptoms of any contagious illness or if you have had a positive test for COVID or influenza within the past 5 days, please notify the school and do not attend class.
Thank you for your understanding.

Meet your Instructor
Professional woodturner Matt Monaco produces beautifully crafted bowls, plates, and platters from his studio in the Ozark region of Missouri. Combining thoughtful design and precise technique, Matt uses a standard lathe and turning tools to produce wood pieces that echo the precision and elegance of traditional pottery, creating a unique style that he rightfully describes as “wood-carved pottery.”
As the founder and owner of Monaco Bowls, Matt designs and creates turned products for homeowners, gallery buyers, museum stores, and interior designers. In addition to 19 years of turning experience he produces his own work, and demonstrates for national wood turning clubs of the AAW, and teaches at woodworking schools across the country.