FWT_A26 Foundations of Traditional Woodturning with Matt Monaco
Woodturning is both a key component of woodworking and a fun and satisfying craft unto itself.
Even woodworkers with very little space can find room for a lathe and a few turning tools, and can produce anything from pens to bowls to candlesticks to chair parts — and more!
In this immersive five-day class, master turner Matt Monaco will introduce you to the wonderful world of wood turning. You’ll learn the basics of the craft with an emphasis on safe practices, good ergonomics, tool control, tool sharpening, and fundamental design principles, as you practice project-based skill building.
You will gain hours of hands-on experience with the lathe, as you learn to shape both spindle and faceplate projects, and you’ll leave with several completed pieces — as well as the skills and confidence to continue turning independently.
You will learn how to:
- Set up and safely operate a wood lathe.
- Select, use, and maintain the primary turning tools.
- Understand wood grain orientation and its impact on turning.
- Apply spindle turning techniques to create handles, spindles, and decorative elements.
- Apply faceplate turning techniques to shape bowls and similar forms.
- Finish turned work to a high standard.
Prerequisites: None. Beginners welcome.
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.
Public health policy: Masks are optional, however, if you are exhibiting symptoms of
any contagious illness or if you have had a positive test for any contagious illness within
the past 5 days, please notify the school and do not attend class.
Thank you for your understanding.
Meet your Instructor
Matt Monaco operates a full-time woodturning studio in the Ozark region of Missouri, and is one of the only full-time modern traditional woodturners in America having trained & apprenticed within the handmade trade landscape as a working professional — Working closely within the high-end professional furniture production, Shackleton Thomas Furniture & Pottery as full-time in house wood turner; which preceded a time period of training, and skill development while earning a living as a full-time item producer within both the wholesale tradeshow, and retail circuit. At center of Matt’s work is his understanding & mastery of tool control, sharpening and cutting execution as an expression of traditionally crafted design as fine art — in producing forms & items that are made to be as tactile as they are sublime, and created with intent & purpose. Matt is also a Fine Woodworking Contributor & Ambassador who values both the integrity of traditional woodturning and its mastery as an art, as well as diversity within the handmade and woodworking craft idiom.