A hand-turned wooden rolling pin makes a wonderful companion in the kitchen and turns ordinary tasks into a delight for the cook. It’s also a great project to learn wood turning.
But which style of pin do you want? The heft and ease of a handled pin? Or the agility and precision of a tapered, French-style pin?
Why not make both!
In this one-day, beginner-friendly workshop, master turner Matt Monaco will guide you through the design and creation of two rolling pins — both a handled and tapered style.
Matt will introduce you to the nuances of effective cutting, and you will learn how tool control, correct body mechanics, and the proper use of basic turning tools can produce exceptional results.
The resulting objects will bring elegance and satisfaction to your kitchen — or surprise another lucky cook as a gift.
Want a great kitchen set? Make a Chef’s Cutting Board in our March 1 class, available separately.
You will learn:
- How to lay out and turn a quality rolling pin
- How to use a variety of basic wood turning tools
- How to sharpen your tools for better results
- How grain orientation and tool selection affect your results
Prerequisites: None. All levels welcome.
Tools required: None. All tools and materials supplied by the school.
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.