Woodturning Instruction

Woodturning Instruction

I am deeply passionate about sharing the extensive knowledge I’ve gained from masters in the woodturning field. My skills have been in high demand across the country, leading me to teach at prestigious institutions and events.

Teaching Engagements and Demonstrations

• National Workshops: I’ve been a regular instructor at renowned centers like the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, the Brookfield Turning Center in Brookfield, Connecticut, and the Appalachian Center for Crafts in Smithville, Tennessee.
• Symposiums and Conferences: I’ve demonstrated at American Association of Woodturners symposiums, Provo Symposiums, and various regional and local venues throughout the United States and Canada.
• Local Workshops: My studio in Traverse City, Michigan, regularly hosts workshops focusing on both foundational and advanced woodturning techniques.

Two Elements of My Teaching Approach

1. Demonstrations: These range from 2-hour sessions for club meetings to 2-day demonstrations for state or regional groups, including multi-day symposiums. The “Two Day Workshop Outline” is the cornerstone of this instructional style.

2. Hands-On Classes: More dynamic and rewarding, these include one-on-one sessions in a student’s shop or my Traverse City studio. I also teach groups of up to three students in Traverse City and larger classes at club locations in conjunction with demonstrations.

My Teaching Philosophy

Over the last decade, my quest has been to understand the “why” behind woodturning techniques, not just the “how”. Understanding the dynamics of turning opens up new avenues of creativity, control, and enjoyment. My approach is process-oriented, focusing on the rationale behind each technique rather than just replicating projects.

My Approach to Woodturning Techniques

The techniques I teach now are a culmination of lessons from all the educators I’ve learned from. My philosophy is to do it the easy way. I emphasize the importance of efficient, controlled tool cuts, which are paramount to enjoying woodturning. This approach minimizes the need for sanding, indicating proficiency in tool technique. Ultimately, my goal is to make woodturning a fun and enjoyable experience for my students.