The ancient craft of the pole lathe: from first principles to a stool
This week is aimed at beginners and
those with some basic knowledge wanting to improve their skills. You’ll make a
four-legged stool with a woven sea grass seat to take away with you.
You’ll learn how to set up and
use the shave-horse and the pole lathe getting plenty of practice and expert
guidance working on a carefully selected project that will introduce and
develop your skills with each of the main chisels. You’ll learn to make simple
joints used in chair and stool making. You’ll discover the uses and properties
of the various trees and the pleasure and satisfaction of working with green
rather than seasoned wood.
Day One
An introduction to greenwood turning and stool making
Properties
of greenwood and different tree species
Cleaving
greenwood
Introduction
to the shave horse and using the draw knife
Introduction
to the pole lathe and basic turning
The
roughing out gouge and the flat chisel
Introduction
to the spindle gouge and skew chisel
Introduction
to the stool making project
Day Two
Making
the stool parts
(If
you already have some experience with the tools then there is the opportunity
to be creative with the legs if desired)
Day Three
Making
the stool parts
Wood
finishes used in greenwood turning
Drying
the legs and stretchers
Day Four
An
introduction to the joints used in stool and chair making
Making
the joints
Assembly
of parts
Day Five
Finish
assembly
Weaving
a sea grass seat
Duration: 5 days; 7 to 8
hours per day
Cost: £500 for two people (£250 each);
£100 per additional group member.
Individual one-to-one booking available at £500. Accommodation not included;
see booking information.
Further information: Minimum
group size two; maximum six. Participants should be 16 or over. Although not
too strenuous an activity you will need to be able to stand at the lathe for
several hours pushing the treadle with your foot. Bring a packed lunch each day.All activity leaders are CRB
checked Location: North Pennines and North West Highlands
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