Crafts & Restoration

Woodturning

Turn Your First Bowl in 12 Lessons

12 lessons4 modules9h 0m durationbeginner level

Instructor: StretchLearn Faculty

About this course

Woodturning transforms raw wood blanks into bowls, spindles, pens, and vessels using a lathe and a small set of cutting tools. This course builds safe habits from day one: tool-rest geometry, bevel contact, and read-the-grain instincts that prevent catches and tear-out. You will work through both spindle turning (between-centres: tool handles, pens, table legs) and faceplate turning (bowls, platters, hollow forms), finishing each project with graded sanding on the lathe and a hand-applied oil or wax finish.

Curriculum

Module 1: Lathe Setup and Safe Foundations3 lessons

Anatomy of a Wood LathePreview45m
Tool Rest Positioning and Stance🔒45m
PPE, Lathe Inspection, and Startup Routine🔒45m

Module 2: Wood Blanks and Material Preparation3 lessons

Grain Direction and Blank Selection🔒45m
Mounting Blanks Between Centres and on the Faceplate🔒45m
Green Wood vs Dry Wood — Rough Turning and Drying🔒45m

Module 3: Core Turning Techniques — Spindle and Faceplate3 lessons

Spindle Turning — Roughing, Beads, and Coves🔒45m
Bowl Turning — Outside Profile and Hollowing🔒45m
Turning a Pen on the Lathe🔒45m

Module 4: Sanding, Finishing, and Project Completion3 lessons

Sanding on the Lathe — Grits, Direction, and Technique🔒45m
Finish Application — Oil, Wax, and CA🔒45m
Completing the Capstone Bowl — Foot Turning and Final Inspection🔒45m