Woodturning Beginners Courses

decorated Platter

Join Martin for an engaging and creative woodturning workshop where you'll craft your very own platter, perfect for display or functional use.

This hands-on class is designed for intermediate woodturners, though beginners with some lathe experience are welcome.

You’ll start by turning the outside of a gorgeous blank and learn essential techniques for turning it into a smooth and balanced platter. Once the basic shape is achieved, we'll dive into decorative techniques to elevate your piece, including texturing, colouring, and/or embellishment with colours and finishes.

Throughout the session, Martin will guide you through:

  • Proper tool selection and usage for platter turning.

  • Shaping and refining the platter form.

  • Techniques for enhancing the natural beauty of maple with artistic decorations.

  • Sanding and finishing methods for a professional-quality result.

By the end of the class, you’ll leave with a stunning, custom-decorated maple platter and the skills to replicate the process at home.

Unlock your creativity and take home a masterpiece to showcase or gift!

You’ll also have the opportunity to experiment with the remarkable water-based Intrinsic Colour and/or Carnival Colour Collections.

Please Note: Some experience of woodturning would be helpful for this course, but not absolutely necessary. Martin will be able to help out with the turning.

    1. Choose a date

      The calendar below automatically shows the next available course to today and the number of spaces available. Use the arrows to scroll through the months to choose an alternative date in purple.

    2. Select the number of people you wish to book.

      If there are not enough spaces on the date selected, the site will tell you.

    3. Click on the start time below the calendar, then choose 'Select and Continue.

    4. Add your name, mobile number and email address.

    5. Indicate the name(s) of the person(s) coming and their level of experience.
      Here also indicate if you want to receive an SMS text to remind you!

    6. Pay a deposit or the full balance.

      A non-refundable deposit of 30% of the booking total is due at the time of booking unless you are booking within 14 days of the course in which case, the full balance is due. After deposit payment has been made, an invoice for the balance will be sent which will be due no less than 14 days prior to the course. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.

    7. What next?

      After payment, we will send you all the information you need to join the course on the date you booked.

    8. *Minimum Numbers.

      In the rare occurrence that there are fewer than three students enrolled on the course 7 days prior to the booked date, we may not run the course. If this is the case, will contact you and offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

More Information

  • Your Day Includes:

    - A place on a group woodturning course of 4 students
    - Timber
    - Use of machinery
    - Use of Tools (You can bring your own)
    - Use of any consumables
    - Lunch at the onsite coffee shop
    - Refreshments
    - PPE and Insurance

  • Timings

    - 9.00am: Meet for a meet and greet coffee at the Tree House Coffee Shop at the Garden Centre.
    - 9.30am: Start to make shavings!
    - 12.30pm: Back to the coffee shop for lunch
    - 1.00pm: Begin airbrushing then hollow the centre of the platter.
    - 4.00pm: End of the day. Be prepared for the day to overrun to give everyone time to finish their pieces.

  • Tools Used

    - 3/8″ Bowl Gouge
    - 3/8″ Spindle Gouge
    - Diamond Parting Tool
    - Inertia and Powered Bowl Sanders
    - Wood Dyes
    - Spray Sanding Sealer
    - Satin Lacquer
    - Finishing Oils

    We recommend you bring your own freshly sharpened tools if you have them.

Next

Two Day Beginners Course