How to pole lathe (pole lathing and woodturning)

Description

Learn the theory and practical skills of pole lathing set in the beautiful Pengelli National Nature Reserve. A pole lathe is a type of lathe powered by your foot to turn green wood! No noisy power tools - just you, the forest and a pole lathe for woodturning. It's a meditative, sometimes challenging, and joyful practice all rolled into a traditional heritage woodland craft. It harks back to times gone by that felt more in-tune with nature and led the way for the concept of sustainable living. The rhythmic motion of the pole lathe is captivating and the slower pace allows you to really connect to the process and what you're making. It really is an experience, not just a way to produce beautiful green wood crafts. With all that said, this is a really informative and practical workshop in which you'll cover everything to get you started and improve your knowledge and skills: - The theory of pole lathing (history, designs, tools, names of parts, how to use the pole lathe, wood selection and what products you can make). - Get to know all the tools you need and will be using. - How to prepare wood for the pole lathe. - How to use the pole lathe with plenty of time for using it, testing it out and improving your new skills. - Turning a piece of green wood which you can take home with you. ARE THERE ANY REQUIREMENTS? - This is a beginners' session and no previous experience is necessary. It would also be suitable for people who have a little experience on the pole lathe but would like to deepen their knowledge and improve their skills. - Please wear sturdy outdoor shoes (you will walk through the woods to get to the workshop) and clothing you're happy to wear while handling wood and tools. Please note that most of our pole lathes are outside under a covered space so dress for being outdoors! - Please bring a packed lunch and drinking water. You may also wish to bring a notebook and pen to take notes. ABOUT THE VENUE & PENGELLI FOREST: We have a beautiful timber framed workshop and covered outdoor work area nestled in Pengelli Forest. The woodland plots we coppice are just a 10 minute walk from the workshop. Pengelli Forest is situated a few miles from the coast in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and is a very special place. It is a 163 acre richly diverse ancient woodland, one of the largest of its type remaining in Wales. Some of the forest is thought to have been wooded since the end of the last Ice Age – 10,000 years ago! It is one of Wales’ National Nature Reserves and an important habitat for many species. It also has a long and deep history stretching centuries as a working woodland from a valuable resource for local people to timber for World War II.

What's included in the price?

- All materials and tool provided. - You will be able to take home your turned item(s). - We will provide tea and coffee. - Please bring a packed lunch and drinking water.

Cancellation policy

Medium - Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 4 weeks before the course starts

Maker

Coppicewood College

with Craft Courses since 2012

Message the tutor

We are a registered charity and small education centre dedicated to sustainable woodland management, green woodworking and woodland crafts. We are unique in that we only use traditional hand tools and are lucky enough to have a beautiful timber framed workshop set in the ancient woodland of Pengelli Forest. Our materials are provided by the forest in which we work and largely by the students on our 6 month LANTRA accredited Woodland Skills Course. We provide in-depth and considerate learning at a pace which allows real understanding and skill development. We weave together theory, practical skills and preparation for employment opportunities. We are a friendly bunch of people who have been bringing together learners, volunteers, stewards and general tree and craft lovers for almost 20 years!