Wood Turning for Beginners

Two Day Workshop

Learn to turn wood into household items, for use in your own home or as gifts.

Open to complete beginners, this course will equip you with the skills and confidence needed to begin, or continue your journey in wood turning. Throughout the course the participants will be able to work on a few projects of their choice.

Want to gift this skill to someone? Vouchers available here

On the course, you’ll learn:

  • Workshop safety, workings of the lathe, spindle turning and faceplate turning.

  • End grain and cross grain turning.

  • Upkeep and maintenance of your tools, chisels sharpening,  and lathe safety.

You can expect to work through a couple of projects as you sample both spindle and faceplate work. You will be guided through the process in a supportive and encouraging environment and pick up a range of essential skills along the way. Even if you have worked with a lathe before, all are welcome to hone their skills without having to invest in a woodturning lathe just yet. 

What will you take away?

You will have the opportunity to make and complete a new piece to take home. You will have the freedom to practice the techniques you have learned and apply them right away. Some examples of what you might take home are mallets, rolling pins, stool legs, bowls, plates and other decorative pieces.

You’ll also leave with connections to other budding woodturners, who you’ll be able to keep in touch with through membership of our community app, The Commonage.

What’s included?

The course fee of €380 fees cover tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals each day curated by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed. 

Additional Information

  • We will provide you with a loan of a safety equipment for this course.

    For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted, and you should wear long sleeves when in the workshop.

  • For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our FAQs page.

Staying at The Common Knowledge Centre

We now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. You can view available accommodation on our booking page. When booking your course, you will receive a 10% discount on accommodation.

Instructing this course

  • Martin Doyle

    Martin has worked with his hands from a young age. Inspired by his grandfather and fathers trades, and having access to lathes, machines and tools while growing up he found wood turning and wood working very interesting. He started his own woodworking projects, and eventually worked alongside his father making musical instruments. Working with carpenters and joiners he incorporated woodturning for film props, restoration, architectural and interior projects whilst always finding time for his own craftwork. Martin is looking forward to sharing these skills with you.

Want to gift this skill to someone you love?

Gift Vouchers available here