Workshops

Woodturning Workshops

Workshops are designed to help you further your abilities in segmented woodturning. Each class has a tentative schedule, but Curt likes to work with you in your specific area of interest. You will be provided with an in-depth understanding of the process of segmented woodturning from moisture content to grain orientation, as well as getting better cuts and doing less sanding on your work.

The classes run throughout the year in southeast Wyoming in Curt’s well-equipped shop, typically Thursday through Saturday. Three meals a day will be provided with Curt and his family. A list of nearby accommodations will be sent upon registration. Workshop cost is $500 for three days.

If you want to begin segmented woodturning or push your abilities to the next level, give me a call at 307-245-3310

Summer/Fall 2006 Schedule:

I will be teaching a five-day hands-on segmented turning workshop at Marc Adams School of Woodworking, September 5-9, 2006. Check web site for details.

Why Choose Me for a Demonstrator or Workshop Instructor?

Segmented turning by definition is gluing multiple pieces of wood together and creating an interesting effect utilizing the different colors of wood. The easiest way to construct a segmented turning is not always the best. If the builder has neither concept nor concern about grain orientation, the segmented turning will crack and come apart. Wood by nature is hydroscopic; it absorbs and releases moisture depending on relative humidity. This process never ends even when the wood has been finished. 

In my earlier segmented tuning, I paid no attention to grain direction, and all those pieces have developed gaps/cracks which mean that the grain orientation is wrong and they are coming apart. There are many contemporary segmented turners whose work looks quite stunning and impressive, but upon closer examination, these pieces are a recipe for disaster because of improper grain orientation, overly thick walls and loose joints showing glue.

Even though a segmented turning is made from multiple pieces of wood, it should be the goal of the maker to have it stay together in one cohesive segmented bowl. I learned the hard way about the do’s and don’ts of segmented turning on the platter shown at left. After spending 80 hours building the platter, it came apart several months later when the relative humidity dropped. I learned from that disaster that the easiest way is hardly ever the best way to build a segmented turning.
Upon close examination of my segmented turnings you will discover that, with very few exceptions, the grain runs in the same direction, thus creating a dimensionally stable turning that endures the seasonal changes that occur each year and will not crack or come apart. Precise measurements are also critical. I work in thousandths of an inch rather than sixteenths or thirty-seconds. The glue joints have to fit perfectly or a loose joint will occur. A loose joint is one where glue is visible; no matter how minute this is, it is unacceptable to me. The wood must fit precisely or I will not glue the pieces together. Glue will only magnify the loose joint. Some may say close is good enough, and their belief is obvious upon closer examination of their segmented turnings. Some may say I go to extremes in fitting the pieces of wood in my work, but I challenge anyone to find a loose joint in one of my turnings.