Course: Pole lathe turning - introduction to spindle turning

"Bodging" aka pole lathe turning has seen a considerable revival over the past few years. If you've ever seen the bodger at the local country show, with the treadle bouncing up and down, shavings flying, revealing the finished item, maybe you would like to have a go yourself... This is an opportunity to spend a full day turning green wood on a pole lathe; it's absorbing fun, and the academics tell us it's highly therapeutic!

The venue for these sessions is in the workshop shelter set in the Herefordshire woodlands. The workshop is equipped with plenty of shave horses and pole lathes to enable learners to make a wide range of beautiful and functional items from fresh green wood, harvested from the surrounding woods. Possible projects include a rolling pin, a rounders bat, a spinning top or a mallet; or maybe you have your own ideas... Certainly one finished item, maybe two or more are achievable in the day.

The source of the materials is all around – Herefordshire woodlands are rich in ancient woodland, and we help to manage them in a sensitive and sustainable way. We use native hardwoods, harvested locally, to be crafted into a range of items, using traditional methods and simple hand tools.

Camping is available on site, please enquire.

Enjoy this ancient and absorbing craft, coached by an experienced artisan tutor, and take the fruits of your labour home with you at the end of the day!

What's included in the price?

All materials, tuition and use of tools are included.

We have a kettle fire circle with drinks and biscuits on hand.

Please bring a packed lunch on the day.