Woodturning Class: Intro to Pen Turning

Learn basic woodturning skills with our woodwork short courses in Sydney!

If you want to learn and develop your woodturning skills, this course is for you!

This Pen Turning course will introduce you to the fundamentals of pen making. You will be learning how to prepare your materials for pen turning through to using a wood lathe, finishing and assembling the pens. You will be given detailed instructions on lathe basics, woodturning using a spindle roughing gouge, drilling methods and finishing techniques. No prior woodworking skills are needed.

Learn how to turn pens and develop your skills in woodturning with our Introduction to Woodwork: Pen Turning Course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this woodturning course, you should be able to:

• Introduced to a wood lathe
• Prepare a substrate for mounting onto a wood lathe
• Set up for turning a pen blank
• Turn a pen using a spindle roughing gouge on a wood lathe 
• Prepare the pen for finishing
• Finish Pen
• Assemble Pen ready for use
• Have a finished pen that you can write with

Course content

What will be covered in this woodturning course?

• Prepare timber, find centres and mount on the lathe between centres.
• Sand and finish

Intended audience

Who is this woodturning course for?

This workshop is for the beginner woodworker who has no experience with the wood lathe or is a woodturner who has never turned a pen before.

Course venue

Timberbits

12 Gerald Street, Marrickville NSW

This venue is within walking distance from Sydenham station (600m).

Class Materials

All equipment and material is provided by Timberbits.

• PPE: PPE will be provided on the day but you must be wearing covered toe shoes. You’re also encouraged to bring your own PPE (Eyewear, ear muffs, etc) if you like as it’s likely you’ll be more comfortable wearing your own gear.
• Tools: Tools will be provided however if you own any hand tools that may be relevant to the class, you should bring them along so you can further familiarise yourself with your own tools and learn how to maintain them.

Requirements and Safety

• You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, protective eyewear and ear protection however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available.
• You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
• Aprons will be provided but please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust or glue).
• Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.
• For your own safety, facilitator instructions regarding the correct use of tools and equipment must be followed at all times.
• Any people thought to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol will not be able to take part in the workshop.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Please be advised that classes held by Timberbits do not permit class credit, transfers, or refunds for any enrolments.
• Meal breaks – Lunch will be from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. You will need to bring your own lunch. We have a fridge and freezer to store your food as well as a microwave and kettle if required.
• Please ensure you will be able to attend all sessions of the course. If you miss one or more sessions, it will become quite difficult to catch up and learn the skills safely.
• Please don't wear your best clothing
• Please don't wear any jewellery
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Wear closed-in shoes