Classes Available
The AWA twice a year brings in professional woodturners to give an all-day demo and teach hands-on classes.
Rick Rich – February 12-15, 2025
Rick will be demonstrating and teaching classes. Rick is about technique – learning from the history of woodturning – and putting that learning into the art of woodturning. He enjoys using the skew and all that it will do for the woodturner with proper technique. Rick will have 3 classes before his demonstration on February 15th.
His website is PNWwoodturner
Video why to take a class or come to demo
“It’s not easy being a spindle turner in a club full of bowl turners.”
Practice, practice, repeat
I have found that the woodturning lessons from a century ago are still valuable today. The exercises present problems that must be solved through acquired skill. Only repeated practicing and a willingness to suffer a catch, or many catches, will reward the turner with this skill. When the tool makes a “run,” or spiraling catch, the turner must determine the reason and adjust the tool presentation accordingly. This kind of skill comes especially from proper hands-on instruction and, of course, repeated practice. (an excerpt from Rick’s article in the American Woodturner – v39 – 2024)
Video – Rick Introduces himself and his background
February 15, 2025 Sign up All-Day Demonstration 9:00am to 3:30pm
A demonstration you won’t want to miss. Rick will demonstrate turning raw blanks into completed pieces ready for final finishing. The demo includes a toddler’s stool (perfect for grandchildren!), wig-stand, candy dish and candlestick complete with turned candle, using a basic set of tools for faceplate, spindle work and lathe joinery.
The skew chisel and its versatility are a main part of these turnings. Rick’s demonstrations incorporate techniques based on learned procedures to show methods that reduce the chances of error and catches to a minimum. Rick’s skillful demonstrations are based on his ability to instruct, interest and inspire with safe practices, proper form and efficient tool use. His ultimate goal is to create useful craft items and promote excitement for the craft of woodturning.
“All about Technique” Flyer for the event to share.
AWA Member: $35.00 Family $50 In-person or Zoom available
Non-members: $40.00
At the Door $45.00 (if room available – Limit to 90 attendees.)
Demonstration includes: 3 leg stool, wig stand, 3-piece candy dish and candlesticks!
Hands-on Classes with Rick Rich
Hands on Teaching Style – video
Sign-up here
All classes:
9am to 4pm
Kundrat Learning Center, Gilbert, AZ
Member price: $120 per class – 7 students – wood supplied
Lunch included – let webmaster know if food allergies
February 12 – Candy Dish
Video from Rick about the class
Class description:
In this one-day class, learn the techniques of faceplate turning, on the lathe mortise and tenon joinery and skew based spindle turning.
Tool list needed for the class:
The lathes at KLC are: 1 1/4″ x 8
3⁄4 Spindle Roughing Gouge
3⁄4 Skew Chisel
3⁄8 Bowl Gouge
3⁄8 Spindle Gouge
1⁄8 Parting Tool
February 13 – Captive Ring Box
Video description by Rick of the Class
Class description:
The purpose of this class is to turn a captive ring box using traditional turning tools and a specialty captive ring tool.
Tool list needed for the class:
The lathes at KLC are: 1 1/4″ x 8
3⁄4 Spindle Roughing Gouge
½ or ¾ Skew Chisel
3⁄8 Spindle Gouge
Parting Tool
3/8 Captive Ring Tool
3/8 Beading Tool
Small round nose or French curve scraper (optional)
February 14 – 2×4 Spindles, Candlesticks
Video from Rick about this class
Class description:
The purpose of this class is to reinforce and enhance your knowledge, understanding and ability to correctly use traditional turning tools, perform on-lathe joinery and jam chucking
Tool list needed for the class:
The lathes at KLC are: 1 1/4″ x 8
3⁄4 Spindle Roughing Gouge
3⁄4 Skew Chisel
3⁄8 Bowl Gouge
3⁄8 Spindle Gouge
1⁄8 Parting Tool
Classes available in the area…
Past Professional Demonstrations…
Kundrat Learning Center
The AWA Learning center was created to promote the art of woodturning. Classes are scheduled frequently at the Kundrat Learning Center (KLC) in Gilbert. Check out their page in the member’s only section. Classes also available on the calendar.
Turners Warehouse
Turners Warehouse in Gilbert has many classes available and staff to support your needs.
Southwest School of Woodworking
621 N. 7th Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85007
480-734-0274
Steve Newberry
demonstrated how to make a one piece Teapot on November 16, 2024. This demo is available to those who paid for the demonstration. Click here for the password protected page.
Elizabeth Weber
All-day Demo February 17, 2024 – this demo is available to those who paid for the demonstration. Click here for password protected page.
Sally Ault
This demo is available to those who paid for the demonstration. Click here for your password protected page to view Sally’s demo from Nov 18, 2023.