Skill Builder – Art of Spindle Turning Course – Mondays – Sept 2025

Skill Builders are in-depth, hands-on courses designed for those ready to dive deeper into a specific craft discipline.  Whether you’re developing your skills for personal practice or working toward becoming a Benchspace Maker, these courses focus on building confidence, technique, and creative independence through guided, project-based learning.

Shape with confidence – Master the Spindle
If you want to build on your woodturning experience with a focus on spindle turning, this hands-on Skill Stacker course is for you – covering essential techniques with the spindle gouge and skew chisel and creating a captive ring.
Over four weeks, you’ll learn how to shape and refine spindle forms with precision and confidence.  Working directly on the lathe, you’ll practice essential techniques for turning stair spindles, chair legs, lamps, and other classic shapes, while building good habits for tool use and safe workshop practice.
This shorter, focused course is perfect if you want to expand your turning skills beyond the basics or prefer a clear, project-driven approach.  With a small group size – limited to just 5 participants – you’ll enjoy individual guidance, plenty of lathe time, and the chance to finish a set of beautifully turned spindles by the end of the course.

Who can Join:  This is a Beginner-Level Course, delivering focus specific woodturning skills and hands-on experience, and suitable for Adults 18+ of all skill levels.  If your goal is to build a broader foundation in woodturning, we recommend our Adventures in Woodturning course.  Good hand-eye coordination and the ability to follow safety instructions are essential.

What’s Included:

• • All materials and use of workshop tools
  • Step-by-step instruction on safe machine use by experienced tutors
  • Small group learning environment
  • Individual support and feedback
  • Your own completed woodturned pieces

Here’s what you’ll Learn:

• • Health & safety best practices
  • Lathe setup and safe operation
  • Tool types, use, and sharpening
  • Woodturning techniques for shaping and forming
  • Using the spindle gouge and skew chisel
  • Working between centres
  • Creating a captive ring
  • Sanding, finishing, and surface enhancement

Where to Go:  This class is held in our BS2.0 workshop located at Eircode T12 A21E.

Please read our terms and conditions here before booking.  Any questions? Email hello@benchspacecork.ie

Curious About What’s Next?  Looking to build on your new skills? Our Skill Stacker workshops, like Intro to Bowl Turning, offer the perfect next step to deepen your woodturning practice.  If your goal is to build a broader foundation in woodturning, we recommend our Adventures in Woodturning course.  Visit our website for our full schedule, or subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated on new releases.

Here’s what to Wear:  Avoid wearing loose clothing and jewellery and don’t forget to tie back long hair.  Closed toe shoes are required on all of our workshop floors.  If you need glasses for close up work, don’t forget to bring them.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):  PPE will be provided for all courses that require it.  It must be worn as directed.  All specialist equipment and materials will be provided.

Want to give the Gift of Creativity?  Gift Vouchers can be used for all our classes and courses. Visit here to purchase.