Beginning Bowl Turning with Mark Gardner

Step up to the lathe and turn your very first wooden bowl in this hands-on, 1-day introductory workshop with acclaimed Saluda woodturner Mark Gardner.
Designed specifically for beginners, this course demystifies the woodturning lathe and equips students with essential safety, mounting, and tool-handling techniques. Mark guides students step-by-step through the process of shaping, hollowing, and finishing a small functional hardwood bowl from a raw wood blank.

Through live demonstrations and dedicated one-on-one coaching, participants will cover:
Lathe Mechanics & Safety: Understanding lathe controls, speeds, mounting faceplates, and operating scroll chucks safely.
Gouge & Chisel Technique: Learning proper body positioning and tool-presentation angles for smooth, controlled cuts using bowl gouges.
Form & Wall Thickness: Shaping the exterior profile, establishing a solid foot/recess, and evenly hollowing the bowl interior.
Sanding & Food-Safe Finishing: Refining turned surfaces on the lathe and applying protective, non-toxic wood oils.

Students will leave the workshop with a completed, hand-turned wooden bowl and the foundational confidence to continue pursuing lathe work independently.

What Students Should Bring
Face shield or safety glasses
N95 dust mask or respirator
Hair tie (for long hair; no loose clothing or dangling jewelry permitted near lathes)