Traditional Country Woodcraft Part II is a continuation of techniques introduced in Part I (however, Part I is not a pre-requisite). We will discuss 'green' (or unprocessed) woodworking tools and techniques in general but will quickly focus on the Pole Lathe and on green wood lathe turning. A demonstration of the traditional 'Abbott'-style lathe and the Viking Lathe will be given.

Each student will make their own Abbott-style pole lathe. Working with freshly milled materials we will use traditional hand-tools to assemble our lathes.

Having finished the lathe we will go on to introduce the use of general turning tools and begin with turning simple spindles. We will advance quickly to bowl turning with a mandrel and specific hand-forged bowl turning tools. A specific turning project, such as a spindle stool or a turned wooden bowl, will be chosen by each student.

Throughout the week a number of discussion and demonstrations will be given regarding many aspects of traditional country woodcrafts, including discussions of important books, manuals, and other resources.

COURSE OUTLINE
I. Introduction to Green woodworking
History
Techniques
Tools

II. Pole Lathe Demonstration
Abbott-style Lathe vs. Viking Lathe

III. Discussion of components of Abbott-style Pole Lathe

IV. Cut and Assemble A-frame legs.

Tuesday
I. Morning discussion
Introduction to Mike Abbott, Ben Orford, Robin Woods, and others.

II. Cut, finish, assemble lathe bed.

III. Begin poppet construction

Wednesday
I. Morning discussion
Demonstration: Turning bowls with Mandrel and Ben Orford turning tools

II. Finish poppets

III. Make treadle

IV. Choose Spring Pole or Saplings for Bungee

V. Review Turning tools

Thursday
I. Morning Discussion
Other Green woodworking areas and projects
Bowl carving stool demonstration

II. Finish Final Lathe Assembly

II. Begin Turning Projects
Spindle Stool or Bowl

Friday
I. Morning Demonstration
TBA

II. Finish Turning Projects.

Instructor Kevin Kiwak: "After attending the Heartwood School in 1993 my goals and priorities were dramatically transformed. Eventually leaving a professional career, I went on to build my own timber-framed home. For the last decade I have homesteaded in Southern Berkshire County where my family and I farm and I pursue a number of traditional hand-tool country crafts, including chairmaking, pole-lathe bowl turning, spoon carving, weaving, broom-making, and timber framing."

Enrollment is limited to 12 people.

There is a $75 materials fee per person for this class in addition to tuition.