Club Membership

Do you have a current interest in woodturning, or would like to give it a try?

Have you inherited a lathe from a relative/friend, or purchased a lathe and would like to learn how to apply turning techniques properly and safely?

We have a purpose fitted workshop, including 15 lathes, tools, and safety equipment, as well as a wealth of woodturning expertise.

Join us for woodturning in a friendly social environment.   We are happy to cater for absolute beginners thru to experienced woodturners.   Open to men and women of all ages and ethnicity.

The club operates weekly throughout most of the year (we are closed during December and January) at the current times:

  ✦    Tuesday        9:00am - 3:00pm    (bring your own lunch)

  ✦    Wednesday   6:00pm - 9:00pm

  ✦    Thursday      6:00pm - 9:00pm

        [Tea, coffee and milk are available for all turning sessions.

         The club also has a fridge and microwave oven]

We can offer you:

  ✦    Introduction to Lathes and Chisels and their correct use.

  ✦    Instruction on the safe use of other equipment

         (incl. bandsaws, grinding wheels, electric sanders, power sanding)

  ✦    Full access to the workshop, during opening hours.

  ✦    Guidance on wood finishes and polishing procedures.

  ✦    Supply of wood blanks (costs may apply).

  ✦    Advice on safety precautions, including use of associated equipment

        (incl. dust collector, room air filters, ear muffs, face masks, respirators).

  ✦    Support and discounts from suppliers.

  ✦    Weekly bulletin, and use of the club’s library.

  ✦    Friendly & supportive club members

          - happy to assist and share experiences.

  ✦    Periodic demonstrations from visiting, professional Woodturners

         (fees may apply).

If you are considering woodturning as a new hobby, then we can offer you a free trial.   This will give you a chance to meet existing club members.   During the trial we will show you the basic operation of a lathe, and how to set-up a wood blank for turning.   You will then be shown how to use one of the chisels to shape the wood.   You will have the opportunity to do this yourself under the watchful eye and guidance of our Tutor.

Just contact Murray (Membership Officer) to arrange a suitable day for your trial.   Contact details can be found on the About Us web page.

For those of you who already have some wood turning experience, or have completed a trial and wish to become a member of our club, then please download the following form and either send it to us, or bring it with you when you next visit the club.

[Note:  attendance at any given session can fluctuate during the year - due to other commitments, holidays, illness, etc.   Access to a session does depend on the availability of one of our 15 lathes.]

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New Members

New members will learn how to correctly and safely use the woodturning equipment.

Wood blanks, and consumables (e.g. finishing waxes, sandpaper) will be provided by the Club, during the induction programme.

Once you have successfully completed your initial induction, it is hoped that you are enjoying woodturning and are keen to apply your newly acquired skills.   At this stage you will need to make a moderate  investment in your new hobby by purchasing a basic toolbox and your own consumables.   The Club’s weekly bulletin (called the Tutor’s Tutorial, TT) is available providing a wealth of good advice to our members.   Past TTs can be referenced from a section of this web-site.   You will find that TTs are available giving suggestions on the content of your basic toolbox.

Although each lathe comes equipped with a basic set of woodturning equipment, it is anticipated that you will also want to invest in some of your own gear, such as:

   •  safety gear (coverall, goggles, dusk mask)

   •  chisels (e.g. tungsten-carbide tipped)

   •  chuck - enables you to leave a workpiece attached (to avoid problems re-refitting)

   •  faceplate - enables you to leave a workpiece attached (to avoid problems re-fitting)

A number of project workbooks are available (these can be purchased at a small cost) - these will guide you through the steps necessary to complete a specific turned item (refer to Library section of this web-site for a list of topics).

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