——August 21-23——Pole Lathe Bowl Turning with Derek Brabender

Related Courses/Events: Woodworking Courses

Registration closes August 7 so the instructor can prepare materials.

Dates: Friday-Sunday, August 21-23, 2026 9am-5pm

Optional: Thursday, August 20, 6pm Turned Round: Museum Collections Craft Night Series presentation with Derek Brabender. Derek will present a slideshow about his recent wooden treen research.

Description: During this three-day intensive we will learn to axe out blanks from green wood and turn bowls. We will cover the basics of turning, cutting techniques, and bowl design. We will also discuss handling and storing green wood, sharpening, axe skills, and how to dry and finish your bowls. Beginners will be guided through the basics of turning open form bowls while those with experience or those who have taken the class before can take on more advanced techniques like end-grain cup turning, nests (multiple bowls from one piece of wood), and handled mugs. Instruction will be given according to your personal goals and skill level.

Students should be prepared for a very physically demanding class that requires a certain level of stamina, coordination, and physical strength as well as the ability to follow precise instructions with regard to safety. Students must be able to stand on one leg for extended periods of time and have the hand strength to open a sealed jar or swing an axe or hammer repeatedly. Ages 18 and up.

All tools, lathes, and materials will be provided.

If you would like to bring your own tools-optional:

• Axe

• Spoon or Hook knife

• Folding Saw

• Craft knife (Morakniv 106 or 120 recommended)

• Pole Lathe turning hooks

Click here to purchase POLE LATHE PLANS FOR BOWLS & CUPS or POLE LATHE TURNING HOOK TOOLS

Workshop fee: $325

Materials Fee: $40 to be paid directly to the instructor during class.

DEREK BRABENDER found his passion for green woodworking after carving his first spoon in 2014. What began as a fascination with spoon carving quickly grew into a broader exploration of crafting household treen. After taking his first turning course with Jarrod Dahl in 2017, pole lathe turning became the primary focus of Derek’s green woodworking practice. In 2024, Derek received an Artist Fellowship from the American Scandinavian Foundation to study advanced turning techniques and pole lathe pedagogy with Jarrod, explore the historical context of the pole lathe in Nordic countries, and build a set of lathes to increase public awareness and engagement with this craft and its importance to Scandinavian folk art. Derek lives with his family in Stoughton, WI. www.greenwoodspoons.com@green_wood_spoons