Confident learners in the making ...what can I make for you?

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Testimonials

The children, parents and teachers at Cascades ...

Christine McGill
Educational Services Pole Lathe Workshops
Pole Lathe Workshops PDF Print E-mail

I offer personal tuition for individuals or small groups in the use of the 'Pole Lathe'.

The 'Pole Lathe' is a traditional woodworking machine powered by a foot treadle. Working against the springiness of a long pole, it has been used throughout the world to turn 'green wood' into a wide variety of products.

As the centrepiece of the 'Bodgers' toolkit, it was used to produce such things as chair parts, spoons and bowls. Early settlers to NZ brought these skills with them in the 1840s.

The equipment is portable and available for demonstration at your school. Workshops are also available at my home, download my flyer for details.

Beginner Courses give insight into the basic processes of selecting and cutting timber, an understanding of the tools involved and the skills and practise in simple turning techniques. Consolidation Courses encourage you to extend and develop your skills still further by taking on a short personal project.

These workshops are ideal for
  • schools wishing to offer students the experience of the historic context of technology
  • hobby enthusiasts who want to get a taste for this unique craft
  • those that just want to have fun making things outdoors.

Contact me to make a booking.