Classes

Curious about woodturning? This hands-on beginner class is the perfect place to start! You'll learn the fundamentals of using a wood lathe safely and confidently. Topics include lathe safety, how to mount wood, and an introduction to spindle turning techniques. By the end of class, you'll go home with your very own hand-turned honey dipper!

This is the first of two beginner-level classes. Each session builds your skills and prepares you for more advanced turning projects.

Your instructor, Matt Coleman, brings over 15 years of experience and a passion for helping makers meet their goals. Whether you're brand new to woodturning or just looking to refine your technique, Matt's here to guide you every step of the way.

Class Requirements

• Open to ages 16 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is also enrolled in the class.
• Please arrive on time. For your safety, anyone who misses the safety briefing will not be able to participate, and refunds will not be given.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose clothing. All hand and wrist jewelry must be removed.
• Safety goggles and face masks will be provided. If you wear prescription glasses, you're welcome to bring your own eye protection. Hearing protection is optional—feel free to bring your own if you'd prefer.

Want to keep turning? Explore more classes and project opportunities at MakerSpaceCharlotte.org.

Ready to take your woodturning skills to the next level? This advanced class is designed for students who have completed our Beginner Wood Lathe 101: Honey Dipper course. You'll build on the techniques learned in Part 1 as you turn your own 6" diameter wooden bowl to take home.

Pre-requisite: Completion of Beginner Wood Lathe 101: Honey Dipper is required before registering for this class.

At the end of this class, you'll leave with a beautifully turned bowl and a deeper understanding of bowl shaping and wood lathe technique.

Your instructor, Matt Coleman, brings over 15 years of experience and a passion for helping makers meet their goals. Whether you're brand new to woodturning or just looking to refine your technique, Matt's here to guide you every step of the way.

Class Requirements

• Open to ages 16 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is also enrolled in the class.
• Please arrive on time. For your safety, participants who miss the safety briefing will not be permitted to join and no refunds will be issued.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose clothing. All hand and wrist jewelry must be removed before class begins.
• Safety goggles and face shields will be provided. If you wear prescription glasses, feel free to bring your own eye protection. Hearing protection is optional — bring your own if you'd like!

Want to keep turning? Explore more classes and project opportunities at MakerSpaceCharlotte.org.

Ready to try the lathe? This hands-on class teaches you the art of pen turning — a classic beginner project that produces a finished, gift-worthy piece in a single session. You'll learn how to prepare a pen blank, drill and glue brass tubes, mount on a mandrel, and turn the blank to size and shape. We'll cover finishing techniques and final assembly using a pen kit. By the end of class, you'll go home with your very own hand-turned pen — ready to write with or give as a gift.

No prior experience required. This is a standalone beginner-friendly class — no prerequisite required.

Your instructor, Matt Coleman, brings over 15 years of woodturning experience and a passion for helping makers meet their goals. Whether you're brand new to woodturning or just looking to refine your technique, Matt's here to guide you every step of the way.

Class Requirements

• Open to ages 16 and up. Minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is also enrolled in the class.
• Please arrive on time. For your safety, anyone who misses the safety briefing will not be able to participate, and refunds will not be given.
• Wear closed-toe shoes and avoid loose clothing. All hand and wrist jewelry must be removed.
• Safety goggles and face masks will be provided. If you wear prescription glasses, you're welcome to bring your own eye protection. Hearing protection is optional — feel free to bring your own if you'd prefer.
• All materials are provided, including the pen kit, wood blank, and finishing supplies.

Want to keep turning? Explore more classes and project opportunities at MakerSpaceCharlotte.org.