Les Thorne: Skew & Spindle Gouge
Time to Befriend the Chisel!
The skew chisel has a fearsome reputation. Les Thorne has spent 25 years using it daily as a production turner and it's his most-used tool. This class is about changing your relationship with this oft worried about tool.
You'll learn planing cuts, peeling cuts, V-cuts, and beads (with the spindle gouge). You'll understand why catches happen and how to avoid them as Les will be right beside you, seeing the subtle things that cause problems.
£180 per person | Saturday | Maximum 5 students
Spindle turners who've avoided the skew. Self-taught turners with ingrained habits. Anyone ready to refine their spindle work. Production-curious turners who want efficient techniques. Some turning experience required.
Who is this Class for?
Your Tutor - Les thorne RPT
Les has been on the Register of Professional Turners since 2001. He took the old school route into the craft: years of production work and the simple discipline of visualise the shape, then turn the shape. He's turned columns for houses, candlesticks for churches, staircase spindles — no job too small or too large.
Les runs his production business from The Woodturning School workshop and occasionally teaches classes here. His approach is direct and practical, shaped by decades of making things that actually have to work.
Les’ own website is HERE
- Spindle Roughing Gouge - Skew Chisel - 3/8″ Spindle Gouge -
- Diamond Parting Tool -
We recommend you bring your own freshly sharpened tools if you have them.
Tools Used
Book Your Place
Booking your place is simple. The calendar shows the next available date.
Click the date, then click the time. Then fill in some details and pay the deposit. We’ll look after the rest for you.
The day
9am: Meet at the Garden Centre Coffeeshop
9.30am: Workshop begins
12.30pm: Lunch at the Coffeeshop (included)
1.00pm: Carry on
2.30pm: Coffee break
4pm: Finish and tidy.
Included: All timber, tools, consumables, safety equipment, lunch, refreshments, your Carved Bowl to take home.
Payments
A deposit of 30% is required to secure your booking. This deposit is non-refundable in the event of cancellation by the client. It covers, buying materials and advertising your space in the event of cancellation. Amendments can be made up to 14 days before date for £10 admin fee. Cancelling within 14 days will forfeit all monies paid. Click HERE for full terms and conditions.
Queries?
Before contacting us, please take a moment to check our FAQs. You'll often find the answer you're looking for is already there.