Les Thorne: Skew and Spindle Gouge Class
Cost: £170.00 per person
Please note: This class is not suitable for beginners. You'll need prior experience on the lathe and a working knowledge of basic spindle turning.
The skew chisel has a reputation. It's versatile, capable of beautiful work, and absolutely unforgiving if you get it wrong. This class is about understanding why it behaves the way it does and how to use it properly.
Les has been a professional production turner for over 25 years. He uses the skew daily for everything from smooth planing cuts to fine detail work. This is a chance to learn from someone who's spent decades figuring out what works.
Over the course of the day, Les will cover:
How the skew is designed and why each part matters
Setting up the tool rest and your body position correctly
Planing cuts, peeling cuts, V-cuts, and beads
How to avoid catches (and what to do when they happen anyway)
Using the spindle gouge alongside the skew for different effects
You'll get hands-on time at the lathe with Les nearby to guide you through the tricky bits. By the end of the day, you should have a clearer understanding of how the tool works and enough practice to keep building confidence back in your own workshop.
Groups are small — maximum five students — so there's time for individual feedback.
Bring your own tools if you have them, ideally freshly sharpened. If you don't, we'll provide everything you need.
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Book up to 9 Months in advance. Bookings close 15 days before date.
Use the calendar to select the next available date of your chosen class.
Select the number of people you wish to book.
Click on the start time below the calendar, then choose 'Select and Continue’.
Add your name, mobile number and email address.
Indicate the name(s) of the person(s) coming and their level of experience.
Pay your non-refundable deposit of 30% of the booking total.
Your card details will be securely stored with the payment gateway (Stripe).After deposit payment has been made, a confirmation email will be sent to you.
Fourteen Days before the day, we will remind you that we will take your between 10 and 14 days before the class using the stored card details. A receipt will be sent.
You will receive your final joining instructions five days before the day. If you booked for someone else, please make sure you forward these details to them.
More Information
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![A person wearing safety goggles and a protective helmet using a woodworking lathe to shape a piece of wood.]()
Your Day Includes:
- A place on a group of up to 5 students
- Timber
- Use of machinery
- Use of Tools (You can bring your own)
- Use of any consumables or other items
- Lunch at the onsite coffee shop
- Refreshments
- PPE and Insurance -
![Collage of four images: sandwiches with potato salad and coleslaw, a cappuccino or latte in a gold-rimmed cup, an empty table in a cozy cafe, and a plate of beef stew with mashed potatoes and greens.]()
Timings
- 9.00am: Meet at the Tree House Coffee Shop at the Garden Centre.
- 9.30am: Start to make shavings!
- 12.30pm: Back to the coffee shop for lunch
- 1.00pm: More shavings to complete the project pieces
- 4.00pm: End of the day, sweep and tidy.The day may run over to give everyone time to finish their pieces.
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![Close-up of four metal chisels or tools with pointed and beveled tips, standing upright on a surface.]()
Tools Used
- Spindle Roughing Gouge
- Skew Chisel
- 3/8″ Spindle Gouge
- Diamond Parting ToolWe recommend you bring your own freshly sharpened tools if you have them.
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![A woodworking workshop with various machines and tools, including lathes, saws, and workbenches, in a well-organized space.]()
Payment, Changes & Cancellations
- 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.
Meet 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
Questions About This Class?
Drop us a line with your query about this class and we will get back to you as quickly as possible.
