Woodturning Classes by Frank DiDomizio - April to December
I will teach, instruct and guide you through the essentials of how to be proficient in woodturning - the subtle things that you absolutely cannot learn on YouTube. I bring over 24 years of woodturning experience to my teaching and woodturning classes. This has been developed through a combination of formal training, self development and advanced workshops with world re-noun woodturning artists (see Artist Resume page).
Covid Restrictions: I have started teaching classes again after the last half of April 2022. Masks covering the face and nose will be worn by both the student and myself throughout the entire class. This also helps to keep the dust out of your lungs. Students will bring their own food and beverages for the day and access to my home will be only for use of the bathroom. These general requirements have been in place for past students and it has worked out fine, without any issues or problems.
All woodturning classes offered are one-on-one and are held at my studio in Selwyn Ontario, just outside of Peterborough. Two full size lathes are available in my studio. All materials, turning tools, safety equipment and thorough handout notes will be provided. Another bonus to the class is that I provide students access to my private YouTube videos which summarize the introductory class. This is really handy for people to review after the class. I can also handle up to 2 people if there are two individuals or a couple that wish to take a workshop together. Most students are at the beginner to intermediate level, but all levels of turners are welcome. The woodturning class makes a great surprise birthday present for your partner, I have had many take a class this way and they all thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Classes are listed below and can be customized depending on the interest and skills of the student. The prices are based on a one-on-one woodturning class, which is mostly the way I teach. The price/person will be adjusted for a group of 2 individuals in a woodturning class.
To book a woodturning class, email me from the Contact page on this website.
Download my one page woodturning class flier below:
Covid Restrictions: I have started teaching classes again after the last half of April 2022. Masks covering the face and nose will be worn by both the student and myself throughout the entire class. This also helps to keep the dust out of your lungs. Students will bring their own food and beverages for the day and access to my home will be only for use of the bathroom. These general requirements have been in place for past students and it has worked out fine, without any issues or problems.
All woodturning classes offered are one-on-one and are held at my studio in Selwyn Ontario, just outside of Peterborough. Two full size lathes are available in my studio. All materials, turning tools, safety equipment and thorough handout notes will be provided. Another bonus to the class is that I provide students access to my private YouTube videos which summarize the introductory class. This is really handy for people to review after the class. I can also handle up to 2 people if there are two individuals or a couple that wish to take a workshop together. Most students are at the beginner to intermediate level, but all levels of turners are welcome. The woodturning class makes a great surprise birthday present for your partner, I have had many take a class this way and they all thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Classes are listed below and can be customized depending on the interest and skills of the student. The prices are based on a one-on-one woodturning class, which is mostly the way I teach. The price/person will be adjusted for a group of 2 individuals in a woodturning class.
To book a woodturning class, email me from the Contact page on this website.
Download my one page woodturning class flier below:
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Woodturning Fundamentals – 1 Day for $230
Woodturning Fundamentals covers introduction to the lathe, turning tools , sharpening, basic spindle turning and basic bowl turning. This class is for beginners with little or no turning experience.
Introductory Bowl Turning – 1 Day for $230
Introductory Bowl Turning covers introduction to the lathe, bowl turning tools, bowl gouge sharpening and a focus on bowl turning. It includes cutting to eliminate tear-out, shear scraping, grain/cutting direction, mounting techniques with the scroll chuck and power sanding. Although not necessary, basic turning skills will be helpful for this class.
Intermediate Woodturning – 2 days for $410 or 3 days for $590
Intermediate Woodturning covers introduction to the lathe, turning tools and general sharpening as well as spindle, vase, bowl and platter turning as time allows. It includes cutting to eliminate tear-out, shear scraping, grain/cutting direction, mounting techniques and power sanding. Basic turning skills will be helpful for this class.
Intermediate Bowl and Platter Turning – 2 Days for $410
Intermediate Bowl and Platter Turning covers introduction to the lathe, bowl turning tools and bowl gouge sharpening as well as bowl turning and platter turning. It includes cutting to eliminate tear-out, shear scraping, grain/cutting direction, mounting techniques, power sanding and some simple embellishment techniques for platters. Basic turning skills will be helpful for this class.
Typical Class Projects
- Beginner - Mallet or bud vase for spindle turning
- Beginner - Basic bowl
- Beginner/intermediate - Platter or plate
- Intermediate - Live edge bowl
- Intermediate - Goblet
- Intermediate - Open vase
- Intermediate - Viking bowl
- Intermediate - Side grain box with lid
- Intermediate/advanced - Square bowl
Testimonials and Feedback
Gord 2022
Thank you for a very enjoyable day. I am so glad I took the time to take your introductory woodturning course. I now have a much better understanding of the equipment, tools and techniques to (safely) start my woodturning journey. I was so impressed with your thoroughness, professionalism and attention to detail. I hope one day I'm able to follow in your footsteps. I will definitely be back for more classes and instruction.
Thank you for a very enjoyable day. I am so glad I took the time to take your introductory woodturning course. I now have a much better understanding of the equipment, tools and techniques to (safely) start my woodturning journey. I was so impressed with your thoroughness, professionalism and attention to detail. I hope one day I'm able to follow in your footsteps. I will definitely be back for more classes and instruction.
Dorothy 2022
Thanks again for the class. You are an amazing teacher, and so patient. Yes, it’s a lot to absorb in one day, but I’m confident that I’ll get the hang of things eventually.
Thanks again for the class. You are an amazing teacher, and so patient. Yes, it’s a lot to absorb in one day, but I’m confident that I’ll get the hang of things eventually.
Daphne and Holly 2022
I recently took the one-day basic bowl making class along with my friend. Frank is an amazing, patient teacher -he explained the basic theory of woodturning to us, then worked very hard, going between two lathes, to give each of us the attention and help we needed. I had never tried anything like this before, and thanks to Frank’s constant help and encouragement, found that I really enjoyed turning the wood. I love the bowl and platter that I made and highly recommend taking this course. I’ll be back!
I recently took the one-day basic bowl making class along with my friend. Frank is an amazing, patient teacher -he explained the basic theory of woodturning to us, then worked very hard, going between two lathes, to give each of us the attention and help we needed. I had never tried anything like this before, and thanks to Frank’s constant help and encouragement, found that I really enjoyed turning the wood. I love the bowl and platter that I made and highly recommend taking this course. I’ll be back!
Rodger 2022
Just wanted to say thanks for the great day yesterday - I had a great time. A few friends came over last night, and they were all very impressed with the live edge bowl.
Just wanted to say thanks for the great day yesterday - I had a great time. A few friends came over last night, and they were all very impressed with the live edge bowl.
Brian 2021:
My thanks Frank for an excellent two-day course on platters, bowls, and an introduction to hollow form turning. Your focus on skills created a strong foundation from which to move to more challenging projects. Each form that we worked with inspired me to try new projects including a hollow form walnut vase that is my first commission. Well paced with lots of great recommendations for turning and sharpening. Highly recommended!
My thanks Frank for an excellent two-day course on platters, bowls, and an introduction to hollow form turning. Your focus on skills created a strong foundation from which to move to more challenging projects. Each form that we worked with inspired me to try new projects including a hollow form walnut vase that is my first commission. Well paced with lots of great recommendations for turning and sharpening. Highly recommended!
Dave 2021:
My two day class with Frank was informative and productive. Frank has a top notch workshop that is fully equipped. I have been turning for about two years but needed to have my technique and general knowledge of turning improved. It was very helpful to have Frank close at hand to watch and correct what I was doing. It can be a very fine line between a proper cut and smooth finish and a scrape and tear. I look forward to practicing what I was shown and to becoming a more efficient turner. Over the two days we covered a lot of material on sharpening, grain, tools, wood preparation and process. We also discussed finishing options. Frank supplied good notes with the class that can provide future reference for supplies and further research. Frank is very knowledgeable and skilled and shares this with patience and encouragement. The shop is located on a beautiful property on Chemong Lake. I enjoyed my lunch breaks overlooking the lake.
My two day class with Frank was informative and productive. Frank has a top notch workshop that is fully equipped. I have been turning for about two years but needed to have my technique and general knowledge of turning improved. It was very helpful to have Frank close at hand to watch and correct what I was doing. It can be a very fine line between a proper cut and smooth finish and a scrape and tear. I look forward to practicing what I was shown and to becoming a more efficient turner. Over the two days we covered a lot of material on sharpening, grain, tools, wood preparation and process. We also discussed finishing options. Frank supplied good notes with the class that can provide future reference for supplies and further research. Frank is very knowledgeable and skilled and shares this with patience and encouragement. The shop is located on a beautiful property on Chemong Lake. I enjoyed my lunch breaks overlooking the lake.
Peter 2021:
Good morning Frank; thanks for your patient instruction yesterday. I was totally impressed with your seminar preparation and especially ways of cutting wood from trees for turning. Thanks again
Good morning Frank; thanks for your patient instruction yesterday. I was totally impressed with your seminar preparation and especially ways of cutting wood from trees for turning. Thanks again
Bob 2019:
Thank you kindly for the warm hospitality you showed me yesterday. Frank, I can’t begin to express how much I enjoyed spending the day with you. Your patience, professionalism and passion is evident. Would love to get together in the spring for another session. Meanwhile I will put in my thousand hours. You have lit the passion in me.
Thank you kindly for the warm hospitality you showed me yesterday. Frank, I can’t begin to express how much I enjoyed spending the day with you. Your patience, professionalism and passion is evident. Would love to get together in the spring for another session. Meanwhile I will put in my thousand hours. You have lit the passion in me.
Peter 2019:
Today I had a one on one turning class with Frank DiDomizio in Selwyn, near Bridgenorth. Best money I spent so far on his new hobby. Frank and Helen were charming hosts, provided a nice lunch and refreshments but most of all I learned what I had been doing wrong with my tools and Frank critiqued 9 of my first bowl attempts. And we actually turned a relatively large bowl and a platter that I brought home!
Today I had a one on one turning class with Frank DiDomizio in Selwyn, near Bridgenorth. Best money I spent so far on his new hobby. Frank and Helen were charming hosts, provided a nice lunch and refreshments but most of all I learned what I had been doing wrong with my tools and Frank critiqued 9 of my first bowl attempts. And we actually turned a relatively large bowl and a platter that I brought home!
Elie 2018:
Spending the day with you was an amazing experience. The course demonstrates your deep understanding of the craft, both the technical aspects, as well as the artistic perspectives. The constant blending of refining my technique with commentary on why certain approaches are preferred, or the subtleties of some of the choices we make in design and how they are perceived left me feeling that every moment was a learning opportunity on multiple levels. I can only hope that as I look at my completed projects from the day, I can recall all that you taught me.
Spending the day with you was an amazing experience. The course demonstrates your deep understanding of the craft, both the technical aspects, as well as the artistic perspectives. The constant blending of refining my technique with commentary on why certain approaches are preferred, or the subtleties of some of the choices we make in design and how they are perceived left me feeling that every moment was a learning opportunity on multiple levels. I can only hope that as I look at my completed projects from the day, I can recall all that you taught me.
Jacques 2018:
I wanted to thank you for the great two days spent in your turning class. Based on your work you are obviously a highly accomplished turner but also a great teacher. I learned a lot and can't wait to apply my new found knowledge at my lathe. I would recommend your classes to both novice turners as well as more advanced turners. Thanks again.
I wanted to thank you for the great two days spent in your turning class. Based on your work you are obviously a highly accomplished turner but also a great teacher. I learned a lot and can't wait to apply my new found knowledge at my lathe. I would recommend your classes to both novice turners as well as more advanced turners. Thanks again.
Andreas 2018:
I really spent a wonderful day. You are a great teacher and your hands-on instructions, useful tips and general knowledge of woodturning are such a wonderful resource for anybody who wants to learn more about woodturning. I feel that just during that one day class with you my woodturning has evolved more than in several months of learning on my own.
I really spent a wonderful day. You are a great teacher and your hands-on instructions, useful tips and general knowledge of woodturning are such a wonderful resource for anybody who wants to learn more about woodturning. I feel that just during that one day class with you my woodturning has evolved more than in several months of learning on my own.
Dana 2018:
Frank is fantastic. It was my first time woodturning, and I did not know what to expect. It was amazing! Frank gave me a good understanding of the theory and then gently guided me on my first attempts to turn wood. It is a very challenging activity! But even if it is your first time, he lets you do it yourself, and corrects your work just enough to guarantee a good result, showing you the perfect technique. I had so much fun that time flew by! in the end, I could not believe how beautiful were the two pieces we did together. He is a very talented artist and a great teacher.
Frank is fantastic. It was my first time woodturning, and I did not know what to expect. It was amazing! Frank gave me a good understanding of the theory and then gently guided me on my first attempts to turn wood. It is a very challenging activity! But even if it is your first time, he lets you do it yourself, and corrects your work just enough to guarantee a good result, showing you the perfect technique. I had so much fun that time flew by! in the end, I could not believe how beautiful were the two pieces we did together. He is a very talented artist and a great teacher.
Sal 2017:
Artistic, passionate, adaptable, patient and knowledgeable: these words epitomize Frank's approach to teaching and learning relative to the art of wood turning. Not only does he provide thorough and detailed step-by-step notes relative to the projects you are working on, but his commitment towards ensuring you are comfortable with the tools, materials, and equipment is without compromise. Frank has a unique and intuitive ability to gauge the students skill level and to coach the student to a point of independence with the work. Prior to my first class with Frank I hadn’t turned since shop class in high school, nearly 20 years ago. I do have a disclaimer though that anyone considering one of Franks classes should take seriously: once you start, you won’t be able to stop. Franks approach to teaching has reinvigorated my passion for turning. Anyone from the novice turner, such as myself, to the advanced turner, will benefit from Franks classes and approach. His keen interest in pushing the boundaries where creativity and inspiration meet the raw nature of the wood and mechanical nature of the lathe are what keep me coming back for more. I recommend one of Franks classes, or more than one, without reservation and with the greatest of enthusiasm.
Artistic, passionate, adaptable, patient and knowledgeable: these words epitomize Frank's approach to teaching and learning relative to the art of wood turning. Not only does he provide thorough and detailed step-by-step notes relative to the projects you are working on, but his commitment towards ensuring you are comfortable with the tools, materials, and equipment is without compromise. Frank has a unique and intuitive ability to gauge the students skill level and to coach the student to a point of independence with the work. Prior to my first class with Frank I hadn’t turned since shop class in high school, nearly 20 years ago. I do have a disclaimer though that anyone considering one of Franks classes should take seriously: once you start, you won’t be able to stop. Franks approach to teaching has reinvigorated my passion for turning. Anyone from the novice turner, such as myself, to the advanced turner, will benefit from Franks classes and approach. His keen interest in pushing the boundaries where creativity and inspiration meet the raw nature of the wood and mechanical nature of the lathe are what keep me coming back for more. I recommend one of Franks classes, or more than one, without reservation and with the greatest of enthusiasm.
Anthony 2017:
"There are many teachers who are passionate. There are teachers who are passionate, skilled and competent. There are teachers who are passionate, skilled, competent and communicate well. There are teachers who are passionate, skilled, competent, communicate and push the boundaries of their creative expressions. There are very rare breed of teachers who are passionate, skilled, competent, communicate, push the boundaries of their creative expressions and draw the same from their students. These are the ultimate. Frank is one such rare breed of teachers in wood turning. Frank's instruction is thorough, the teaching environment is very professional, less overwhelming and shop well equipped. I encourage everyone who is looking to wood turning as a hobby or as a profession or expression of their creative desire, look no further. Frank and his wonderful wife Helen are committed to students they come across, as no other."
"There are many teachers who are passionate. There are teachers who are passionate, skilled and competent. There are teachers who are passionate, skilled, competent and communicate well. There are teachers who are passionate, skilled, competent, communicate and push the boundaries of their creative expressions. There are very rare breed of teachers who are passionate, skilled, competent, communicate, push the boundaries of their creative expressions and draw the same from their students. These are the ultimate. Frank is one such rare breed of teachers in wood turning. Frank's instruction is thorough, the teaching environment is very professional, less overwhelming and shop well equipped. I encourage everyone who is looking to wood turning as a hobby or as a profession or expression of their creative desire, look no further. Frank and his wonderful wife Helen are committed to students they come across, as no other."
Bruce 2017:
Hi Frank,
A "small" note to say a "big" thank you for the time we spent yesterday in your studio. The thoroughness of your woodturning knowledge, your patience and the hospitality offered/provided by you and your wife Helen went way beyond my expectations. You have me very excited with my new venture into "woodturning", and while it will take me a long while to absorb much of your teachings, it was a great way to get introduced to woodworking in a safe and well-informed manner. Much thanks again....
Demonstrations and Seminars
I have been fortunate to demonstrate at a number of woodturning guilds in both Ontario and Florida and at the Turnfest Symposium. In addition I also gave an all day Seminar/Workshop on "Embellishing Your Platter" at a Regional Symposium and gave this workshop in 2018 at Lee Valley as well. At this point the demonstrations I have completed are as follows:
- Decorative Platters (covers the steps in turning a platter as well as many embellishing techniques)
- From Tree to Final Form (covers the overall process of cutting, preparing/drying and then final turning)
- How to Evaluate Your Creations (panel discussion with 2 other advanced level woodturners)
- Hollow form turning techniques
- Turning a thin bowl and then carving and burning the rim
- Turning square pieces
Handout for Turning Square pieces demo -
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The YouTube video shown below is from my Decorative Platters demonstration at Advantage Lumber for the Sarasota Woodturning Club in Florida. I completed the demonstration in February, 2018.
