Fall 2026
November 30- December 4

Class size: 12
Cost: $1,070
Materials: $150

Many turners are familiar with the basic and approachable shapes that are achievable with commonly available gouges and scrapers. For those looking to take their turnings to the next level and learn multiple new skillsets in the process, this class will dive into the world of learning to create hollow form turnings, and you will even learn to make your own tools.

Hollow form turning has become a popular technique because of the intricate and refined shapes that you can create. While a typical bowl or vase has a wide rim opening, making the interior easily accessible and visible, a hollow turned vessel has a narrow rim opening, requiring specialized tools and techniques to undercut the interior surface. These tools can be hard to find and confusing to understand, as it is hard to comprehend how the tool is actually working without being able to see the cutting edge. This class is set up to help demystify this technique and open up a new world of creative possibilities.

Not only will you learn to turn these delicate forms, but you will also dive into the world of metalworking and tool making. Tom Henscheid has been making his own tools for decades, and under his expert guidance, students will learn how to heat up steel bar stock in a propane forge and shape four unique turning tools specifically designed for hollow form turning. Tool making opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to create custom shapes, modify tools, and really learn to understand how these tools work. Each tool will be crafted with different bends to allow for a variety of approach angles inside the hollow vessels, and you will be surprised at how simple these tools are to make. Students will go home with three curved tools, one straight “boring bar”, and a modular handle. 

Through a series of exercises, you will work with Tom to first fabricate and shape the first tool. Then we’ll head to the lathes to gain an understanding of how they actually work. Through this iterative process, you will begin to understand why the tools are shaped the way they are and how small adjustments can make a world of difference. You will continue in this manner to create progressively undercut vessels and increase your sensitivity and awareness. Developing tools to fit your designs allows for greater creative freedom.

Hollow form turning allows you to create decorative and elegant pieces of art. Explore complex shapes beyond open bowls, develop more advanced turning techniques like creating thin, deep walls with specialized tools, and even venture into the highly useful practice of making your own tools. With these skills, we can create forms that the common turning tools cannot.

Tools

Required

PTSW will provide all the required tooling and equipment needed, but if you have any of your own preferred PPE, feel free to bring it along for the class.

Recommend

• Dust mask/face shield/respirator or PAPR

• Turning smock or work apron 

• Leather work gloves 

• Notepad and writing implement

Prerequisites

Some skills required. This is an intermediate turning class. Students need to have some experience turning simple bowls. No previous metalworking experience is necessary.

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map. Read our What to Expect page for general information about the school and our course Registration Policy. We highly encourage you to sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.