Skills Development Class

For three Saturday afternoons in August, seven NMWT members spent the learning turning techniques from Michael Mocho. The classes were held at DendroTechnology in Corrales. Michael has been a professional woodworker for over 50 years and has extensive teaching and demonstrating credits as well as being an active member of NMWT and AAW. He emphasized that turning is really carving and, like using a knife or chisel, grain direction is a prime consideration in getting a smooth cut free of splits and tear out. We learned the nuances of grain direction and tool use in both end grain turning (eg. Spindle work) and side grain orientation (e.g., Bowl turning). We then put these principles to work turning spindles, bases, and tops for wig stands, incorporating coves, beads, ogees, and a handful of other classic spindle shapes. Michael circulated, dispensing valuable advice and correcting our technique when needed. The hands-on turning combined with Michael’s individual attention made the class extremely valuable. He also demonstrated proper sharpening technique for basic tools, the importance of stance, body movement, and tool presentation, and skew and spindle gouge cuts. We learned that a catch is always due to an unsupported cutting edge and the cure is to rub the bevel before engaging the cutting edge. During the remaining sessions we got practice in shear scraping, sharpening, mounting work, end grain and cross grain turning, and turning green wood bowls. Much of this could be considered basic, but it’s been many years since some of us have had formal hands-on turning instruction and we’ve picked up some bad habits working alone. Michael’s constructive comments and focus on technique provided a welcome opportunity to sharpen our turning skills and get us back on the right path. Michael stressed the importance of repetitively practicing correct technique to develop a body memory and feel in turning. Feedback was very positive and we all appreciated the chance to spend time with a person of Michael’s experience, wry sense of humor, and teaching skills. Michael is planning to move his shop in the near future, and wants to offer more classes. They are sure to be in demand.