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Wooden Spindle Projects- Lathe Turning with Nick


ARTS & CRAFTS -
Winter/Spring 2026

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on introduction to spindle turning. In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create spindle-based projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required.  

For people who have prior experience and would like to advance their tool skills Nick can set you up with practice projects to build confidence using the various spindle turning tools so you can continue turning at home.

Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, and a willingness to experiment. Each participant will have their own lathe, with all materials and wooden blanks provided and included in the course fee. Expect to get a little messy, learn essential techniques, and have fun as you turn raw wood into finished pieces.

Possible spindle projects include:

  • Table or stool legs, 
  • Candlesticks and votives
  • Wooden vases 
  • Bangles
  • Spinning tops and drawer pulls
  • Wooden mushrooms
  • Rolling pins
  • Muddlers and honey dippers, 
  • ...and more. 

Whether you’re solving a practical problem or creating something purely decorative, this workshop offers a creative and approachable entry into woodturning.

Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles.  No loose clothing, jewelry, or accessories! Note: Only 7 spots available per session. Min age: 16+

Photo- unknown

Instructor

Nick Rosato


Hello. I'm Nick Rosato. I'm the hands behind Vermont Peppermill. I'm a professional woodturner living in Vermont. I've been carving trees since 2007. I mainly focus on kitchenware and home goods. I love carving freshly cut trees into huge bowls I call cauldrons. I also like making pepper mills because it utilizes smaller chunks of tree and is a way to express grain patterns in a completely different form.

The carving process is a relationship between the tree and my gouges. I'm always searching for decorative grain patterns, scar marks, bark inclusions, knots, or just plain straight grain wood. For instance, ash is dynamite if you want reliable straight grain. On the other hand, the cross-section of a large black locust tree is as amorphous as a puddle. I also turn projects for the building trades such as balusters, newel posts, column bases, porch posts, and other random projects. I've been selling my work at the Burlington Farmer's Market for the past 10 years or so. And I also attend art and craft shows through the year.

For five years I was president of the Woodchuck Woodturners, a Vermont chapter of the American Association of Woodturners. I also was an instructor at Shelburne Craft School, CVU ACCESS program, and Vermont Woodworking School. 

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103_ST

  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Mon Feb 9 & Mon Feb 16
6:00 - 8:00 PM

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$ 145.00
Per Person
103_ST2

  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Mon Mar 9 & Mon Mar 16
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Su
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F
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$ 145.00
Per Person
103_ST3

  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Mon Mar 30 & Tue Mar 31
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Su
M
Tu
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$ 145.00
Per Person
103_ST4

  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Mon Apr 6 & Mon Apr 13
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Su
M
Tu
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$ 145.00
Per Person
103_ST5

  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Mon May 4 & Mon May 11
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Su
M
Tu
W
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F
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$ 145.00
Per Person
103_ST6

  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Mon May 18 & Tue May 19
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Su
M
Tu
W
Th
F
Sa


$ 145.00
Per Person