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Intro to Woodturning- Spinning Tops


ARTS & CRAFTS -
Winter/Spring 2026

Join Nick Rosato, professional woodturner and owner of Vermont Peppermill, for this hands-on and step-by-step introduction to wood turning! In this two-session class, you’ll learn how to safely and confidently use a lathe to create projects of your choice—no prior woodworking or lathe experience required.  Learn essential lathe safety, tool techniques, and how to create balanced, symmetrical designs will be covered.

Small projects, big fun! In this playful and fast-paced class, you’ll turn spinning tops while building precision and control on the lathe. Nick Rosato will teach techniques for working with smaller pieces, shaping clean profiles, and adding personal flair. These projects are perfect for experimenting with form and function, and you’ll leave with finished pieces that are fun and a make a great gift.  Bring your sketches, photos, and ideas!

Each participant will have their own lathe to use during class, and wooden blanks (maple, birch or cherry) are included in the course fee. Feel free to bring your own wood if you want a specific or more pricey wood species. 

- Interested in a different project? With advance notice (email access@cvsdvt.org), students may use this class time to work on an alternate lathe project.

- Experienced participants may work on targeted practice projects to advance their spindle turning tool skills and build confidence for independent work at home.

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+

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. 

 March 2026 
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  Nick Rosato


Champlain Valley Union High School : 156
Monday, Mar 30
6:00 - 8:00 PM

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$ 65.00
Per Person