Small-Scale Metal Spinning

Although metal spinning is typically associated with larger-scaled industrial products, individuals spinning by hand continues to be a creative and efficient way to produce metal pieces.  Since a lathe is required to do metal spinning, it is commonly a way that established woodturners incorporate metal into their pieces.  Metalsmiths are also very interested in the techniques but often lack the lathe in order to do it themselves in their own studio.  This workshop will provide the opportunity for anyone interested, regardless of their background, to learn the basics of metal spinning and produce numerous finished pieces.  Students will have the opportunity to work with aluminum, copper, and pewter.  The instructor will be demonstrating a variety of different metal spinning techniques as well as basic metalworking and metal finishing approaches.  Depending on the interests of students, a wide range of additional demonstrations and techniques could be incorporated, including form/design principles, wood+metal combination approaches, metal patination, etc. Students should note that this can be a physically demanding workshop that requires standing at the lathe all day and the ability to exert a fair amount of force in order to form the metal.