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Mentoring Program

MSWG does not maintain a set list of names for one-on-one mentoring. Instead, we’ve discovered that getting to know members at meetings and forming connections can be the best way to help others. Most experienced MSWG members are happy to share their expertise.

 

We’ve also discovered that it’s most effective when members can see each other’s workshops, and it’s especially valuable for new woodturners and anyone who’s just starting to get interested in the craft.

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Workshop Tour Program (“Mentoring at its Best”)

The first questions many people ask about woodturning are:

  • What tools/lathe do I need to start?

  • How do I setup a woodturning workshop?

  • How do I sharpen my tools?

  • What kind of wood should I use?

  • Where can I find training?

  • How much does if really cost?

  • What are easy projects for beginners?

A great way to find answers to these and many more questions is by observing and chatting with woodturners of all skill levels in their workshops. 

 

By making even a few few shop visits, you can uncover answers to many of your questions and some that you might not even know you were wondering about.

 

Key Reasons to Take a Woodturning Shop Tour: 

 

  • Workshop Layout & Efficiency Ideas: Spending time in someone else’s shop can show how to arrange lathes, grinders, and tools for better efficiency, often featuring specialized storage solutions to save space.

 

  • Safety and Workflow Inspiration: Seeing how others set up lighting, dust collection, and tool placement can help improve your own shop safety and productivity.

 

  • Tool and Equipment Education: Participants can see various lathes and specialized tools in action, aiding in decision-making for future purchases.

 

  • Creative Inspiration: Observing the variety of projects—such as bowls, boxes, or artistic pieces—can spark new ideas for your own creations.

 

  • Learning from Experienced Turners: Tours offer an in-person opportunity to learn from fellow woodturners, gaining insight into their methods and techniques.​

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