Matt Monaco
July 11-15

Matt has designed this weeklong immersion in turning beautiful bowls and vessels for intermediate turners. With clear instruction and ample one-on-one attention, participants develop new competencies and confidence for creating a wide array of shapes and forms. Matt shares his knowledge of everything from wood selection to finishing. This includes how to

  • prepare and lay out turning blanks,
  • chuck with internal and external dovetails, woodworm screws, and faceplates,
  • select the best turning tool for the task at hand,
  • modify and sharpen bowl and spindle gouges for both end-grain and side-grain work,
  • safely handle tools with regard for grain, line, and contour,
  • create forms as you envision them,
  • leave surfaces that are either sanded or burnished straight off the tool, and
  • finish with a range of film coatings, oils, and waxes.

Throughout the course, students practice extensively by turning both natural-edged and rimmed bowls out of green, air-dried, and/or kiln-dried domestic hardwoods.

Matt Monaco is a professional woodturner in Springfield, MO. A turner for 18 years, he specializes in making vessels and lidded containers for the interior design market, high-end furniture companies, and private collectors. In recent years, Matt has become an in-demand turning teacher and demonstrator for schools and clubs across the country. He was also appointed as an “ambassador” for Fine Woodworking in its Nov/Dec 2020 issue. Matt’s website is monacobowls.com.

Open to intermediate turners, including anyone who has just taken Matt’s introductory course.

Tuition: $880

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Classic Rim Serving Bowl by Matt Monaco, spalted Ozark silver maple (12”dia.x3½“), 2019
Classic Rim Serving Bowl by Matt Monaco, spalted Ozark silver maple (12”dia.x3.5“), 2019
Astral semi-enclosed pot by Matt Monaco, Ozark black cherry (7”dia.x7½”), 2018
Astral semi-enclosed pot by Matt Monaco, Ozark black cherry (7”dia.x7.5”), 2018