Finally joined a woodturning club and was asked to do a demo and class

[David Wyke]

I was finally able to reschedule some commitments which free up time for me to join my local AAW affiliate club. It meets the second Saturday of the month and is about a 40 minute drive, so not bad. I’ve been to three meetings and this was actually the first time I’ve seen someone turn in person. They bring in someone to do a demo that’s free to attend and afterwards have a class where you get to turn the item for a small charge.
I haven’t stayed for a class since usually once I see something in person I can duplicate it. One item was a turned and carved spiral finial and the other was a pepper mills.
I have taken bowls and hollow forms in to two meetings for their gallery and they were well received. It was strange to me that I received a lot of questions on how I turned certain things and several about my finish process. I say that because during the first meeting I introduced myself to the group and told them I had never been around other turners so I would be asking a lot of questions.
I was approached during the last meeting by the chapter president who said several people had asked if he could get me to do a demo and teach a class. So long story short I have agreed and currently scheduled for the first slot available, May 2026.
We also agreed that the heart bowl would be a good start, so I back to turning heart bowls next year! I don’t have any problem doing the demo or teaching the class as I’ve had several people come watch me turn that wanted to learn how.
The big question is he wanted to know what I would charge and explained how they usually pay as their max capacity for a class is 12 people. I told him it really was up to the club and I would not charge much but I would like a little something for my time.

So for you who demo and teach, what is a good rate to charge? I’m considering doing it for free and just donating the fee back to the club. Any pointers you can share on doing a demo and class?
Also, there is some guy named @Michael Anderson doing a demo and class in January, anyone know who this guy is.

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

Have only done a few demos and they were for free so I’m no help to you. Haven’t taught any classes. Good luck .

 

[Dean Center]

One lesson I learned in teaching older students is "They don't care what you know, until they know you care." In this setting, that would translate into getting to know your students personally at least a little at the beginning and more as the class goes on. You might start with introductions going around the circle, asking each one to provide a brief answer to 1) what is your level of turning skill and 2) what are your goals/expectations from the class, unless there is a huge time crunch.

You may encounter The Blowhard, who knows more than you do and may try to correct you, or The Satisfied Turner, who has terrible form and lots of tear-out but is surprisingly content with his level of skill and not interested in learning, or the Novice who is clearly unprepared for whatever you're teaching and really needs a basic intro to turning class. Maybe others can suggest some student profiles that you can anticipate and prepare a plan to deal with so you don't tear your hair out.

While I'm not personally tremendously experienced, I'm pretty convinced that women need a somewhat different approach from the instructor--more gentle, more personal, more encouraging, especially encouraging of risk taking. Also, recognizing they are less likely to stick their hand in the air and ask for help, so you have to be more observant.

 

[Jaramiah Severns]

Demos for my home club are free (they’ve been kind to cover my membership fee for next year, which I very much appreciate!). I learn a lot from my club and value time spent with other turners, so it’s a good way to give back to the club IMO.

I’ve been fortunate enough to do a few paid demos, but my experience is too limited to give any sage advice on pricing best practices, so I’ll defer to the more experienced demonstrators out there.

 

[John K Jordan]

So for you who demo and teach, what is a good rate to charge? I’m considering doing it for free and just donating the fee back to the club. Any pointers you can share on doing a demo and class?
Also, there is some guy named @Michael Anderson doing a demo and class in January, anyone know who this guy is.

Hey, give us the date, time, and address - I might just drive over to watch (and meet you!)

That Michael guy is demoing at our club next month. They must have liked the last one he did.
I saw the one he did recently at the Crossville club and it was ok.... (Well, it was fantastic, I left with some great ideas.)

I had the pleasure of doing the demo at our Knoxville club yesterday. Showed how I go about making Handbell Ornaments.

This sort of thing. (I love making small things. And ice cream. But at different times.)


Cut one in half to show the tapered shape inside secrets.

I hollow with a diamond parting tool - so easy in end grain!

I try to write up at least a little something for each demo topic as a handout.
The club puts the PDF on our web site so I don't spend a fortune on printing.

Hey, one tip I got recently, never thought of before: a friend recommend when picking up a tool for the first time, always tell the name of the tool and a something about it's use - probably most in the group already know but there are often new members or visitors who have never used a lathe but just want to learn about it. I try to remember to do that.

JKJ