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

 

[Bill Blasic]

When I brought in Pro turners for hands on and club demos I tried to keep the hands on fees acceptable for the club (we are not the richest area on the face of the earth). So I tried to keep the fee to each person in the $65 to $80 a day range. That would be $650 to $800 (based on 10 folks a day) a day for the pro and $300 for the evening demo for the club. I also provided a lunch every day. The Pro (all except 1) stayed here at the house. Another club I belonged to always charged $100 a day no matter who it was doing the hands on, I never did one with that club. It's a long list of the best turners in the world that have been through here.

 

[David Wyke]

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 .

Thanks Ted! At least I’m not doing a hollow form demo

 

[David Wyke]

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.

I have encountered some of the “Blowhard” during shows that I’ve done and they don’t really bother me. If needed I can put them in their place real quick!
Some good points you have made and I will have a few reminder notes during the demo and class to make sure I cover everything.

 

[David Wyke]

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.

I pretty much told him when I was approached that I wouldn’t charge the club anything but just wondered what a typical fee was. The club does a lot of “giving back to the community and young turners” so i definitely want to be a part of this.
I basically said if I supply the wood, that would be the only charge. He told me I would probably get $450 from a full class but after thinking about it I will do it for free.

 

[David Wyke]

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

I’ll do that as it gets closer or rescheduled. Bring wood and cash! I’ve been told I’m a really nice guy but that’s only from people who like me!

 

[David Wyke]

When I brought in Pro turners for hands on and club demos I tried to keep the hands on fees acceptable for the club (we are not the richest area on the face of the earth). So I tried to keep the fee to each person in the $65 to $80 a day range. That would be $650 to $800 (based on 10 folks a day) a day for the pro and $300 for the evening demo for the club. I also provided a lunch every day. The Pro (all except 1) stayed here at the house. Another club I belonged to always charged $100 a day no matter who it was doing the hands on, I never did one with that club. It's a long list of the best turners in the world that have been through here.

I know they charge $75 for the class for club members, not sure the charge for non members. Demo and class run from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm so it will be a long day, but a fun day!

 

[Jaramiah Severns]

I pretty much told him when I was approached that I wouldn’t charge the club anything but just wondered what a typical fee was. The club does a lot of “giving back to the community and young turners” so i definitely want to be a part of this.
I basically said if I supply the wood, that would be the only charge. He told me I would probably get $450 from a full class but after thinking about it I will do it for free.

A class is a much bigger commitment than a demo, so a fee feels justified IMO.

 

[robo hippy]

I don't charge for my demos. I am pretty much only local only so, not a problem. As for classes, if I plan to spend time with students, then I don't like more than about 3 or 4. I can't keep an eye on them all if there are more, and I don't think I can give them the time they deserve. A dozen students? Extremely difficult, at least for me.

robo hippy

 

[R Henrickson]

10-15 years of experience, but I can't help much with setting numbers. I've done many demos for the several clubs I belong to. All have a policy of not paying a member to demo. I've demonstrated at symposiums, but that has always had an honorarium set by the organization. I've taught classes at the John Campbell Folk School for ten years (both weeklong and weekend); they have fixed honoraria but do pay travel to instructors. Classes at the local Woodcraft are on a per student basis. Half-day classes I've taught at the OVWG Learning Center are not for pay (I'm a member), although members pay pay a nominal amount to take the class.

If there are more than 5-6 students in a class, you really ought to have some sort of assistant. You simply cannot deal with the number and variety of problems which may arise in a larger group. My rule of thumb is no more than five students without an assistant, though I have dealt well enough with a couple more. lf the class is larger than perhaps 6, the local club ought to (be able to) supply someone who can at least deal with simple turning questions, leaving you freer to deal with problems relating to the specific project you are teaching.

 

[John K Jordan]

If there are more than 5-6 students in a class, you really ought to have some sort of assistant. You simply cannot deal with the number and variety of problems which may arise in a larger group.

Ha! I was asked to teach woodturning at a SE regional crafts school, won't saw which one. The first class would be 8 teenagers with no experience accompanied by their parents. Ack! I declined.

I would have needed at least three assistants and it would still have been a nightmare. I love teaching beginners who have never even seen a lathe, but 1 on 1, or maybe 2 at a time if I already know them and their character, nature, and ability to learn.

JKJ

 

[R Henrickson]

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.

I always begin classes by asking students what experience they have and what they hope to learn. A couple weeks before a week-long or weekend class, I'll send students detailed information on the class by email and ask about their experience and expectations, but class begins with discussing experience and goals. The first hours will give you an idea what sorts of help or observation various students may need.

No matter how a class may be described, a novice or true beginner inevitably will turn up. I have had several in intermediate classes who said "I have some turning experience -- in high school -- 60 years ago". They were actually less problematic than the Blowhard or the Satisfied Turner who resists instruction. Novices may be less a problem than the Blowhard or Satisfied, even in an intermediate class. They usually realize they don't know what to do, so they generally are more likely to listen to what you say and try to do it. They may also tend to work more slowly which may mitigate problems. They do need more frequent quick checks on their progress.

I usually haven't had many women in the classes I've taught. In my experience they have generally been more willing to listen and try to follow instructions, and less likely to hurry their cuts. In the last weekend class I taught, however, 6 of the 8 students were women. Two were young and had no turning experience whatever. They each turned two nice plates. When we had too little time left the second day to begin and complete another plate, I suggested they try some spindle turning. They took to it without hesitation. They, and most of the other women in the class, would raise a hand or come to where I was in the class to ask for help.

One other important thing in a class is to *listen* for problems -- if you *hear* something you recognize might be a problem in the making -- deal with it immediately.

 

[R Henrickson]

Ha! I was asked to teach woodturning at a SE regional crafts school, won't saw which one. The first class would be 8 teenagers with no experience accompanied by their parents. Ack! I declined.
I would have needed at least three assistants and it would still have been a nightmare. I love teaching beginners who have never even seen a lathe, but 1 on 1, or maybe 2 at a time if I already know them and their character, nature, and ability to learn.

I also would have said no. I think the worst aspect of that might well have been the parents' presence! One or two beginners at a time would be ideal, especially if you already know them.

 

[John K Jordan]

No matter how a class may be described, a novice or true beginner inevitably will turn up. I have had several in intermediate classes who said "I have some turning experience -- in high school -- 60 years ago".

A good friend agreed to teach a class full of elderly people, even older than me and I've been around for over 3/4s of a century. None of them had any experience with lathes or other woodworking. He's naturally a calm, collected, intelligent and patient person but the stress and exhaustion was nearly fatal, probably aged HIM at least 10 years.

This class really needed one teacher at each lathe. Some people had to be told the same thing over and over and over and some needed help to steady and guide the tools on every cut.

It was certainly noble of him to take on the class. But perhaps it was the opposite of turning heaven.

JKJ

 

[Richard Coers]

I’m afraid that many of your questions fall in the “if you have to ask” category. I’ve probably done 75 demos over my 39 years of turning. For a club demo, at least half the people are just there for entertainment. Probably 5-10% will fall asleep at some point, no matter how good you are. Have your tools and supplies organized. It gets boring if you are looking around for something, or you are constantly bending over pulling another tool from the bag. I try to start with a good joke to get people laughing and it lets me ease into the talk. I am doing a demo for the Fox Valley Woodworkers in Batavia, IL on October 7th. I only asked them for them to pay for my hotel room since the meeting is at night. I plan to give them a couple blocks of wood to raffle off and recoup some cost. Finally, a demo is not the time to make a “hero cut” to impress them with extra thin anything. Turn green wood if you can. Have stages of the work available to pass around. Maybe even raffle off the completed piece. Good luck!

 

[Ted Pelfrey]

I’m afraid that many of your questions fall in the “if you have to ask” category. I’ve probably done 75 demos over my 39 years of turning. For a club demo, at least half the people are just there for entertainment. Probably 5-10% will fall asleep at some point, no matter how good you are. Have your tools and supplies organized. It gets boring if you are looking around for something, or you are constantly bending over pulling another tool from the bag. I try to start with a good joke to get people laughing and it lets me ease into the talk. I am doing a demo for the Fox Valley Woodworkers in Batavia, IL on October 7th. I only asked them for them to pay for my hotel room since the meeting is at night. I plan to give them a couple blocks of wood to raffle off and recoup some cost. Finally, a demo is not the time to make a “hero cut” to impress them with extra thin anything. Turn green wood if you can. Have stages of the work available to pass around. Maybe even raffle off the completed piece. Good luck!

Good point Richard, about green wood. A wise older turner told me before my first demo. Use an easy green piece of wood. Makes things a lot less stressful. To stress the point the demo the meeting before mine, the demo guy used a dry exotic piece I’d wood. He really struggled the whole demo, lost most of the folks interest.

 

[David Wyke]

I’m afraid that many of your questions fall in the “if you have to ask” category. Have stages of the work available to pass around. Maybe even raffle off the completed piece. Good luck!

Well, I didn’t have to ask, just wanted others experiences with demo and teaching.
I am very well organized and already have a plan for teaching which includes everything you mentioned. I will have everything staged from the beginning of the project to the finished project showing every stage. My tools will be lined up on the table beside the lathe in the order of use for everyone to see. I have always been the type of person who plans everything out to the last detail. If time allows I will also have a detailed hand out with photos similar to my thread on how I make my heart bowls like the thread in the Projects section.
I also have no problems talking to large groups and keeping there interest as I have done this for 30 years before retiring. I’m actually looking forward to it. Thanks for your input.

 

[Larry Copas]

I've done several demos. Before my demo I usually practice for a week making my piece. During practice I write down points that I think are critical and present with a handout or perhaps a slideshow. I might keep a cheat sheet close by so I hit all the high points. When folks ask a question I try to remember to repeat the question before I answer. In any case I think doing a demo makes me a better turner which is my reward for doing the demo.

 

[John K Jordan]

Good point Richard, about green wood. A wise older turner told me before my first demo. Use an easy green piece of wood. Makes things a lot less stressful. To stress the point the demo the meeting before mine, the demo guy used a dry exotic piece I’d wood. He really struggled the whole demo, lost most of the folks interest.

Interesting. I've done a bunch of demos but never once used green wood. I guess it depends on what's being shown.

One thing I always try to do is offer options. For example, this week I described and showed the basic tools "needed"...

...then others tools, if available, that could be useful.

If some step uses a certain tool, what other ways would work?
For example, for the demo this week, most people have a chuck that will hold a 2x2x3" block.
But some don't have pin jaws or know how to hold a 1/2" square blank in their chuck.
One easy option is to simply remove the jaws and hold the blank with the jaw slides.

I had such chucks and jaws ready to show plus descriptions and photos in the handout document:


If the demo is about something "finicky" I also like to show options for simplifying the project.

If the wood needed is small, I bring enough already cut to size that everyone interested can take home.
If the wood needed is larger, more expensive, or benefits from some prep, I like to take a stack of prepared blanks and auction them off at the end of the demo. (With proceeds going to that club.) That almost always adds some energy at the end!

I've done several demos showing how I make these and each time brought and auctioned blanks ready to mount and turn. I also took poster board so people could trace my templates - makes things simpler if someone is inspired to try that project. (I don't know how many made these, but I do know a lot of template tracing happened!)



It's also fun to bring small tools and things to toss to the first person who says they are interested.

Oh, and about demo logistics. I really liked the way some clubs did things things: instead of starting with the club news/events/projects meeting, start immediately with the demo, break for the club stuff, then back to finish the demo. This lets the demonstrator take a break and get ready for the second half. Knoxville started using that method when we described it. Much better, I think, for everyone.

JKJ

 

[hockenbery]

Any pointers you can share on doing a demo and class?

Have fun - the audience will pick up that you are enjoying yourself and share the fun with you.

For the class try to keep it simple stay on topic. Don’t cover stuff they don’t need for the class .
Learners have limited capacity for new stuff. Don’t use up that capacity with things that don’t relate to the class turning.

For demos I try to get my timing down. For me the time to demo something is almost always 3x the time I take in my shop.
I do timing points. For a natural edges bowl from a crotch. I divide it into 4 parts.
10 minutes for slides, 30 minutes to turn the outside, 30 minutes to turn the inside, 10 minute to reverse chuck and finish the bottom,
My wife is usually in club demos so she signals when I’ve got 2 minutes to hit a time target. In symposium demos I get the room assistant to watch the clock.
This is for a 90 minute demo and has worked really well although I have done the reverse chucking in about 5 minutes a few times.
But I usually have the 10 minutes at the end to talk about the drying the bowl for a few days, sanding it and applying finish.

I always give the camera operator a quick preview of the steps so they can think about position
Where to point the overhead. Also I tell them to whisper “tool rest” if I forget to put a tool I’m tackling about on the rest so the camera can find it.