Woodturning for Beginners

In the nineteenth century, the lathe was an indispensable tool for chair makers, furniture makers, and other skilled woodworkers. This tool provides essential opportunities that continue to develop throughout the twentieth century and today, where woodturning provides endless potential for useful and decorative purposes.

In this class, learn the basics of woodturning while making simple and elegant projects including a candleholder, a rolling pin, and a honey dipper. This two-session class celebrates all the possibilities created from a single machine and a few hand tools. Learn more about our historic classes.

This class is for individuals ages 16 and up. 

Purchase Tickets

Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.

Location: Modern Woodshop, location #37 on map

Members: $155 | Nonmembers: $175 (Cost is for both days) 

About the Teacher

Henry Raab has been building American period furniture with traditional hand tools for four years. He is a proud Hoosier with a passion for learning and teaching about historic trades. 

Growing up in central Indiana, Henry spent most of his childhood outdoors at parks and living history sites such as Eagle Creek, Turkey Run, Billie Creek, and Conner Prairie. This exposure taught him to value our precious natural and cultural resources, as well as family traditions of folk music and craft that all taught him an appreciation for art and storytelling. 

Today Henry’s mission is to preserve traditional hand skills through preservation, demonstration, and hands-on instruction. He is a member of several organizations dedicated to this purpose, including the Society of American Period Furniture Makers (SAPFM), the Midwest Tool Collectors’ Association (MWTCA), and the Association for Living History, Farm, and Agricultural Museums (ALHFAM).

He worked as an intern for eight weeks at the Marc Adam’s School of Woodworking in Franklin, Indiana, and now works at Conner Prairie full time as a living history interpreter, historic building preservationist, furniture maker, and instructor. 

When he is not working, Henry continues to spend time in Indiana’s beautiful forests as well as building tools and furniture, reading about early American history, binding books, and collecting antiques.