Turning Finials and Ornaments
1 Day: Saturday, September 27, 2025, 9AM-4PM
Tuition: $225
Ages: 16 & Up
Instructor: Matt Harber
Instructional Delivery Method(s): In person
Prerequisites: Intro to Woodturning or comparable experience
Program Level: Intermediate, Advanced
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Program Description:
Spend a full day at the lathe with woodturner Matt Harber and dive into the art of creating elegant finial perfect toppers for ornaments, lidded boxes, or display turnings. You’ll turn three classic styles:
Conical / Tapered Finial – a clean, traditional form
Spiral Ribbon Finial – turned at the lathe, then carved into a graceful twist
Topper Finial – a decorative “crown” that finishes any ornament
Along the way, Matt will demonstrate safe chucking methods for delicate work, explain grain orientation for strength, and show how to drill accurate mounting tenons on the lathe using a Jacobs chuck. To complete each finial, you’ll also turn a simple ornament body, giving every student a finished piece ready to hang.
Note: The spiral ribbon finial involves light carving. This can be done easily with a Dremel and the #199 carbide saw. The cutoff discs do NOT work; they are too thin and too big. We also add some refinement with Saburrtooth burrs and/or standard Dremel sanding mandrels as well. If you have a Dremel (or similar rotary tool), please bring it, but it is not required.
Please note: Students must have other lathe experience before attending this class as lathe basics are not covered.
Learning Objectives:
Proper setup and tool choice for thin, delicate finials
Turning clean, chatter-free tapers and beads
Drilling on the lathe with a Jacobs chuck for precise tenons
Carving ribbon spirals with carbide burrs and sanding mandrels
Finishing and fitting finials to a matching ornament
Attendance Requirements: Students must attend all days
Location: Sam Beauford Woodshop, 1375 N. Main St, Building 41, Adrian, Michigan 49221
Class Size: Maximum 6
If you have any questions, please contact the Admissions Office at
YWRtaXNzaW9ucyB8IHNid2kgISBlZHU= or (517) 759-3070
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