Gifts on the Lathe: Turn a Custom Kitchen Tool Handle

Rockler Woodworking and Hardware is hosting Gifts on the Lathe, a beginner-friendly workshop where you turn your own custom kitchen tool handle. It's running on three different sessions: Saturday, October 17, from 10 AM to 1 PM; Saturday, October 24, from 10 AM to 1 PM; and Saturday, October 24, from 2 PM to 5 PM. All of them are at the Indianapolis store, 8452 Castleton Corner Dr.

Here's how it works: you pick a Rockler turning hardware kit—either a bottle opener, a pizza cutter, or an ice cream scoop—and then turn a custom wooden handle for it on a wood lathe using Rockler carbide turning tools. The finished handle ends up around 6" long and 1 1/4" in diameter, and it's food-safe, so it works as a handmade gift. The class runs small, with places limited to four attendees, and it's open to anyone 14 and over, with minors needing to be accompanied.

Your registration covers the expert instruction, your choice of one wooden handle blank, use of Rockler tools and safety gear, and all the sanding and finishing supplies. The hardware kit itself is bought separately in-store on the day, and everyone leaves with their turned handle with the kit installed. You'll also get a bounce-back coupon for 15% off an eligible in-store purchase on the day and 10% off within 30 days.

Between the three sessions, you've got a choice of a Saturday morning or a Saturday afternoon, and the small class size means you'll get plenty of one-on-one attention. If you're looking for a project that takes you from a raw piece of wood to a finished tool in a single afternoon, this is a good place to start.