Wood Turner
OFO No: 682304
Other names for Wood Turner:
- Precision Woodworking Sawyer
- Wood Lathe Turning Operator
- Woodworking Lathe Operator
What is a Wood Turner?
Woodturning is a specialised form of woodworking. Wooden pieces are ‘turned’ on a lathe. This lathe spins and while doing so, removes unwanted wood, leaving behind a beautiful shape like a chair leg.
There are 2 kinds of woodturning:
- Spindle
- Faceplate
Spindle turning means the piece of wood is fixed at both ends before the lathe is turned on.
Examples of spindle turning items: chair and table legs, baseball bats, chess pieces etc
The Faceplate method the piece of wood is screwed down to a faceplate.
Examples of faceplate turning: bowls, platters etc
What does a Wood Turner do?
- chooses appropriate woods for the various jobs
- works out designs to ‘turn’
- makes sure wood is securely fastened on the lathe
- monitors the ‘turning’ so that the right amount of wood is removed for the design
- sands
- polishes
Are you … ?
- passionate about wood?
- good with your hands?
- artistically inclined?
- observant?
- patient?
- accurate?
How do I become a Wood Turner?
PATH 1
- Apprenticeship
- Trade Test
PATH 2
- Learnership – Furniture Production: Wood Machining NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 3
- Learnership – Wood Products Processing: Charcoal Manufacturing NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 4
- Learnership – Wood Products Processing: Fibreboard and Chipboard Manufacturing NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 5
- Learnership – Wood Products Processing: Match Manufacturing (Board Processing and Packaging) NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 6
- Learnership – Wood Products Processing: Tannin Extraction NQF Level 2, 3 and 4
- Trade Test
PATH 7
- RPL (Recognised Prior Learning) for Artisans: CLICK HERE
- If you have already been working a long time as a Wood Turner without qualifications, you may be able to get your qualification through RPL
- Trade Test
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
Here are some private places you can do short courses:
- STRAND HARDWARE: (Port Elizabeth)
Offers short, certificate courses in woodturning and other carpentry-related skills.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Carpenter … or … Set Designer
Is becoming a Wood Turner the right career choice for me?
