🍾 Bottle Stopper Project Session – One to One
Advanced Woodturning Project Session (2 Hours)
 
❓ Why You Might Choose This Project
A bottle stopper may look like a relatively small turning project, but producing one properly involves far more than simply shaping a piece of timber.
 
The blank needs to be prepared accurately, drilled correctly, mounted securely and turned with enough control to maintain the intended shape and detail.
 
This session takes you through the complete process I use to make one of my own bottle stoppers, from choosing the blank right through to final assembly and polishing.
 
Because of the number of stages involved, this is an advanced project session and is only suitable for woodturners who already have reasonable experience using standard woodturning tools.
 
🧰 Why Choose This Session?
This is a practical, one-to-one project session where I work through the bottle stopper alongside you and explain each stage as we go.
 
You will see how I prepare and mount the blank, why certain steps need to be completed in a particular order, and how I build the shape while keeping the finer details clean and controlled.
 
As you work on your own piece, I can also pick up on other areas of your turning that may need attention, including tool presentation, bevel control, sanding technique or finishing.
 
The aim is not simply to copy a shape. It is to understand the process well enough that you can use the same principles when making your own bottle stoppers later.
 
⚡ Quickfire Advanced Project Session
These are focused, fast-moving sessions designed for woodturners who already understand the basics.
 
Two hours is enough time to work through the project when the participant has suitable experience, but the pace will depend on your own tool control and confidence.
 
A completed piece cannot be guaranteed. The purpose of the session is tuition first, with the project providing a structured way to develop and refine your turning.
 
🔧 What We’ll Cover:
• Selecting a suitable bottle stopper blank
• Preparing and rounding the blank
• Turning the initial dovetail
• Drilling accurately for the stainless-steel stopper fitting
• Setting up the work on the final lathe
• Correct mounting procedures
• Turning the main bottle stopper shape
• Maintaining proportions and finer details while cutting
• Sanding and surface preparation
• Applying the base coat
• Wax embellishing and decorative finishing
• Applying the final finishing coat
• Buffing the surface
• Fitting the stainless-steel stopper to the turned wooden top
• Final buffing to build additional depth and sheen
 
💳 Tuition Pricing
Weekdays only:
• 2 hours – €110
 
The stainless-steel bottle stopper fitting used during the session is included in the price.
Two-person sessions may also be available by arrangement for €170 total. Both participants must have sufficient previous woodturning experience for the project.
 
🎁 Gift Vouchers
⚠️ This Advanced Project Session is not available as an individual gift voucher because the participant must already have a suitable level of woodturning experience.
 
If you would like to contribute towards tuition for someone else, a Tuition Credit Gift Voucher can be purchased instead. The recipient can then contact me so we can choose a session that matches their experience.
 
☕ Breaks & Catering
• A short coffee break can be taken during the session if needed.
• The coffee machine is always on.
 
✅ Summary of Benefits:
• Work through a complete bottle stopper from blank to finished piece
• Learn accurate preparation, drilling and mounting procedures
• Improve spindle-turning control and attention to detail
• Learn the finishing and buffing process I use on my own bottle stoppers
• Stainless-steel bottle stopper fitting included
• One-to-one guidance throughout the project
• Receive additional help with any turning issues I notice during the session
• Learn techniques that can be repeated in your own workshop
 
🔨 A focused advanced session that takes you through the complete process of making a finished wooden bottle stopper while improving your turning along the way.
 
If you’d like to explore other project-based sessions, visit my Advanced Woodturning Skills & Projects page.
 
📞 Contacting Me for Bookings
📋 Use the Contact Page for all enquiries — it’s the most reliable way to reach me.
Please include the full session name and a short outline of your previous woodturning experience when contacting me.
 
📧 I usually reply within 2 hours, but please check your spam or junk folder too.
📝 Why not phone? Calls disrupt workshop work and details can easily get lost. The contact form allows me to respond properly and keep everything organised.
 
Thanks for understanding — I look forward to hearing from you! 😊