💍 Ring Holder Project Session – One to One
Advanced Woodturning Project Session (2 Hours)
❓ Why You Might Choose This Project The Ring Holder is one of those pieces that looks simple when finished, but it demands a surprisingly high level of control throughout the turning process.
The form includes both broader curves and a narrow upstand, and at different stages we work both close to and further away from the tool rest. That means the piece needs a gentle touch, good tool presentation and careful control to avoid catches, vibration or damaging the work.
This session takes you through the complete process I use to make one of my own ring holders, with a choice of either a natural-grain finish or a coloured version.
Because the form becomes increasingly delicate as the project develops, this is an advanced project session for woodturners who already have solid practical experience.
🧰 Why Choose This Session? This is a focused, one-to-one project session where I work through the Ring Holder alongside you and explain each stage as we go.
You will learn how I prepare and mount the blank, develop the proportions of the base and upstand, protect the more fragile areas as the piece progresses and carry the surface through sanding, sealing, embellishing and final buffing.
The coloured version adds an extra decorative stage, while the natural-grain version moves directly into the finishing process.
As with all of my Advanced Project Sessions, the aim is not simply to copy a finished shape. It is to understand the sequence, tool control and finishing decisions that allow the piece to be completed cleanly.
⚡ Quickfire Advanced Project Session These sessions are designed for experienced turners and move at a focused pace.
The Ring Holder requires particular care because some cuts are made on more delicate sections of the piece and at varying distances from the tool rest.
Two hours is usually enough when the participant has suitable experience, but a completed piece cannot be guaranteed. The emphasis is on learning the process properly rather than rushing the final stages.
🔧 What We’ll Cover: • Selecting a suitable blank • Rounding the blank and creating the dovetail • Moving to the final lathe and mounting the piece securely • Shaping the curve of the foot • Sealing the foot before continuing • Adding tailstock support • Rounding and shaping the base of the Ring Holder • Sanding and preparing the surface • Applying colour where the coloured version is chosen • Allowing the coloured surface to dry before continuing • Developing the upstand • Creating a balanced and pleasing final shape • Sanding the upstand carefully • Applying sanding sealer to the complete piece • Cutting back the sealed surface • Applying gold embellishing wax • Applying the finishing overcoat • High-speed buffing • Parting the Ring Holder off cleanly • Finishing and sanding the top after parting • Applying final waxes • Final buffing using the buffing tree
💳 Tuition Pricing Weekdays only: • 2 hours – €100
You can choose between a natural-grain Ring Holder or a coloured version, depending on the timber and the type of finish you would like to explore.
Two-person sessions may also be available by arrangement for €150 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 needs a suitable level of previous 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 the most suitable session for their current ability.
☕ 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 the complete Ring Holder process from blank to finished piece • Improve tool control on a more delicate form • Learn how to work safely both close to and further away from the tool rest • Develop better control over curves, proportions and fine spindle work • Choose between a natural-grain or coloured finish • Learn sealing, embellishing, overcoating and buffing techniques • One-to-one guidance throughout the project • Receive additional help with any turning issues I notice during the session • Learn a repeatable process that can be taken back to your own workshop
🔨 A demanding advanced project that combines careful tool control, delicate shaping and a multi-stage finishing process.
This session is part of my wider Advanced Woodturning Skills & Projects range. View the full selection of advanced sessions here.
📞 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! 😊
