Turned wooden boxes are fun and quick to make. They can be made from small offcuts, but as with any project, there are techniques and skills required. The starting point of the course will be the materials, explaining the whys and what’s. The first box is a simple box that explains the method through a step-by-step guide covering the lathe and speed. Jason will explain the use of basic tools-how they work, how to hold them, how to present them to cut safely and accurately, and how body position at the lathe can affect the outcome. The process of sharpening and even adapting tools to work more effectively will also be explained.The accurate fitting of the lid to the base of the box can be a challenge. This important requirement is broken down into easy, short stages. Anybody can make a loose-fitting lid, but making an accurate fitting lid takes some effort. Students will learn how to use gouges and refinement tools to quickly and effectively hollow the interior shape. Sanding tips and polishing methods, along with ways to reverse a jam chuck, are all part of a simple turned box, allowing a wide range of techniques to be learned. Over the course of the week, students will accomplish a range of different turned box designs, each with its own challenges. By the end, students will have developed both skill and tool control, allowing them to move beyond a simple round box to the oriental-inspired Pagoda box, one of Jason’s signature pieces. This class is open to all skill levels.