Turned wooden boxes are fun and quick to make. They can be made from small offcuts, but as with any project, certain techniques and skills are required. The course will begin with materials, explaining the whys and whats. The first box will introduce 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. Sharpening and adapting tools to work more effectively will also be explained. Fitting the lid accurately to the base of the box can be a challenge. Jason will break this process into short, easy stages. Anybody can make a loose-fitting lid but making a lid that fits accurately takes some effort. Students will learn how to use gouges and refinement tools to quickly and effectively hollow the interior. Sanding tips, polishing methods, and ways to reverse a jam chuck are all part of making a simple turned box, allowing students to learn a wide range of techniques. Over the week, students will make different turned box designs, each with its own challenges. By the end, they 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.