Making Tools for Bowl Turning with David Susag (In-Person)

For centuries spring pole lathe turners have been making their own tools for the spring pole lathe. Whether you are a new pole lathe turner or have some turning experience, making your own hook tools is the natural next step in your bowl turning journey. Join us for this one-day forging class! Instructor David Susag will guide you in forging your own hook tool for use on the spring pole lathe. You will also learn about the forging and heat treating process. This class is great for the beginning bowl turner, as well as the accomplished turner who has also wanted to try their hand at metalworking. Students are also invited to join David Susag in the spring pole lathe class offered directly after this class. Put your very own hook tool to the test! Vesterheim offers a 60% discount for in-person class tuition on a space-available standby basis to any resident living within 50 miles of Vesterheim. Students will be notified about the availability of an opening in the class 21 days before the starting date of the class period. Discounts do not include materials fees. If local area residents want a guaranteed place in a class, they must pay regular class tuition. David grew up near Hawley, Minnesota, watching a Viking ship being built in an old potato warehouse, and it made him think about his Norwegian heritage. In 2000 he started taking folk art classes at Vesterheim in Decorah, Iowa. Since then, he has continued taking classes at North House Folk School, John C. Campbell Folk School, Milan Village Folk School, and the American Swedish Institute. In 2014, he took his first class turning on the spring pole lathe. He has continued taking more pole lathe classes, including traveling to the UK in 2024 to improve his spring pole skills.  David Susag is also a Gold Medalist.