When you join IsGood we will take you to every machine and walk you through how it works, the right techniques to use and how to stay safe. We will demonstrate the correct usage and then ask you to repeat the action. We have a video that reinforces this teaching and we encourage members to always ask us or other members whenever they have a question. Some people learn in classes and others learn in 1 on 1 mentoring. The result is the same we consider you certified for that machine for solo use.

But then there is the lathe! Using the lathe isn’t as simple as ‘stand here’, ‘push that button’, ‘hold this here’, and other instructions. It takes a lot more time to learn all of the skills and that is not a skill that I (Andy) have.

But we have a solution! If members take an introductory lathe class at a local school we will consider you certified to use our lather as long as you come down and put the training into practice within 4 weeks of the class.

The places we recommend are:
Pratt Fine Arts Center
Port Townsend School of Woodworking
Woodcraft of Seattle

The lathe classes are often booked out and waitlisted months in advance so plan accordingly

The Seattle Woodturners Association may also be able to help you