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Ricc Havens
05-07-2019, 3:07 PM
I posted this on the AAW forum a couple weeks ago and meant to post here as well but got distracted.

Last year I asked on this and a couple other forums for recommendations for turning instruction. Along with the normal places like Marc Adams, Arrowmont, and John Campbell schools there were recommendations for individual pros who gave lessons. My buddy Gary and I wanted a more one-on-one style of learning compared to the 10-to-1 or 16-to-one student teacher rations the schools have. Ultimately we chose to contact Rudy Lopez. A couple weeks ago spent we spent 4 days (well actually 3.5 days since he set us up with a morning trip to one of his wood supplier guys!).

I can't recommend Rudy enough! He was patient with working around my limited vision issues, easy going funny, extremely knowledgeable etc. etc! My friend Gary has had other one-one-one lessons in the past few years from a couple other very well known pro turners that I won't name specifically. But, Gary said this experience with Rudy was the best of them all. If you want a great learning experience be sure to contact Rudy Lopez at http://rudolphlopez.com/classes01.html

Also, if you are not a member of the American Association of Woodturners (don't have to be in the US to be a member) I highly recommend joining. Some people complain about the high cost of membership but to me it's worth it. They have annul opportunities for Educational Opportunity Grants. I have wanted for a few years to get some instruction from a pro but could never afford it on my disability icome. I applied and was awarded a grant which allowed me to take the class with Rudy.

These are t6he grant opportunities available:


[*=left]Educational Opportunity Grant (EOG) Financial Grants – Awards to individuals (adults and students), chapters, and other woodturning-related associations. Click for application. (https://www.woodturner.org/page/FinancialGrantApplication)



[*=left]Educational Opportunity Grant (EOG) Lathe Package Grants – Packages contain: Jet Mini Lathe (non-variable speed), set of Crown tools, tool package (to be determined), Nova chuck, and a faceshield. Click for application. (https://www.woodturner.org/page/LathePackageApplication)




[*=left]WIT/Other Underrepresented Populations Events & Exhibitions Grant – Click for application. (https://www.woodturner.org/page/UnderrepPopulationsGrant)




[*=left]Professional Outreach Program (POP) Fellowship Grant– Click for application. (https://www.woodturner.org/page/POPFellowshipGrantApplication)



[*=left]Symposium Grants – Click for application. (https://www.woodturner.org/page/SymposiumRegistrationGrant)


So I highly recommend Rudy as an instructor and want to thank the AAW organization for the grant funds and the opportunity it allowed me to expand my turning skills.


Ricc Havens

John K Jordan
05-07-2019, 7:29 PM
...I highly recommend Rudy as an instructor and want to thank the AAW organization for the grant funds and the opportunity it allowed me to expand my turning skills.


I really like Rudy also. I've never taken a class with him but have seen him at symposiums.

I also like his folding platform! Did you see that? I want to make one like that I can carry around and also store more easily.

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The center threaded rod pulls the hinged sides in to grip the end pieces.

Ricc Havens
05-08-2019, 9:04 AM
Did not see the folding platform. He had 4 lathes in his shop Robust, Woodfast, Jet 1642 and PM 4224. Had a platform over on his the 4224 that he used but didn't notice if it would fold.

Jen Joy
05-08-2019, 10:32 AM
I also took a weekend class with Rudy at the Florida School of Woodwork just over a month ago -- there were 6 of us in the class, but we all got the attention we needed and while I'm very new to this, he was an excellent teacher. In fact, I'm totally hooked and hopefully buying a used lathe tomorrow. :) Now I wish I had paid more attention to the whole sharpening bit.


Did not see the folding platform. He had 4 lathes in his shop Robust, Woodfast, Jet 1642 and PM 4224. Had a platform over on his the 4224 that he used but didn't notice if it would fold.