Introduction to Fine Woodworking – Spring 2026

This course will take place May 19-20, 4-6 p.m., at the Hurley High School Woods Classroom and Shop with instructor Tim Lutgen.

Limited enrollment–sign up soon to guarantee a spot!

Registration fee includes materials (except for required personal safety equipment).

Tim Lutgen’s popular Introduction to Fine Woodworking class returns with a new project! This class will teach students the basic fundamentals of wood lathe operations and machine safety. No experience is required. Once students can safely operate the lathe, they will turn pen stock (hardwood and/or acrylic) into a beautiful executive pen. Lathe equipment is affordable for home use, and students can then use their new skills to create many more beautiful objects in their own homes!

The instructor will begin with an explanation and demonstration of all the equipment and tools used for turning pens. Then, students will practice on pine stock to get familiar with the tools and to express their own design creativity. Students will then take wood and/or acrylic stock, drill a center hole, and insert/glue brass inserts in order to turn the pen blanks on the second day. After carefully turning the pen blanks to the student’s desired design, assorted sandpapers will be used to bring the pen stock to a smooth, glossy finish. Bee’s wax will then
be used to apply a high-gloss finish. Finally, the pens will be assembled using a pen press.

Instructor: Tim Lutgen

Requirements: Hurley High School policy requires wearing safety glasses at all times while in the shop. Students must supply their own safety glasses, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Students with long hair are required to use hair ties to prevent their hair from
accidentally getting caught in the lathe. Food and beverages are permitted in the classroom but not in the shop.
Comfortable work clothing and shoes are recommended, but please avoid sandals. Knit fabrics are discouraged due to the amount of sawdust and small wood chips produced during the turning process.

Materials Fee: The class registration fee includes a $24 materials fee, including all hardwoods and consumable supplies

Registration Eligibility: Students who have previously taken an Fe University Introductory class with Tim are not eligible for this class.

We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.

This class is limited to 6 students.

Online Registration: Scroll down to our Registration form to register online!
– or –
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.

Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.

Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.

Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.