Level-Up Plans To-Date

Billy Burt

I’ve loved woodworking since Wood Shop in high school. My first turning was in 1970 when I was 15. It was a goblet, and boy was it ugly! I reengaged with turning in 2003 because our youngest son turned us each a pen in Industrial Arts class. I still have that pen and I decided I wanted to turn pens.

I began by turning plain pens using the guts from a Bic click pen on a HF lathe. It didn’t take but a few months for me to discover that I needed to upgrade the lathe. Over the next few years, I got into production turning, and that kind of burned me out on pens. So I turned to bowls and upgraded lathes again. I love all woodworking, but turning is my passion and my therapy.

My train of thought anymore is anybody can turn a simple bowl. Because of that, I tend to venture into things like segmenting, laminating, multi-axis turning, embellishing with color, etc. This also leads me to pushing the envelope on a regular basis. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t; but I always learn and learning is the important thing. Once we quit learning as turners, we might as well sell our lathes.

Brent Sobotka

I began woodturning nearly 30 years ago, crafting pens as a self-taught novice and often stumbling through the process. A class a decade ago exposed my many missteps, sparking a passion that shifted woodturning to my primary craft—surpassing my earlier work as a traditional woodworker.

My approach is a little unconventional. Unlike many turners who produce prolifically, I create only a handful of projects annually, driven by a passion for breaking paradigms and discarding traditional methods to explore the unique, challenging, or unprecedented. A piece might linger on my lathe for weeks or months as I develop a novel technique. For instance, my “directional steady-rest”—a tool I invented—has allowed me to secure projects in ways no standard method could, enabling bold, innovative projects.

I’m no master woodturner, but I have enough skill to bring my visions to life, even if the process isn’t always refined. I draw inspiration from the creativity of fellow woodturners, yet craft original pieces that reflect my unique vision. My projects, fueled by imagination and problem-solving, often resonate with others—a gratifying bonus. Above all, I turn wood for the joy of discovery. At Level-Up, I’m eager to share my paradigm-breaking approach and learn from others elevating the craft.

Clayton Thigpen

Clayton Thigpen is a full-time production turner from Madison, Mississippi. His work draws from a combination of his backgrounds as an award-winning graphic designer, website developer, and children’s book illustrator, attempting to find the perfect blend of creativity and technical prowess.

After joining the Magnolia Woodturners, Clayton became almost immediately immersed in turning. He has studied under some of the most prolific woodturners, such as Nick Cook, Sammy Long, and Mark Sillay. Whether it’s traveling for demos or symposia, teaching in a more formalized setting as an [assistant] instructor at the John C. Campbell Folk School, or lighthearted presentations for elementary school field trips as a member of the Mississippi Craftsmen’s Guild; his excitement for the actual process of woodturning is matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing anything and everything he knows about the craft.

Dave Rhodes

My name is Dave Rhodes, and I am a retired programmer and teacher. I’ve enjoyed working with wood since high school. My wife used to kid me that I married her for her dad’s shop … we would visit her folks regularly and I would send hours weekly in his shop.

Unfortunately, during my prime working years, using the father-in-law’s shop slowed down. I found little time to work with wood. On retirement, my wife wanted to get me out of her hair (SMILE), and started to assure I had the tools I needed to get back into our garage to do woodworking.

Getting back into woodworking was hard for me. Not that woodworking is too hard to do (or learn), but, because I’m beyond frugal. I hate spending money. Scrooge was loose with his money in my opinion. Buying tools and materials requires spending money, and this causes me to pause. The result, My wife pushed hard to get me to accumulate tools over the last 20 years. Now I’d say, I have a reasonably stocked shop and I’m sorry I hadn’t spent more time in a shop over the last 50 years (when I could have really enjoyed woodworking).

Some years back, my wife decided I needed to stop commenting on how much I wanted to try woodturning, but didn’t want to spend the money for a lathe. My wife went out and bought a lathe for me, before I realized what she was doing (spending money). I’ve been enjoying wood turning ever since.

Let me tell you, I have a heart attack (figuratively speaking) each time I have to buy a gouge, skew, grinding wheel, shellac, or … whatever. However, thanks to my wife and the option to make tools, I get what I may need (eventually).

During Level-Up, I plan to work in conjunction with Billy Burt, Roger Wollam, and other to help you get Wedgies, offer plans for a wedgie sled, and be prepared to make pieces for assembly of a open or closed segmented turnings.

Dean Grimes

Dean Grimes has been woodturning for over 15 years and brings a passion for sharing the craft with others. Based in Lufkin, Texas; Dean focuses on teaching beginner and intermediate turners through his popular YouTube channel: where he combines education with practical, hands-on demonstrations. His approachable style and emphasis on fundamentals make him a trusted resource for those looking to build both skill and confidence at the lathe. Dean’s mission is simple—help turners of all levels enjoy the process of creating while developing safe, effective, and enjoyable techniques.

Dean will guide you through the process of turning an end grain bowl, highlighting tips, tricks, and strategies to achieve clean cuts and a beautiful finish.

Gary Hales

My woodturning life started in 1979 with the purchase of a ShopSmith and the interesting stories I have when I first started trying to turn. Let’s say I am glad to be here with all my fingers! In 2011, I was invited to a meeting of the North Alabama Woodturners and found that what I was doing was called scraping and not turning. The learning and spending began at that point; shortly thereafter, I purchased a used Jet 14 x 40 lathe and a sharpening system. Since then, I have upgraded to a Powermatic 3520C.

After a couple of trips to J.C. Campbell for classes and the help of several club members, I learned to actually turn instead of scraping. After several years, I was asked to demonstrate at my turning club and the Alabama Woodturners in Birmingham.

Jeff Walters

I began my turning journey is 2010 when a friend taught me how to make a pen: I was hooked. I have made thousands of pens since then and they are still my biggest sellers. I moved into making bowls, clocks, tea lights, vases, urns, and many different items that were gifts, which then became items for sale at my craft shows.

I retired from my regular job of 40 years in 2016 which gave me a lot more time to work in my shop. In 2022, I did my first demo for the Detroit Area Woodturners. It was for the tea lights I make and the demo was well received. Since then I have done many other demos for the Detroit Area Woodturners and two for World Wide Woodturners. I have also taught turning at the Ron Campbell Woodturning Retreat. I have now moved into segmenting work and really love creating pieces that are more artistic.

JAMES N. DUXBURY

Jim Duxbury, woodturner and inventor, is the kind of guy who thinks and creates “out of the box.” His turnings are unique and he seldom turns the same thing twice. With the help of his pet parrotlet, “Bean” creativity abounds – all sorts of fine turnings are made from small bottle stoppers to bowls, bud vases, trays, furniture, kaleidoscopes, turned wooden hats, pens, and even a working Foucault Pendulum.

Jim’s kaleidoscopes are a signature item, custom designed and the recipient of numerous blue ribbons. Although Jim quit working in 1996 and has claimed to be retired, he has since obtained two U. S. Patents.

His work can be seen at Elegant Creations, his gallery of fine wooden objects, including Kaleidoscope Plans, Kaleidoscope Building DVD, and custom wooden Kaleidoscopes. www.duxterity.com/ec

Artist’s Statement

A perfectionist known for “thinking out of the box,” I pride myself in creating wooden items of beauty that also are designed to function well. My fascination with wood and wood grains, from the most exotic to the common native varieties, and my ability to employ the wood lathe and adapt tools, lead to experiments of new and exciting ideas. Prototypes abound. I admire creativity and have a keen appreciation for wood as a natural media.

My woodturnings and kaleidoscopes are distinctive fine artistic pieces that have won awards and accolades for not only their elegant quality but for their uniqueness of design which sets them apart from other turned wooden objects.

Joaquin Juatai

Joaquin Juatai (JJ) is a US Navy Veteran, author, and woodturner. After his medical discharge from the Navy, JJ spent time looking for a new calling before being introduced to the lathe by a fellow Veteran. Once he held a bowl gouge in his hand, JJ never looked back, absorbing, and learning as much as he could about woodturning and developing his technique and increasing his level of craftsmanship.

JJ has put his Journalism training and experience from the Navy to use as the editor of Wood Turners Worldwide, the newsletter of worldwidewoodturners.org. He has demonstrated for local clubs in North Carolina, as well as for WWW’s Wednesday night meetings. He also turns live daily on TikTok in an effort to gather the interest of young people and continue the art of woodturning for generations to come.

Kade Bolger

Kade Bolger is a wood sculptor known for blending storytelling and natural wood features into functional art. He began woodworking with guidance from his Irish grandfather and trained under Master Woodturners in Ireland and the UK.

His award-winning work has been featured in multiple exhibitions and publications, including World of Woodturning and the AWGB Travelling Gallery.

Kade’s notable pieces, like Incursion, Le Feu, Call it Mona, Sweet Orange and Sweet Saskatoon, have received international recognition and acclaim.

In 2024, he was honored as a demonstrator for the AWGB International Woodturning Seminar, reflecting his growing reputation in the woodturning community.

Martin Clarkson

My name is Martin Clarkson; I am a professional woodturner from Lincolnshire, England. I live and work in the UK. I have been turning full-time for 10 years, designing and making a variety of products, mainly consumer goods, all from a variety of woods, in a variety of price ranges. Over the years, I have learned a lot about the techniques of different countries and cultures: the tools and lathes used differ from place to place, but the turning itself, the tools used, and the handling of the products may have evolved over time, but the techniques themselves have remained the same. I joined this community because I believe that many of you here will be able to inspire and show something new through your work; and of course, I hope that I can inspire you in the same way with some of my own work.

Matt Harber

I have a lifelong fascination with wood and wood art. I began feeding this obsession in 2004 when I began to learn the skills and art of woodturning on a lathe. I have lived most of my life in Southeastern Michigan, surrounded by trees, and am delighted in being able to bring out and shape the natural beauty inside these wonderful woods that are all around us.

I find serenity and joy in the creative process, as a piece unfolds and reveals itself through my hand. I am always seeking new textures, shapes, and techniques to apply to my work on my journey of exploration.

I create distinctive, unique, one-of-a-kind wood (usually) items that are hand turned on a lathe and hand finished. Some pieces are then hand painted, burned (pyrographed), carved, painted, or otherwise embellished. These pieces include but are not limited to bowls, vases, goblets, platters/plates, hollow forms, and many creative variations of these.

Patrick Hoggard

My name is Patrick Hoggard. I have loved woodworking since I was a child. My grandfather was a carpenter, so I learned a lot of my skills from him. I have done flatwork and built structures all my life. My woodturning journey started when I retired and I bought my first lathe in 2016; and so it began.

I enjoy turning bowls, boxes, vases, platters, goblets and hollow forms. I really enjoy experimenting with different shapes and forms. When I’m not on the lathe I’m thinking about different shapes and how to make them come to life. Look forward to seeing you at Level-Up!

Paul Hannaby

Paul Hannaby is a registered professional turner based in the Royal Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK and has been turning wood since 1999. Paul offers tuition, demonstrations, and writes articles, which have been published in a number of publications worldwide. Paul has been teaching woodturning since approx. 2005 and has been demonstrating since 2003.

At the 2011 international woodturning seminar, organised by the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain, Paul was selected as the winner of the Tony Boase tribute award.

Paul has demonstrated at clubs around the UK, at the AWGB International Seminar in the UK, at a seminar in Ireland ,and in Spain.

Paul was a trustee and director of the AWGB from 2012-2022 and chairman from 2018-2022 and continues to assist as a volunteer.

Paul’s websites are www.creative-woodturning.com and www.hannaby.com

Rita Duxbury

A Massachusetts native, Rita now resides in Graham, North Carolina. With 40+ years as an educator coupled with 21 years as a US Navy Reserve Intelligence Officer, Rita has traveled the world, always ready for a new adventure. Her interest in woodturning, a keen appreciation for the beauty and qualities of wood, and with the mentoring of her husband, Jim, she has advanced from sweeping sawdust to creating her own unique wooden pieces. Rita and Jim team up to present demonstrations and instructions at woodturning clubs, symposiums and workshops throughout the country. Rita is a member of the Carolina Mountain Woodturners, Woodturners Guild of NC, Piedmont Triad Woodturners, Association of Woodturners of Great Britain, and the Alamance Artisans Guild.

Artist’s Statement

Each day is a new adventure and I approach life just that way, realizing that there are not enough hours in the day to learn, experiment, explore, and create. Woodturning and teaching others the skill of turning has become a part of my focus – as it is my husband’s life and much a part of our daily routine. Often I am amazed at my own finished pieces which have been carefully scrutinized by my mentor – a perfectionist. What better way to learn the art of woodturning?

Roger Wollam

I live in the small town of Kahoka in Northeast Missouri. I started turning about 17 years ago on a Shopsmith and shortly after that I got a ringmaster attachment for the Shopsmith and started doing bowls from the bowl from a board method of turning. That got me interested in segmenting, so I took a class at Cerritos College on segmenting. I enjoyed it so much that I took classes over a few times to learn more.

In 2019 I started helping as an aide for the class and did that until Covid hit and the college closed down all the classes. I retired and moved from southern California back to Missouri in 2021. I still enjoy segmenting and try different things from time to time. I will be coaching a class on segmenting at Level- Up and will have the attendees make a 7 inch segmented salad bowl. Hope to see many of you there!

Sue Jilek

I am originally from Western New York and moved to the Sunshine State in 1973. All my life I wanted to take things apart put them together, build things, paint things, and embellish things…I have done a lot of crafts in my day. When I retired, I took up woodworking in earnest. I loved it, the smell of wood and making a finish pop!

As I got older things seemed to be getting heavier so my next step was woodturning. I started woodturning in 2021 and I was hooked. Since then, I have taken carving courses for both Rotary tools, chip, carving tools, carving with gouges and chisels. I also enjoy embellishing using dyes, paints, and all kinds of neat stuff; so I hope you join me in one of my classes for embellishments.

Timothy Hatch

My name is Timothy Hatch. I retired from the U.S. Army in 2007 after 20 plus years in the Infantry. After leaving the Army I took a job with the State of Arizona for a couple years then took a job in Kuwait and Afghanistan training US. Troops. In 2013 I took a job with Booz Allen Hamilton and am currently training the Texas Army National Guard. My wife Julie and I reside in Bastrop Texas, where we enjoy several hobbies such as gardening, woodworking, lapidary and making arts and crafts for our small business.

I started my Wood Turning Journey in 2019 after buying my son an Excelsior Lathe from Rockler for Christmas the year before. Due to my son living in an apartment in Houston, he left his lathe in my shop so he could use it when he came up to visit on the weekends. Well, his lathe was taking up room in my shop and I can’t have a tool just sitting there not being used so I started exploring how to put it into use.

I started looking online for YouTube Demonstrations on how to use the lathe and ran across Captain Eddie Castlin’s making Shavings videos, I was Hooked! Here was a guy with a small shop talking to me about how to do things “On the Cheap”, my middle name, LOL. I also started watching Carl Jacobson, Mike Peace, Sam Angelo, And Billy Burt’s Messy Studio and many others to get some more concept of what I could be doing on the lathe.

As a self-taught woodturner, I moved from pens and small bowls to hollow forms, Christmas ornaments, and of course, had to move up to a better lathe. I bought a Jet 1221 and then a Powermatic 2014 both great lathes for small shops like mine.

Looking for more Wood Turning inspiration I started joining in on the Wednesday night Worldwidewoodturners.org meetings about September 2020. One of the best decisions I have ever made. This group has become an extended family and every week I learn new tips, tricks and techniques, and a lot of friends along the way.

I just can’t wait to get back in the shop to start “Making Shavings”.