Spend a full day developing strong, reliable woodturning fundamentals with master production turner Matt Monaco. This workshop focuses on clean, skill-driven side-grain turning - no texturing or painting-just sharp tools, refined technique, and beautifully executed forms. You will learn how to shape clean curves and created refine surfaces directly off the tool. You will learn to work with intention rather than improvisation.

Drawing from his formative years as a professional turner, Matt teaches the cutting methods, tool control strategies, and body mechanics that allow turners to work efficiently and with confidence. His instruction blends individual coaching with group learning, ensuring every participant receives guidance appropriate to their skill level.

This workshop is ideal for turners who want to strengthen their fundamentals, correct long-standing habits, or elevate the quality of their finished work.

About Matt Monaco

Matt Monaco is an internationally recognized production woodturner, instructor, and demonstrator known for his clean forms, precise tool work, and refined approach to traditional turning technique. With a professional background that includes years of full-time trade turning, Matt has produced thousands of bowls, vessels, boxes, and spindle-turned components. This depth of experience gives him a rare command of efficient, repeatable, high-quality turning - skills he now shares with students across North America.

Matt’s training blends classical craft lineage with contemporary design sensibilities. He studied under master turners and furniture makers, including time at Shackleton Thomas, where he absorbed the discipline, precision, and work ethic of a professional craft environment. His work is grounded in the belief that strong fundamentals - tool control, body mechanics, and intentional form - are the foundation of all great turning.

As an educator, Matt teaches at leading craft schools including the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the Port Townsend School of Woodworking, and the Dale L. Nish School of Woodturning (Craft Supplies USA). He is also a featured demonstrator at major woodturning symposia and guilds throughout North America. His teaching style is clear, structured, and rooted in real-world production experience, making him one of the most sought-after instructors in the field.

What Students Will Make

Participants will complete one or more side-grain practice forms that were created while focusing on tool-control to enhance curves, transitions, and surface refinements. 

What You Will Learn
The emphasis is on technique, not decoration - students leave with improved skills and a deeper understanding of how to produce clean, elegant work directly off the tool.

• Efficient side-grain cutting techniques
• Correct body mechanics and tool presentation
• How to refine surfaces directly off the tool
• Shaping clean curves and controlled transitions
• How a basic tool kit can produce exceptional results
• Sharpening concepts and edge management
• How to work with intention, not improvisation

Skill Level

Some prior woodturning experience is required, but this workshop is a great learning opportunity for motivated beginners through intermediate turners.