Join master production turner Matt Monaco for a focused, hands-on workshop dedicated to creating elegant, well-balanced platters with crisp detail and clean form. This class explores the fundamentals of fine detail platter turning, emphasizing precision cuts, controlled transitions, and beautifully executed rim details that elevate a simple form into a refined, gallery-quality piece.

Students will learn how to establish strong proportions, develop crisp detail elements, and refine surfaces directly off the tool - minimizing sanding and maximizing clarity of form. Matt will demonstrate his approach to shaping, tool presentation, and edge management, then guide participants through hands-on practice to build confidence and finesse.

This workshop is ideal for turners who want to improve their tool control, sharpen their design sensibilities, and create platters with subtle, professional-level detail.

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 turn a platter, focusing on clean form, crisp rim detail, and refined surfaces produced directly off the tool.

What You Will Learn

The emphasis is on technique and form -students leave with improved skills and a deeper understanding of how to produce clean, elegant platter forms.

• How to design and proportion a fine detail platter
• Precision side-grain cutting techniques
• Rim detail development and refinement
• Clean transitions and controlled shaping
• How to achieve refined surfaces directly off the tool
• Sharpening concepts and edge management
• How to work with intention, clarity, and finesse

Skill Level

This workshop requires prior woodturning experience.

Beginners should feel comfortable using basic turning tools, working safely at the lathe, and completing simple side-grain bowl forms. If you can turn a basic bowl with confidence and are motivated to take your skills to the next level, you’re ready to explore platters.

Intermediate and advanced turners will find plenty of depth in the precision cuts, fine detail development, and form refinement that Matt is known for. This workshop offers meaningful skill-building for anyone looking to refine their tool control, elevate surface quality, and create clean, well-balanced platter forms.