The rocking lathe is the predecessor of the electric lathe. This foot- and muscle-powered lathe is used to turn bowls, cups, plates, jars, boxes, and other utensils from wood.

The craftsman starts with a rough piece of fresh wood and uses an axe to achieve a rough shape; subsequently, he uses self-forged turning jigs and the rocking lathe to give the object its final form.

Pieterjan’s adventure with the rocking lathe began out of curiosity about traditional greenwood working techniques. This journey of discovery started years ago with spoon and other carving, transitioned into making stools and chairs, and eventually led to turning on a rocking lathe. A world of turned objects, such as bowls, boxes, cups, and jars, opened up for him.

It soon became a passion that led him to embark on a Master-Apprentice program together with Martijn Van Gerwen. Through this scholarship, he and Martijn apprenticed with experienced craftsmen in England. This strengthened his growth as a green woodworker, and he is breathing new life into this ancient craft. By now organizing workshops himself, he encourages others to discover this beautiful craft and experience what it is like to work with green wood and create unique, usable objects.

During the festival, he will give free continuous demonstrations.

This program is made possible by Dijk92.