Welcome to Learn To Turn Studio.

My name is John DiNovo. I grew up as the third of three boys, with a younger sister, in a household led by my parents.

My Father was a hardworking printing company

manager. He worked tirelessly, often

exceeding 60 hours a week, and took a

hands-on approach to maintaining our home.

I was his constant companion during these

projects, observing his problem-solving process,

attention to detail, and determination to improve with every task.

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As my father transitioned from home repairs to woodworking for enjoyment, he built small furniture pieces, rocking horses, and workshop fixtures. Sadly, he passed away at 62, shortly after completing his woodworking shop. With my mother’s blessing, I inherited his tools, and in 2002, after purchasing a house in Plainfield, IL, I set up my own workshop in the basement.

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Of all the tools, the lathe captured my imagination. My father had used it sparingly, creating chair parts and tool

handles, but I saw its bigger potential.  With limited

online resources in the early 2000s, I turned to

books and magazines at the library to learn

woodturning. My early projects—bats, lamps, and

 bowls—were modest, but persistence & experimentation paid off.

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By 2010, YouTube content creators became a valuable source of inspiration, helping me refine my craft. I also adhered to my father’s method of careful planning, open-minded execution,

and thoughtful critique.

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In 2022, as I concluded a very fulfilling 35-year career as an 8th-grade science teacher, I upgraded to a professional 3hp Laguna 24/36 lathe. This investment significantly improved my skills and coincided with a pivotal moment: the creation of “Learn to Turn Studio”.

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I transformed my 1½-car garage into a state-of-the-art woodworking studio. The space features four Laguna 18/36 lathes, a HEPA-filter dust collection system, and climate control for year-round comfort. “Learn to Turn Studio” combines my passions for teaching and woodturning, offering a welcoming environment for aspiring woodturners of all skill levels

to learn, create, and succeed.