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We pursue our craft at a level first practiced in the Renaissance, when Kings, queens and nobles used the lathe to create masterpieces. Even turning out ordinary objects, their work was at a level thought to emulate God’s creative actions. They naturally believed that abiding by such standards would make them better rulers.

“It is hard to even describe what this organization is but imagine a group of people, that created the ultimate workshop, over 6,000 square feet on two floors, filled it priceless antique and newer machine tools. It is eye candy beyond belief, like a museum but the best part and the whole point of it is to inspire artists and craftspeople to use these tools pushing their own work to extremes.

They offer classes, internships and other opportunities so the skills of shops like Fabergé won’t be lost.

Imagine being young and impressionable and being able to work in a workshop and with skilled people beyond your wildest dreams?”

– Bill Robertson

Featured Work

Plumier Intern Kelsey Watson

When you look at his work, it’s hard to imagine that when he stepped into the shop in the summer of 2021 that he’d never run a lathe of any sort before, let alone a mill.

Kelsey Watson

Since then we’ve helped him acquire multiple lathes; and he’s accumulated a mill, grinders, and various other tools. His executions are virtually flawless, and his eye for design is obvious.

Kelsey Watson

Kelsey’s innate abilities were the seed that was planted in the fertile soil of Plumier, and its growth has been astounding.

Kelsey Watson

Kelsey is a prolific creator and has proven to be an outstanding craftsperson and artist.

Kelsey Watson

“Currently, there are few paths for people like us. We come to the crafts through the internet, but where to go from there is often unclear. At Plumier the driven will find a place where their skills will explode and a community where they will be supported on their journey in craft.”

Join Us.

If you have highly developed skills we have exceptional equipment for you to extend yourself on. Think of a month to six month visiting master role balancing your own work with some teaching days.

Save the Date! September 8–12: Intermediate Complex Turning Classes (focus on chuck and apparatus setup; registration opening soon)

Meet Spencer Hamann

July 1, 2025

Spencer Haman is one of two 2025 interns with the Plumier Foundation.

He is a Luthier by profession, managing workshops in Mundelein, Illinois and Racine, Wisconsin for “Classic Violins,” a small, family-owned business. He began his journey into complex turning in 2023 and discovered the Foundation through online searches and exploring its YouTube and Instagram accounts.