Inside the basement of one of downtown Bath’s historic buildings, passersby may hear the sound of a wood lathe spinning away between the Water Street parking lot and Front Street.

Stepping into the small space, one spots an assortment of bowls, boxes and chairs made by small business owner Michael Lee, 62, of Friendship. He opened the Fellowship of the Lathe at 223 Water St. this month to mentor prospective students eager to refine their woodturning skills.

The name “Fellowship” in Lee’s small business is what led him to mentoring and teaching, rather than just producing finished wood projects. Lee believes in making connections through wood craftsmanship and views himself as a good teacher for the woodturning hobby.

“When you are turning, it’s a continuum because there is no beginning

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