This is a series of hands on furniture making classes that should be taken in succession as each project builds on skills learned in the previous classes. This series is not a required prerequisite for other classes contained in this schedule.

Woodworking I

Walnut Jewelry Box

A hands-on course that covers the basic concepts of woodworking and furniture making. This eight session or four day class is a combination of demonstrations and hands-on practice. General shop safety (with particular concentration on using the tablesaw) is emphasized. Students will utilize the skills, techniques and tools (both power and hand-tools) being taught in the class in the making of a walnut jewelry box. This project could also be used to store a variety of other personal items. Skills learned will provide a strong foundation for subsequent furniture-making classes. Class size is limited to 12 students. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials ($59.00).

Woodworking II

Shaker Hall Table

An eight-session (or four day) class that is a continuation of the Woodworking I class. This class utilizes a combination of hand tools and power tools in the construction of a valuable piece of furniture. Techniques learned in the previous class are put to extensive use as more advanced techniques and skills are introduced. Mortise and tenon joints, grain matching, and using handplanes are a few of the new skills students will learn while making a cherry hall table as their project. Class size is limited, Woodworking I is a prerequisite. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials ($195.00).

Section 112710A: Saturday & Sunday, November 27, 28, December 11 & 12, 9:30am—4:30pm

   general tool list  64.98 Kb   (will open in a new window)    

Back to Top                      

Woodworking III

	Woodworking III level classes feature a variety of more complex projects. Students are expected to complete some basic work at home such as scraping, sanding and dry-fitting, thus leaving more actual class time for the more complex operations. Shop time for this handwork only can be arranged if you have no facility to work at home.

Make an Arts & Crafts Style Display Case with Bob Van Dyke

This new Woodworking III class is going to be a lot of fun (and a lot of work)!  Arts & Crafts Style furniture has been immensely popular. It is attractive, relatively straightforward to build and fits well in just about any house. The display cabinet we will be building was featured on the cover of Fine Woodworking Magazine Issue # 211. The cabinet, which could also be used as a sideboard, was designed by Michael Pekovich, FWW Magazine’s Art Director, and is approximately 48” wide, 38” high and 13” deep. It features leaded glass doors, through tenons and three dovetailed drawers. The preferred species for this would be quartersawn white oak, but it could also be done in in cherry or walnut if you prefer. As with any new project class the anticipated duration of the class is unsure and it may run a little longer than scheduled. There will be homework required which will consist of surfacing and dryfitting joints. If you do not have facility at home then some time in the class shop can be arranged with the director. If you are unable to commit to this homework or will be missing more than a couple of the  classes then this is not the class for you. Sign up soon as I expect this class to fill quickly. Tuition $595.00 plus materials

Section 101910A: Tuesday evenings, October 19— January 25, 2011, 6:00pm - 9:30pm

(photo by Michael Pekovich: courtesy- Fine Woodworking Magazine)

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Make a Craftsman Style Blanket Chest with Bob Van Dyke & Tim Spratlin

This advanced workshop features a handsome frame and panel blanket chest, which is based on a design by John McAlevey, a well-known custom furniture maker and author living in Maine. The chest was featured on the cover of Fine Woodworking Magazine a number of years ago. The project entails extensive through mortise and tenons, raised panels, chamfered legs, a number of curved parts and frame and panel construction. The techniques used in its construction are basic to many larger furniture pieces. The format of this class is unique. We will meet one weekend a month for three months, which provides six full days of class time. Work at home between sessions will be required in order to keep the project on track.  Participants need to have taken at least the Woodworking I and II classes. Tuition: $595.00 (plus materials).

   Section 101610A:  Saturday & Sunday, October 16 & 17, November 20 & 21 & December 4 & 5, 9:30am - 4:30pm

                                    (note:new start date) 

 general tool list 64.98 Kb   (will open in a new window)   

Back to Top

Make an Arts & Crafts Style Ottoman with Bob Van Dyke

If you made the Morris Chair in one of our past classes, if you have a chair that needs an ottoman- or if you just want to continue building your woodworking skills then this is the class for you. This class features an Arts & Crafts style ottoman to match your Morris chair in either cherry or walnut. While the design is fairly simple, you will find some challenges in making the through, wedged mortise and tenons. This is a nice project to practice your skills with a handplane, card scarper and chisel. Put your feet up and give your Morris chair that extra bit of comfort! Sign up today. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials

  Section  092210A:    Wednesday evenings,           September 22 - October 27, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Ten week Woodworking Intensive

Ten Week Intensive Furniture Making Workshop with W. Mickey Callahan

This new class is designed for the serious student who has both the time and the desire to commit to a comprehensive woodworking course of study.  Starting in early October and going into mid-December (two days per week for 10 weeks), students will be guided through a series of comprehensive and fundamental training exercises systematically designed to help students develop and advance their woodworking skills in cabinet and furniture making. Completion of this course will enable students to work more independently on advanced and specialized techniques used in a vast array of furniture and cabinet making styles and designs.

The class will include design, drafting, reading and following plans, project organization, developing procedures, stock lists, and the basics of wood science. Tool maintenance and techniques, stock preparation, hand and machine cut joinery such as dovetails, mortise and tenon and variations on these joints and others will be covered with a strong emphasis on developing hand tool skills.

As the class progresses, you will begin to put your new skills to the test in the making of a large tool chest which will help apply and reinforce your newly developed skills, expertise, and confidence while still under the watchful eye of the instructor. The basic design of the tool box will be consistent but you will have many opportunities to customize your project to suit your own sense of design, preferences and tool requirements. The use of veneers, ornamentation, combinations of veneers and solid woods along with  a variety of joinery options will all be explored.

The school has an extensive inventory of top quality hand and power tools but you will probably want to start putting together your own set of hand tools.  An important question that most students have is “what tools do I need and what makes one brand better than another” This and other questions will be discussed at length throughout the ten weeks of instruction.  Mickey Callahan is the founder and president of The Society of American Period Furniture Makers. He taught furniture making at Boston’s prestigious North Bennett Street School and has written articles for Fine Woodworking Magazine, American Period Furniture Magazine and other publications along with doing commission period furniture work. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a leading master in the field. Tuition: $1995.00 plus materials

Section 100710A: Thursdays & Fridays, October 7—December 17, 9:00am—4:30pm

Back to Top

Fundamentals of Cabinet Making

Design and Build Kitchen Cabinets with Tim Spratlin

The pinnacle of home cabinetmakinag is the kitchen cabinet. This is also a subject that many people have asked for over the years. Tim Spratlin is a professional cabinet maker and is able to show you loads of time saving techniques to help you on your way to building your own kitchen cabinets. You may just be interested in a simpler project like a bathroom vanity– but the techniques and principles are all the same! Tim will review the standards involved in modern kitchen design; ie. the height of counters, depths of cabinets, etc., and demonstrate the installation process. The cabinet you will make in class is a small (about 28” wide) free standing unit that utilizes all the challenges you will face in building a full set of cabinets. The project will incorporate a face frame, a raised panel door, a drawer, a laminated top and European hardware.  Options for different types of countertops will be discussed. The cabinet you make in class could then be used at home as a free standing vanity, a storage cabinet or even a sharpening station in a workshop- but more importantly, it will give you the knowledge and confidence to tackle that larger kitchen project that you have been putting off!  If you’ve been waiting for the right time to rebuild your kitchen, then this class will get you started on the right track.  Tuition $345.00 plus materials.

 Section 092010A: Monday evenings, September 20 - November 1, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Making Raised Panel Doors with Tim Spratlin

The raised panel door is a basic part of most furniture carcase construction, but is also used extensively in cabinet making. Tim will guide students thru the finer points of making raised panel doors. Proper sizing of the door to fit into an opening along with sizing the floating panel to allow for seasonal expansion and contraction are an essential part of the class. Students will use the router table and a set of “cope & stick” bits to make the stiles and rails. Students will use vertical & horizontal raised panel bits to form the panel. Each student will make a door they can then use as a model in their own workshops. Tuition: $75.00 plus materials

Section  103110B:    Sunday,    October 31,    10:00am - 4:30pm

You do not need any tools for this class 

Back to Top

Woodturning

Basic Woodturning with Corey Anderson

Many people have asked for a beginning turning class to be offered in a weekend format. This class will cover much of the same material as the six-night class but because of time constraints we will not be able to cover as much material in as much depth. The class will cover spindle turning, bowl turning and basic lathe use, safety and sharpening. Students will have the opportunity to make a number of spindle and faceplate projects during the weekend including a mallet, a bowl and a small plate or platter.  This is a great introduction to the fascinating craft of woodturning. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials: $32.00)

Section 092510B:  Saturday & Sunday,  September 25 & 26,   9:30am – 5:00pm

  Back to Top

Turn a Bud Vase with Rick Angus

Spend a day working on improving your spindle turning technique while making a couple of attractive bud vases. The great thing about these bud vases is that they are actually lined with a glass sleeve that nearly disappears from sight and allows for safe containment of liquid. The completed vases are perfect for a flower stem in water, fragrant oil and diffuser reeds or dried flowers. Materials for two vases are included in this one-day class.
While relatively simple in concept, we will use a process that allows completion of the piece on the lathe, including a friction varnish, polish and wax. Choose from an assortment of pieces of wood with interesting character and pick the shape the you desire. We will turn the shape between centers, mount in a chuck to drill a hole sized to accept a glass sleeve. You will use a spindle roughing gouge to form the initial shape, refine the form with a detail gouge or skew chisel and sand dustlessly with water or oil to a smooth finish.
The finishing touch will be a smooth glossy finish on the entire exterior, including the bottom. Just sigh the bottom and enjoy. Turners of all skill levels are welcome.

 Section:  100210B: Saturday, October 2,  9:30am – 5:00pm

Back to Top

Making Turned Boxes and Lidded Containers with Corey Anderson

Turned wooden boxes are attractive, practical and make great gifts.  They combine the skills from spindle, bowl and hollow turning.  You can complete a turned box quickly and easily from inexpensive lumber and they are great projects that can really show off your creativity and imagination.

The class will cover wood selection, grain orientation and design considerations.  Students will learn secure wood mounting, tool use and the importance of project planning and design. Corey will demonstrate various box styles and students will complete two or more boxes.  Finishing techniques, decorative possibilities and variations on some basic designs will be an important part of this fun and unique class.

 Don’t miss this exciting class, as you will be sure to have a great time. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials)

 Section 102310B: Saturday & Sunday, October 23 & 24, 9:30am - 5:00pm

Back to Top

Woodturning with Corey Anderson

This six evening class is designed for the beginning (or frustrated) woodturner and features extensive hands-on practice each night. Woodturning is a skill that requires some basic instruction and lots of practice. Students are turning on their own lathe most of each night of the class. Class starts with basic spindle and includes a few simple projects like a mallet and spinning tops. We then move on to face plate turning which includes some cherry and mahogany bowls and plates. Along the way we spend time learning about tool sharpening and general information about lathes, tools, chucks and various jigs used in woodturning. This is a great way to safely get into woodturning and gives you a good foundation for other more advanced turning classes and projects. Corey Anderson is the president of the Central Connecticut Woodturners Guild. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials ($49.00)

Bowl Turning with Al Czellecz

This hands on night time class is an opportunity to concentrate solely on turning bowls. Students will learn basic and advanced bowl turning techniques, tool grinding and various methods for holding the work- including simple home-made jigs and commercial four jaw chucks. Projects will include a variety of bowls and platters made from cherry, mahogany and either tiger maple or walnut. Decorative edges and finishes will also be covered in this unique hands-on class. Fee: $245.00 (plus materials: $40.00)

Section 112310B: Tuesday Evenings, November 23 - December 14, 6:00 - 9:30pm

Back to Top

Professional Furniture Finishing Techniques

Finishing - Start to Finish- with Greg Massicotte

Most woodworkers shy away from finishing or are disappointed in their attempts at finishing the projects they have spent so much time and effort in making. Greg Massicotte has been finishing furniture professionally for over twenty years and has taught countless seminars and classes. Students will learn about bleaching and wood preparation, how to use aniline dyes, pigmented stains and glazes in combination to create the dramatic effects and colors they want. The many different choices for top coats always create a lot of questions. This class will expose students to brushing on varnishes, wiping on oils and spraying lacquers. This experience will help clarify the strengths and weaknesses of each topcoat system. Rubbing out the finish and French Polishing will round out the class. With the huge number of finishing questions that come up daily, you should be sure to fit this valuable class in. Tuition $295.00 (plus materials: $40.00)

Section 100510B: Tuesday Evenings, October 5 - November 16, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  (no class on October 19)

Back to Top

Speciality & Weekend Classes

Traditional Inlay Techniques for a Federal Style Leg with Steve Latta

One of the most distinctive characteristics of period furniture, especially of the Federal period, is the outstanding ornamentation, in the form of intricate inlays of contrasting woods, patterns and complicated shapes. Craftsmen have been practicing inlay for centuries using traditional materials, techniques, tools and designs. Nationally known furniture maker, author and instructor, Steve Latta, hosts this unique hands-on class. Over the course of the weekend students will gain an understanding of the tools and skills necessary to carry out a variety of traditional designs, including patterned bandings, sand-shaded bell flowers and string inlay. Students will incorporate their inlays on a Federal style card table leg, which will provide them with a record of their work and a reminder of inlay possibilities in their future projects. Steve will cover both traditional and modern methodology, including tool-making, in this exceptional weekend class. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials- $67.00)

Section: 082110A: Saturday & Sunday, August 21 & 22, 9:30am – 5:00pm

 Tool_list_Steve_Latta_Inlay_Federal_Leg.pdf

Back to Top 

Sharpening Hand-tools Techniques with Bob Van Dyke

Are you tired of trying to use dull chisels and handplanes? Most people don’t use these tools effectively because they don’t know how to sharpen them or don’t even realize just how sharp they need to be! Many beginning woodworkers are sucked into the advertising for the latest and greatest jig to use when in fact, sharpening any chisel or plane iron is a simple and quick process that does not require a whole bunch of expensive and time consuming equipment. This class will focus on basic sharpening techniques by hand and using a grinder to produce a razor edge in less than five minutes. We will discuss the pros and cons of the many sharpening systems and honing guides. As an added bonus, sharpening a card scraper will also be demonstrated. Bring along a chisel or plane iron- sometimes there is time for you to try it out on one of your own tools. Tuition: $65.00 (Materials are included).

Section 092910A:    Wednesday evening, September 29, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

  Back to Top

Get a Handle on Handplanes with Thomas Lie-Nielsen

We are pleased to offer this unique hands on class with America’s premier plane maker, Thomas Lie-Nielsen. This one day class will focus on the basics of using hand planes with an emphasis on sharpening techniques.  The class will also feature discussion and demonstration of setup, tuning, maintenance and using hand planes as well as choosing the right hand plane for the job.  Thomas will also discuss the history of Lie-Nielsen Toolworks and give you a look at a day inside this unique American company. Bring your handplanes with you as this will be a hands on class. Plan on spending a good portion of the morning getting those plane irons razor sharp. After lunch we will concentrate on setting up the planes and using them to take the finest full width shavings that you have only wished you could do before! Thomas will be happy to sign your tools if you wish. Don’t miss this exciting new class.

Tuition: $75.00 materials are included

 Section 073110A:  Saturday,   July 31, 9:30 - 5:00pm

Back to Top

Build a Federal Style Side Table with Bob Van Dyke & Freddy Roman

This exciting new class features a small Federal or Sheraton style side table with a whole lot of  challenges and a boatload of new skills to be learned. The focus of this class will be efficiency– in joinery, in ornamentation and in design. Efficiency in joinery means doing as much joinery as possible all at once and making joints that fit right off the machines. This project also features many techniques that may be new to a number of you. Working with veneer for the drawer front & top, dovetailing and cockbeading a drawer, and adding crossbanding and stringing to the table top all turn a basically simple table into an heirloom piece you can be proud of. This is a simple traditional Federal table which will fit with just about any home décor (and is small enough –18” wide X about 25 inches deep,) to fit just about anywhere. Sign up soon– these are some skills you will be able to use over and over. There will be certain handwork that you may be required to complete outside of class. Please make sure you are willing to do that before signing up. This is going to be a fun class! Tuition $595.00 plus materials

Section 192910A Wednesday evenings September 29– January 11, 2011, 6:00pm—9:30pm

Table pictured is similar to the one we will make in class

 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Handtool Joinery Techniques and Tune-up with Will Neptune

Hand tools are often the best way to achieve the final perfect fit in joinery.  Accurate layout and skill with chisels, planes and saws are crucial.  The ability to do accurate work starts with tuning and sharpening these tools. Subtle changes to even new tools can make a big difference to your work.

Some of the valuable skills you will learn in this extended two weekend class include sharpening  a back-saw and adjusting the set along with techniques for accurate sawing.  Setting up and sharpening a bench plane will be covered with an explanation of how block and rabbet planes relate to these methods.  Methods for flattening the backs of chisels and the use of hollow grinding before hand honing will also be taught. A simple project done entirely with hand tools will allow each student to apply and practice the skills being offered.

Most of the cutting and marking gauges for sale are either very expensive or don’t work very well.  A clean line that registers your chisel will make joinery much easier.  Each student will also make a cutting gauge in class with an adjustable knife that can be removed for sharpening. Having an accurate and effective tool that you have made will give you years of satisfaction along with some special skills that you will have for life.

Exercises in class will give you a chance to practice sawing and paring to a line for tenons and dovetails. You will also practice using a bench plane to true up surfaces, adjust edges and fit miters.  The use of the plane for cutting “spring joints” for edge gluing will be demonstrated and mastered as well.

If you don’t feel confident that you can improve machined parts using hand tools, this class is for you.  Loose your frustrations while learning from one of this country’s leading craftsmen. Tuition $495.00 plus materials

Section 100910A: Saturday & Sunday, October 9, 10 and November 13, 14, 9:30pm – 5:00pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

 Back to Top

Greene & Greene Details I with Darrell Peart

Greene & Greene furniture represents some of the best work ever done in the Arts & Crafts Style and west coast furniture maker, Darrell Peart indulges his passion by working and teaching primarily in the style of these two California designers who so successfully blended some of the best features of the Arts & Crafts movement with some  of the subtleties of Asian furniture. When building furniture in the Greene & Greene style, it is essential to have a working knowledge of the design details employed by the Greene Brothers.  In the process of assembling the sample piece shown here each student will learn how to produce several G&G details with step –by-step instructions and detailed drawings for all the jigs involved.  Class discussion will also include Darrell’s views on how each of the details relate to the overall design. It's an informal atmosphere with a chance to talk woodworking and Greene and Greene. (two of Darrell’s favorite  subjects) along with learning some great techniques to incorporate into your own furniture making endeavors
The topics that we will cover in class include: blacker brackets, breadboard construction, the G & G signature exposed ebony splines and proud ebony square plugs along with cloud lifts and leg indent details. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of this country’s leading authorities on the Greene and Greene style. Tuition $295.00 plus materials

Section 030511A: Saturday & Sunday, March 5 & 6, 2011 9:30am - 5pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Learn to make a Sunburst Veneer Pattern Table Top with Phil Lowe

Using veneers opens up countless possibilities in furniture making. Not only are you able to use exotic woods that might be to costly to use as a solid wood but the patterns that can be created can make exceptional decorative effects. Book matching, slipmatching and more are the "run of the mill" patterns but manipulating crotch veneers to form a sunburst pattern can yield truly spectacular results . Join Phil Lowe, one of this countries leading furniture masters, while we explore the possibilities  and complexities involved in making this dramatic pattern.  Students will each make their own round or elliptical shaped tabletop with a sunburst veneer pattern. In order to cover the edge and protect the delicate veneer edges we will also apply a banding around the edge of the substrate and add a solid stringing around the edge of the piece. The piece you make in class could be used for a small candlestand table or even as a serving platter. Whatever you decide to do with it- learning the techniques and applying it to your own work is well worth spending an informative weekend learning some new skills. Don't miss out- sign up today. Tuition $245.00 plus materials

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Upholstering a Traditional Slip Seat with W. Mickey Callahan

Slip seats are upholstered frames typically used on dining as well as other traditional or period-style side chairs. In this hands-on class, students will first build a typical hardwood frame and then upholster it using jute webbing, rubberized horse hair, raw cotton batting, and muslin. Alternate methods of building a slip seat frame will also be discussed. Students will be required to provide their own hand tools and finish fabric if desired. All other materials will be supplied by the school. A separate tool list will be available on the school website. Tuition $245.00 plus materials

Section 112010B: Saturday & Sunday, November 20 & 21, 9:30pm – 5:00pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Not Just Another Newport Shell Carving class with Will Neptune

The iconic Newport Shells seem to get all the attention, but New England had a wide variety of other interesting patterns to use on furniture.  Many are based on simple compass arcs and can be carved by a beginner.    Fan drawers are seen on dressing tables and high chests and guide the eye to the center of the piece. Scallop shells are used as knee carvings on cabriole legs to emphasize the curve of the knee.

We will carve sample boards of several different types of fans and a mock up of a cabriole leg. Demonstrations will show the similarity of layout and carving techniques.  Each piece will be explained as a clear series of simpler steps and similarities between them will be explained.  These carvings can dress up a wide range of furniture projects and are a great way to learn basic carving.

If you have wanted to try carving or add some new designs to your repertoire, this class will give you a chance to practice with guidance. Some specific Carving tools will be required. Please inquire when registering. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

Section 121110A: Saturday & Sunday, December 11 & 12, 9:30pm – 5:00pm

Back to Top

Strip Built Boats – Construction Techniques with Nick Schade

The process of strip building canoes and kayaks is generally considered to be the best for small light-weight craft. It is also undoubtedly the nicest looking construction method for this sized boat. In this one day demonstration of the strip-building technique for making a kayak or other small boat, professional kayak builder and designer, Nick Schade, will outline the steps to build your own boat. Topics shown will include basic stripping and staple-free construction, fairing the hull and fiber-glassing. Participants will be free to ask questions. For anyone considering building a small boat, this workshop will be a good opportunity to learn more about the process. Tuition: $120.00(materials are included)

Section 13010B:    Saturday,    October 30,    9:30am – 5:00pm

Building Electric Guitars- Start to Finish with Ryan Welcome

In this new Electric guitar class you will choose between making a Stratocaster or a Telecaster Custom. Students will make their own Alder guitar body from start to finish, including  all the sawing ,routing, and spray finishing. Unlike the other Telecaster class we will make the neck from scratch using rock maple with a rosewood fingerboard. This added challenge gives you the opportunity to learn about important neck elements such as truss-rod installation, shaping & carving, and fretting. Students will finish and assemble their guitar completely and learn about setting it up to ensure the ultimate playability out of their instruments. You will leave this class with a finished guitar along with having the pride of crafting an instrument completely self-made. Tuition: $495.00 plus materials

Section: 091610B: Thursday evenings, September 16 - December 9,      6:00pm - 9:30pm

Back to Top

Basic Blacksmithing with Walter Scadden

Walter Scadden is a local blacksmith who has taught hands-on classes all over the country and was the lead blacksmith for the building of the Amistad. He also worked for three years at Mystic Seaport and we are fortunate to have him teaching here. Walter will teach students the basic principles of blacksmithing, including materials needed and what to look for in tools and forges. This is a hands-on project-oriented class and participants will start off making some simple hooks and maybe a letter opener and will then move on to making their own set of blacksmithing tongs. Other possible projects include candleholders, fireplace pokers, coat hooks or maybe even a small pot & pan rack. Whatever you make, it will surely be fun and informative. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn some truly unique and useful skills.
Tuition $245.00 (plus materials $35.00)

Section 102310B:    Saturday &  Sunday,  October 23 & 24,  9:30am – 5:00pm

Back to Top

Metal Shaping with the English Wheel with Walt Scadden

Traditional graceful compound curves in sheet metal have been produced by skilled craftsmen, from the exotic shapes of finely crafted European sports cars, the forms of experimental aircraft of the 40's and 50's, to the interesting forms found in sculpture and architecture today. This unique course offers students and introduction and instruction in the use of hand operated tools, the English Wheel, Bead roller, simple radius forms, benders and hammer and shot bag, to create the desired compound curves. Students will have the opportunity to experience the forming of panels into a myriad of forms. Your imagination can run wild  while you come up with the endless applications for shaping metal to your requirements. Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn some new skills and have a great time doing it! Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

Section 111310B:Saturday & Sunday, November 13 & 14, 9:30am - 5:00pm

Back to Top

Blacksmithing for Christmas with Walt Scadden

Christmas is just over a week away and you have a few choices; go to the mall and finish your Christmas shopping (along with everyone else in the northeast!), stay home (you will probably just be in the way!) or come to the school and learn a little blacksmithing and make some small projects on the anvil that you might (or maybe not!) want to give someone as a Christmas present. That sounds like more fun-right? Walt Scadden will guide students in the making of a holly leaf shaped key ring, a small iron wreath or maybe a letter opener. These are just a few of the possibilities. No experience is needed so sign up today. Tuition:$120.00 plus materials.

Section 121909A: Saturday,  December 19, 9:30pm – 5:00pm

Back to Top

2010 Summer Week-long Classes

Take some time for yourself next summer!

Spend a week with some of this country's best woodworking instructors

Lunch break is approximately one hour. A refrigerator is available as well as local restaurants and convenience stores. Lodging assistance is available should you need it.

Mastering Hand-tools with Mario Rodriguez

Mastery of hand tools is essential if you want your woodworking skills to progress. Nothing is more satisfying than the feel of a freshly handplaned tabletop and the solid feel of a carefully handfitted mortise and tenon joint or the perfect fit of a cabinet hinge into its mortise which can only be achieved with the effective use of sharp handtools. This unique hands-on class with handtool expert, Mario Rodriguez, will teach you the skills you need to begin using handplanes, chisels, hand-saws and scrapers (to name a few) as a regular part of your woodworking repertoire. Mario will guide participants through the tasks of “tuning up” the tools you will be using in class. This may include minor modification of a new tool or extensive repair of a “flea market special” but in all cases will it involve extensive and careful sharpening. Once tools are tuned up and working to their fullest potential Mario will begin teaching you the techniques that are essential to effective handtool use. Cutting dovetails, mortice and tenons, flattening wide surfaces, shaping a table edge, and cutting and shaping curved parts are just a few of the many skills you will be developing in this unique class.  Working on a series of practice exercises throughout the week will give you the hands on practice needed to master these skills. Tuition: $645.00 (plus materials)

Section 080210A:    Monday – Friday,   August 2 - 6,   9:00am - 4:30pm

 Tool_list_Mario_mastering_handtools_2010.pdf

 Back to Top

Make an Arts & Crafts Style Sideboard with Kevin Rodel

The project for this exciting new class features a contemporary Arts & Crafts style cabinet designed by noted Maine furniture maker, Kevin Rodel and modeled after one featured on his web site.  This case makes use of extensive mortise and tenon and floating panel joinery as well as some dovetail work. Door construction and, very critical, the proper fitting of doors to a case opening will be covered extensively. The construction also involves using a technique that Kevin has developed over the years for properly fixing the interior case bottom into any case which is designed with a frame and panel construction method. The sideboard will be 33” wide,19” deep and 44” high and students will have the option of building it in cherry or white-oak. Some of the details of the project can be adjusted to fit your own taste. In this intensive week-long class we anticipate students completing all the major elements of the cabinet with the possible exception of finishing and final hardware installation. Kevin Rodel makes his interpretation of Arts & Crafts furniture in his shop in Brunswick, Maine. He is also the author of “Arts & Crafts Furniture- From Classic to Contemporary”.  More of  his work can be seen on his website at  http://www.kevinrodel.com/

Don’t miss this opportunity to make a great piece of furniture for you home. Tuition: $645.00 plus materials

 Section 072610A: Monday - Friday, July 26 - 30, 9:00am - 5:00pm

(Sideboard pictured is very close to the piece we will be doing in class)

Back to Top

Build a Queen Anne Side chair with Will Neptune

In the Queen Anne period, the most developed forms were seen in side chairs from Philadelphia. With compass (horseshoe) seats and rear legs shaped in "S" curves, every element flowed together. Often carved with shells on the knees and crest rail, these chairs were perfect examples of the naturalistic inspiration behind Queen Anne designs. Much of their effect is gained by the sculptural shaping of the front cabriole legs and the curving rear legs.  The construction methods used in Philadelphia were unique. The front and side rails are joined by mortice and tenons, with the leg entering from below using a round tenon. This unusual technique simplifies the construction of the chair and also allows the legs to be removed for shaping and carving.
  In this class you will learn efficient methods for forming and joining the curved parts and a systematic approach for shaping. The carving of the feet and shells will be broken down into a clear set of simpler steps. We will make sample parts so that each student will have a chance to practice in class so that the real parts can be completed at home without the time pressure of a weeklong class. Tuition: $695.00 plus materials

 Section 080910A: Monday - Saturday, August 9 - 14, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Tool list to follow- some specific carving tools will be required

Back to Top

Build the Monticello Tall Clock with Charles Bender

In this six day, hands on class  you will build a beautiful Chippendale Pennsylvania Flat top tall case clock with master clock maker Charles Bender. This is a reproduction of the tall clock that stands in the kitchen of Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate. We will cover case joinery, making and applying the moldings, making the bonnet and the bonnet door. Chuck will be teaching you the method for making the ogee bracket feet simply and efficiently.

By breaking down the project into its three main components; the base, the waist and the bonnet top, the project becomes a little less daunting and by taking a systematic approach to its construction students are assured of completing all the machining of parts, most of the hand-fitting and most of the assembly during class. Because everyone works at different speeds and the project is fairly complex you should not expect to be bringing home a completely finished clock after six days - but- you will be bringing home the knowledge and the confidence to easily finish the project in your own shop at your own pace. Throughout the class, the focus will be on combining hand tools and machinery to build an heirloom clock using period construction and details. Charles Bender has a national reputation as a maker of superb period furniture. He is a frequent contributor to Popular Woodworking magazine and is the founder of The Acanthus Workshop school in Pennsylvania. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to make your project of a lifetime. Tuition: $695.00 plus materials

Section: 082310A: Monday - Friday, August 23 - 27, 9:00am - 5:00pm

 Back to Top

Build a Traditional Cabinetmaker's Workbench with Bob Van Dyke

In this fast paced class students will have the opportunity to build the traditional cabinetmaker’s workbench they have dreamed about! Let’s face it- the benches we build in the school during the year are great (especially for the price!) but nothing beats working on a traditional workbench constructed entirely of 8/4 and 12/4 rock maple. A flat top, wide enough to accommodate most work (24”), wooden bench dogs to hold the work in conjunction with the end vise, a sturdy shoulder vise, a tool tray to keep the smaller tools you are working with in one place and about 300 pounds of dead weight all make this bench a pleasure to work on. The massive trestle base joined with wedged mortice and tenons knocks down for easier (relatively!) moving. This is a great project to further your woodworking skills and is a bench you will treasure for years and pass on to future generations.  Sign up today- space is limited- and be ready to work hard! Tuition: $795.00 plus materials

Section 091310A:    Monday - Sunday, September 13 - 19, 9:00 - 5:00pm

ONE SPOT LEFT!!

(note: Bench we make in class will be very similar to the one pictured here. Image used with permission of Lie-Nielsen Toolworks)

General Tool List  

Back to Top

Winter Break 2011

Start the new year out the right way!
These classes are intensive all-day classes.

Lunch break is approximately one hour. A refrigerator is available as well as local restaurants and convenience stores. Lodging assistance is available should you need it.

Fundamentals of Furniture-Making with Bob Van Dyke and Steve Kain

This popular five-day intensive hands-on class is an opportunity to concentrate on the basics of woodworking and furniture making. Each student will make a Shaker style cherry hall table, which is a perfect vehicle to practice the machine and hand-tool techniques that we teach in the class. Subjects covered include basic shop safety, machine use (with particular emphasis on the tablesaw, jointer and planer), using handplanes, card scrapers and chisels effectively to surface and hand-fit the mortice and tenon joints, handtool sharpening, making tapered legs and grain matching and gluing up a top. This class takes the place of Woodworking I & Woodworking II and provides a strong foundation for more advanced furniture projects. Tuition: $645.00 plus materials

Section 010311A: Monday - Friday, January 3 - 7, 2011, 9:00am - 5:00pm

 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

Back to Top

Build a High Performance Sea Kayak with Nick Schade

Section 011511A:    Saturday—Thursday, January 15 - 20, 2011,       9:00am - 5:00pm

For more information on this exciting project go to

http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/Class/index.html

http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/

Back to Top