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 ($176.00).

Section 031310A: Saturday & Sunday, March 6, 7, 13 & 14, 9:30am—4:30pm

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

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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 a Craftsman Style Morris Chair with Bob Van Dyke

The Morris chair is the epitome of Craftsman style furniture and the design we have selected offers many of the typical design features of this well-known chair. Through mortice & tenon joints, a reclining back and angled arm rests are only a few of the highlights of this unique (and comfortable!) piece of furniture. This challenging project will be done in your choice of cherry or walnut and will definitely exercise all the woodworking skills you have learned up till now. We are estimating approximately 12 sessions for this class, however; it is difficult to forecast exactly how long any advanced class will take. As with all Level III classes, some work at home (or in “off” time in the school) will be required. Participants need to have taken at least the Woodworking I and II or equivalent classes.  The upholstery work for the chair is not part of the class. We can recommend upholsterers who have done nice work in the past. $495.00 (plus materials).

Section 011210A: Tuesday evenings, January 12 -  April 20, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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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  050410A:    Tuesday evenings,           May 4 - June 8, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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Fundamentals of Cabinet Making

Introduction to Cabinet Making with Tim Spratlin

This class concentrates on the techniques used in cabinet making rather than those used in furniture making. Tim Spratlin is a professional cabinetmaker who brings with him years of labor saving tricks and techniques which students will find invaluable when completing their own projects at home. A medium sized painted plywood bookshelf is the project for this class and features techniques such as cutting plywood panels to size, using solid wood edging, making and applying a molding, making a mitered base, using a Kreg jig and working with a router. The design of the bookcase features a plinth base, adjustable shelves and decorative moldings. This class is designed for beginner and intermediate woodworkers who are interested in learning techniques they can use in numerous home improvement projects. The bookcase utilizes common portable power tools that most homeowners would have or might be considering purchasing. This class will provide you with the foundation skills needed for more advanced projects such as kitchen cabinets, storage cabinets, entertainment centers, counter tops and more.  Sign up today. Space is limited. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials

Section 011210B:      Monday evenings,         May 3 - June 14        6:00pm - 9:30pm

 General Tool list   (will open in a new window)

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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 030810A: Monday evenings, March 8 - April 26, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

 general tool list (will open in a new window)

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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  040310B:    Saturday,    April 3,    10:00am - 4:30pm

You do not need any tools for this class 

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Woodturning

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)

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 022010B:     Saturday & Sunday,  February 20 & 21,   9:30am – 5:00pm

Section 052210B:  Saturday & Sunday,  May 22 & 23,   9:30am – 5:00pm

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Turning Green Wood with Rick Angus

Turning "green" wood offers turners a lot more opportunities that don't exist when using kiln-dried lumber. You are not limited by stock lumber sizes or species. The wood is actually easier to turn and it is usually free!! BUT- there are some special techniques that must be used to prepare it for turning and to preserve the piece as it dries. Come spend the weekend with Rick Angus and bring your woodturning skills to a new level. Students will turn a series of bowls and platters during this exciting hands-on class. Some turning experience is required (a prior class is sufficient). Students are encouraged to bring in some examples of their previous work. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials)

Section 041010B: Saturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Turning Plates & Platter with John Lorch

Wood turned plates and platters are attractive and practical additions to any party or barbeque and serving on one you made yourself affords very special bragging rights.  In this class students will produce at least two plates that can be scaled up to serving platters.  The class will cover wood selection, orientation and mounting, tool technique and sharpening, and decorating and finishing considerations.  The importance of design and planning will be emphasized and students will learn valuable woodturning techniques and concepts that can be applied to more complex projects. Tuition $195.00 plus materials.

Section:  050410B: Tuesday evenings, May 4 - June 1,   6:00pm - 9:30pm

(no class May 25)

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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 020410B: Thursday Evenings, February 4 - March 11, 2010, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

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Basic Spray Finishing Techniques with Greg Massicotte

If you are serious about your finishing work and want to jump to the next level then you owe it to yourself to get into spray finishing. Greg will teach students the basic concepts of spray finishing including using the spray gun to lay down and layer colors, apply sanding sealers and top coats and the mechanics of the spray guns. Greg will be demonstrating using the Turbinaire HVLP system but will certainly answer any questions students may have regarding the use of traditional high pressure spray systems. This class will be both demonstration and hands-on. Tuition: $120.00 Including materials

Section 032010B:     Saturday,   March 20,       9:30am – 5:00pm

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Speciality & Weekend Classes

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 031810A:    Thursday evening, March 18, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

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Router Madness

The router is one of the most versatile power tools in the shop but many people utilize only a fraction of its actual capabilities. Most beginners think of the router for rounding over or chamfering edges of a board but with some understanding of how things work and a little imagination the router can be used for accurate mortises, tenons, dadoes, raised panel doors and more! These techniques will be demonstrated along with discussion about what to look for when buying a router, what are the differences in all the different router bits available and when to use a handheld router and when to use a router table. This class is primarily demonstration but if you have questions about your own router bring it along and, time permitting, we will have students try out some of the techniques being shown. Don’t miss this opportunity to really understand how this important tool works. Tuition: $120 - materials are included

Section 030510B: Saturday, May 1,  10am - 4:30pm

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The Basics of Using Handplanes with Bob Van Dyke

Handplanes can be one of the most useful and rewarding tools in the workshop – or they can be one of the most frustrating! Learn how to effectively use handplanes in your work with Ct. Valley School of Woodworking director, Bob Van Dyke. Which handplane is right for a particular job? What should you look for when buying a new or a flea market plane? How are they “tuned up”? And most importantly- how are they sharpened? These are just a few of the questions that will be answered in this exciting daylong class. We will also go thru many of the basic (and not so basic) types of handplanes- starting with the Stanley bench-planes and going on to compass planes, shoulder planes and combination planes like the Stanley #45 & #55. The remainder of the day will be spent on techniques such as smoothing a surface, beveling a table edge, planing a curved surface, fitting mortise and tenons and planing end grain. Don’t miss this unique and informative class. Space is limited. Tuition: $120.00 (Materials are included).

Section 013010B:     Saturday,  January 30,  9:30am – 4:30pm (wait list only)

due to popular demand a second section has been added the next day. The new dates are:  

Section 013110B:    Sunday, January 31,   10:00am - 5:00pm

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Cutting Dovetails with Mario Rodriguez

Nationally known author and furniture maker, Mario Rodriguez will teach students the finer points of making dovetails in this weekend hands-on class. Dovetail joints are considered the hallmark of fine craftsmanship and with a little practice and confidence they are not that hard to make. Mario will concentrate the beginning of the class on the proper filing and tune-up of a dovetail saw (included with material charge) and will then go on to teach through and half blind dovetails. Students will gain the confidence to incorporate this time honored, but often-intimidating joint, into their own furniture projects. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials ($35.00)

Section 042410B:   Saturday & Sunday,    April 24 & 25,    9:30 – 5:00pm

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All about 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

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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. Some homework will be required. The 4 weekend format allows students the time in between sessions to get necessary handwork complete. Sign up today- space is limited- and be ready to work hard! Tuition: $895.00 plus materials (payments can be made over the course of the class if you prefer)

Section 022010A: Saturday & Sunday, Feb20/21, March20/21, April 10/11 & May 8/9, 9:30 - 5:00pm

 (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  

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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 pre-radiused 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: 032510B: Thursday evenings, March 25 - June 12, 6:00pm - 9:30pm

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Build an Acoustic Guitar with Robert Ford

 Many of those who have played or even admired the beauty of the guitar have shown interest in making their own heirloom instrument that can be played today and passed on to future generations. In this class beginner and intermediate woodworkers will build an exceptional steel string acoustic guitar using a unique kit as a foundation. You will
learn the terminology and the techniques that are unique to the luthier's art. The process
is broken down into small steps, beginning with the construction of the neck including truss rod installation, fingerboard & fretting, abalone inlay to the construction of the body including brace trimming/fitting, top installation, bridge gluing/alignment, purfling and final fit up of the neck to body joint using a bolt-on system. Each guitar will be completed leaving the final top cote finish up to the student. Look for our other classes designed for finishing techniques. You can see a finished example of the guitar in the school. The guitar can be made in sapele or sycamore- please indicate your choice when signing up. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials $285.00

Section 031710B:     Wednesday evenings, March 17—May 5, 6:00pm - 9:30pm 

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Making Gooseneck and Other Complex Moldings with W. Mickey Callahan

The thought of making curved moldings can be intimidating to many woodworkers- of all skill levels- but- like anything else, once you learn and understand the design and the procedures you need to follow, they are very doable using a combination of hand and power tools.

Curved moldings fall into four broad categories: arcs, S curve, elliptical, and compound curves. The S curve is also referred to sometimes as gooseneck and is a classical shape that is used as pediment moldings on case work such as period high boys and clocks, as well as over doors and fireplaces on classical architecture.Other complex moldings include combinations of two or more simple profiles to create a more dramatic and formal look such as flat crown or more involved combinations of crown, dentil, beads, coves, ovolo, ogee, and fillets.

This hands-on class will cover the aspects of design and pattern making utilizing various machine and hand tool methods along with shop-made jigs to make gooseneck and other complex moldings. Mickey will be using the construction of a Philadelphia highboy as well as other furniture and architectural examples to help students see and understand the importance of moldings in their work. Mickey is the founder and president of the Society of American Period Furniture Makers and makes custom period furniture out of his own shop in Massachusetts. Sign up today for this unique and informative class. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

 Section: 031310B: Saturday & Sunday, March 13 & 14, 9:30am - 5:00pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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Make a Dovetailed & Inlayed Box with Steve Latta

In this new class students will get the chance to learn a lot of new skills all packed into one weekend. The small mahogany box we will be making will feature dovetails, veneer work, an inlayed banding on the top and setting hinges. This is a great chance to learn a unique (and quick!) way of cutting dovetails- 1/2 on the tablesaw and 1/2 by hand. They come out great every time. Maybe you have been wanting to learn some veneering techniques and a little about inlaying a decorative banding or stringing detail- Here is your chance. If you have made some inlays in the past, a shaded fan or a marquetry paterae, then this would be a perfect place to use it. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the country’s leading craftsmen. Sign up today - space is limited. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials.

Section 021310A: Saturday & Sunday, February 13 & 14, 9:30 - 5:00pm

general tool list    (will open in a new window)  

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Sapfm New England Chapter Springtime meeting

CVSW is hosting the SAPFM meeting Saturday, February 27. The presenters for this meeting include Robert Mussey, Nickolas Kotula and Will Neptune.

                  Robert Mussey, author of The Furniture Masterworks of John & Thomas Seymour ,will give a presentation on the Seymours of Boston- concentrating on their unique styles, ornamentation and methods of joinery.

                  Nick Kotula, a noted New England furniture conservator and authority on period furniture will give a presentation on “ A deeper look into period furniture” . Nick will discuss the evolution of American period styles and will illustrate the psychology and significance of furniture and its ornamentation. 

Will Neptune will speak on “Construction Details in Federal Furniture" which will be a series of demonstrations showing common techniques and methods of work.  Federal furniture often includes veneer over curved surfaces.  These cores can be used as rails, drawer fronts and doors.  Stack laminating, brick laying, kerf-bending, bent lamination and coopering will be shown.  Joinery for these curved elements require interesting lay-out strategies which will be illustrated with a series of detail mock-ups. Methods using traditional hand tools and their modern machined equivalents will be covered. Several different methods for the layout and cutting of reeds on turned legs will also be demonstrated.

The non-refundable attendance fee for the meeting (to cover the cost of the speakers) is $30.00 for SAPFM members and $35 for non-members. To attend, you must register with payment no later than February 22, 2010. Please contact New England Chapter president, Freddy Roman ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Mickey Callahan ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

 The attendance fee can be paid by check made payable to SAPFM and mailed to SAPFM, 14 Reservoir Drive, Bellingham, MA 02019 or by credit card using the sign-up form on the SAPFM website at www.sapfm.org. Seating is limited so don’t delay.

 This event is open to all SAPFM members and their guests and will be also open to the general public on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Build A Work Table in the Seymour Style with Will Neptune

This class is being offered exclusively to Society of American Period Furniture Makers. If you are not already a member please contact the society at http://www.sapfm.org/ to join

The furniture built by the Seymour family in Boston, MA is some of the most refined work from the Federal Period.  Work Tables, with hanging cloth storage bags, were a popular form built in many shapes.  They typically used veneer and inlays for visual effect.  Today, tables based on these designs are often built without the bag and used for different purposes.

The project for this class is small, but full of interesting details and problems.  The turned legs are reeded below the drawers, and stop fluted at the top.  The four sides are a serpentine pattern, with the legs joined to canted corners which form an ovolo shape. This pattern is repeated by the top which has a four way book match of Crotch Mahogany.  The design requires both rails and drawer fronts to be shaped, veneered and inlaid on curved surfaces.  There are interesting joinery problems for the canted corners and the sliding frame.

We’ll build this piece using a combination of traditional and modern methods, with options based on personal preferences.  There won’t be time in class to turn the legs, so if you don’t already know how to use a lathe, we will supply the legs. If you prefer, you can copy the pattern and do the turnings at home.  Either way, you’ll get to cut the reeds and stop flutes with carving tools and shop made scratch stocks. The joinery, shaping and veneer work will be done in class, but be prepared to complete the project at home. The table will have the slide frame, so you can add the bag later, if you wish.

Tuition $695.00 plus materials

 Section 022810A: Sunday - Friday, February 28 - March 5, 9:00am - 5:00p

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Traditional Joinery and Hand Tool Skills with Phil Lowe

Chisels, hand planes, scrapers, marking tools and dovetail saws are the basic tools that will assist you on the journey to producing exceptional woodwork. In this unique class, noted furniture maker and instructor, Phil Lowe will teach students sharpening, tuning up and the proper use of these hand tools in order to make your stock flat and square. Phil will go on to teach students the proper layout, cutting and fitting of basic woodworking joints such as mortise and tenons and dovetail joints. These fundamentals are the first steps used in the construction of the finest furniture. Even with the best machines tuned up perfectly, you will find that the work with these hand-tools is necessary for the best fitting joints. You will receive a list of tools you should bring to the class to tune up and use while cutting the sample joints that Phil will be teaching. Class size is limited. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

Section 020610B: Saturday & Sunday,  February 6 & 7, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Build a Chippendale Style Wall Mirror with Phil Lowe

In this new class Phil Lowe will guide you through the making of a stunning wall mirror in the Chippendale style. This classic frame will give you some challenges in getting the miters just right along with teaching you some techniques for making a complex decorative molding with the router table. After drawing the full size frame on paper (which is a great way to solve any construction and aesthetic questions before even touching the wood) Phil will show you the approach to designing the molding around the router bits you have available and how to draw and attach the elaborate cresting. You will also learn how to master the scroll saw to cut the beautiful curves that make this frame so extraordinary. Sign up today to make this project for your home. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

Section 050110A: Saturday & Sunday,  May 1 & 2, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Clearing up the Confusion about Period Furniture Styles with Nickolas Kotula

People toss around furniture terms everyday- “that’s a Sheraton this” or “a Hepplewhite that”- this is Chippendale and that is Federal- But what does that all mean? Join noted furniture historian and restoration expert, Nickolas Kotula as we explore the fine points of  furniture styles  and clear up any confusion you may have about the subject. By using both slides and lecture Nick will show you such things as why people refer to claw and ball feet as Chippendale Style when in fact there are no claw and ball feet in Chippendale's Directory! Or what actually determines the Federal Style or Revival Style.

The first half of the class will be lecture and discussion and then after lunch we will all travel to the Connecticut Historical Society to take an in depth tour of their extensive furniture collection which will illustrate the styles that Nick will be talking about.

Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn more about an often-time confusing and misleading subject. Tuition: $145.00 (admission to the museum included)

  Section 030610B: Saturday, March 6, 9:30am - 5:00 pm

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Build an Eliphalet Chapin  CT Valley Lowboy with Will Neptune

When Eliphalet Chapin returned to the Hartford area after a stay in Philadelphia, he began a unique regional interpretation of 18th century high style furniture.  His genius was in simplifying the decoration while retaining the essential features. Called dressing tables in the period, lowboys are an interesting form: a case piece based on table  construction methods.

In this class we will build a lowboy based on examples from "the Chapin School".  The joinery is complicated by the wide rails and arrangement of the drawers.  You will learn systematic approaches for shaping cabriole legs and setting in fluted quarter columns. The carving of the fan drawer and the ball and claw feet will be taught on sample pieces early in the course, giving students ample time for practice and review.  The five weekend format allows plenty of time for practice carving and homework in preparation for each class. This is a beautiful piece with many challenging aspects for any woodworker. Tuition: $1095.00 plus materials 

Section 021310A:

Saturday & Sundays, February 13 & 14, March 27 & 28, April 24 & 25, May 15 & 16, June 5 & 6, 9:30am - 5:00pm

 Will_Neptune_tool_list_Chapin_Lowboy_2010.pdf  

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Get your Hands Dirty with a Day of Blacksmithing! with Walt Scadden

We've all seen the Blacksmiths in historic movies or programs, read about them in books or seen them in places like Sturbridge Village, Mystic Seaport, or Colonial Williamsburg. Have you ever wondered what it's all about or wondered if it was something you would like to try? This is the class for you!  This one day class will give you a little history of this time honored craft and, better yet, give you a chance to try your hand at making a few simple items. Open to beginners and anyone interested in learning the secrets of the Hammer and Anvil. Sign up today! Tuition: $120.00 (materials are included)

Section 040310A: Saturday, April 3, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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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 $30.00)

Section 051510B:    Saturday &  Sunday,  May 15 & 16,  9:30am – 5:00pm

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Blacksmithing & Toolmaking -Make a Woodworking Chisel, a Turning Gouge or some other Woodworking Tool with Walt Scadden

Tool making is probably one of the most useful skills that a blacksmith has and this new class will give you an appreciation of some of the techniques used. Students will have the chance to make a woodworking chisel and a turning gouge (or a second chisel if you prefer). Shaping the tool steel, annealing and hardening the steel, grinding the cutting edge and fitting the handles are just a few of the steps you will take to make some great tools that you can truly call your own. This fun class will give you a chance to try out blacksmithing, or polish your skills if you have taken past classes. Don’t miss it! Tuition: $245.00.00 plus materials

Section 071710A:   Saturday & Sunday,  July 17 & 18,  9:30pm – 5:00pm

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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 032710B: Saturday & Sunday, March 27 & 28, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Hand Laid Carbon Fiber Workshop  with Walt Scadden

The High-Tech explosion of the 21st century has brought about many advancements in design and product construction. Leading the list is a  mysterious substance called Carbon Fiber. Originally developed for NASA and the Military, this ultra light weight, super strong material, can be formed into just about any shape. Using a blend of resin epoxies and composite fiber material, it has found its way into many civilian applications; race cars, motorcycles, sport aircraft, sports and recreational gear, and furniture to name only a few. This class will introduce students to this unique technique by showing them how they can simply, by hand, lay up layers of carbon fiber cloth to construct a desired shape, using common items to prepare the molds or forms. Some of you may have some prior experience and specific interest in this material and others may simply be curious and want to learn about a new material that can be incorporated into other projects. Either way- you will certainly have fun and learn a whole lot! Sign up today. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

Section 061210B: Saturday & Sunday, June 12 & 13,   9:30am - 5:00pm

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Timber Framing Weekend with Northford Timberframers

We can’t believe it has been over 14 years since we started this class – and it has been a great time with George. We have had two different schools, a garden barn for AIDS research, work on two museums and nearly 250 different students! In this hands-on intensive class students will have the unique opportunity to learn and practice a blend of traditional and modern timber framing techniques. George will the thoroughly cover the history, planning, layout, tools and the different types of timber framed structures. Joint layout, cutting the mortise and tenon joints and hand-fitting with a slick are among the skills which students will put to use on the second day of the class. Students will each be working on a timber to be used in an actual timber frame structure. Tuition: $245.00 (including materials)

There is also a tour being offered for Monday, April 19. This is a special opportunity for everyone from class to see an actual timber frame shop and to tour more than a dozen barn projects in the Middletown area from the past 20 years. This is strongly recommended. Past students tell us the opportunity to visit and inspect so many different timber frame structures was the icing on the cake that really rounded off a great weekend. Fee for this is $50.00

Section 041710A: Saturday & Sunday, April 17 & 18, 2010  8:30am - 4:30pm (note- class will start at 8am on Sunday)

Section 041910C: Monday, April 19, 8:30am - 5:00pm

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Winter Break 2010

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

Section010210A: Saturday - Wednesday, January 2 - 6, 2010.  9:00am - 4:30pm

 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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Build a High Performance Sea Kayak with Nick Schade

Section 011610A: Saturday thru Thursday, January 16 - 21, 2010,  9:00am – 5:00pm (Class is full- call or email to be put on wait list)

For more information on this exciting project go to

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

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

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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.

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 062110A:  Monday - Friday,  June 21 - 25,   9:00am - 4:30pm

  general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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Build a Pennsylvania Spice Box with Steve Latta

Spice boxes, or chests, were popular among the Quakers of the Delaware Valley during the late seventeenth and throughout the eighteenth centuries, remaining fashionable in Pennsylvania long after falling out of style elsewhere. The boxes, whose interiors were fitted with banks of small drawers, were often displayed in the public rooms of homes, functioning as both a repository for small valuables, such as spices and silver items, and as a symbol of the family's prosperity. The cases were most often made of walnut, with inlays consisting of combinations of maple, boxwood, holly, cherry, walnut burl, locust, and red cedar set into the surface for contrast.

We are please to welcome back nationally known furniture maker, author and instructor, Steve Latta, whose Pennsylvania Spice Box article was recently published in Fine Woodworking magazine (issue # 196). In this class, we will cover all of the necessary steps to complete a box similar to the one pictured here. It may be a small in size, a mere 21 inches in height, but it has all the complexity of a full chest-of-drawers complete with a dovetailed case and drawers, partitions, molding and bracket feet.

Plan on spending a night or two during the week to explore the techniques Steve uses to accomplish the intricate inlay work that is so characteristic of these great American treasures. Because of the complexity of this project and the level of ornamentation that you may want to add to the project you should not expect to bring home a fully completed and assembled spice box. Be assured you will learn more than enough to finish the project on your own and be able to take on other more challenging projects in the future! Sign up today as space is limited. Tuition: $695.00 plus materials

Section 061410A:   Monday – Saturday,    June 14 - 19,  9:00am - 5:00pm

    cvsw_tool_list_2007

 tool_list_for_inlay_spice_box

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Make a Craftsman Style Blanket Chest with Bob Van Dyke

This advanced workshop features a handsome blanket chest with tiger maple raised panels and a cherry frame, 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. In this fast-paced week-long class we anticipate students completing all of the major elements of the chest but some operations such as final surfacing and finish trimming of the thru tenons may require additional handwork time at home after the class is over. Participants need to have taken at least the Woodworking I and II classes, the Fundamentals of Furniture Making listed above or the equivalent experience. Tuition: $695.00 (plus materials).

Section 070510A:    Monday - Saturday,                  July 5 - 10,                9:00am - 4:30pm

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The Complete Finishing Process with Roland Johnson

The deeper into woodworking most people get, the more they find out how much they don’t know (but wish they did!) about finishing. Join Fine Woodworking Magazine Contributing editor, Roland Johnson for an in depth study of the finishing process. While working on practice panels and raised panel doors, this weeklong class will follow the typical sequence of a finishing project. Students will begin with proper wood finishing preparation techniques. Abrasives, wood fillers, grain filling and the many different types of stains will be covered in depth. The coloring process continues with wood conditioners, glazes, pigment stains and aniline dyes.  Top coats, including varnish, lacquer and oils will be covered extensively along with “finishing the finish”  - ie. Rubbing out the finish using various rubbing compounds for that ultimate sheen control. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the complete finishing process from one of one of our leading educators. Tuition: $695.00 (plus materials)

 Section 062810A: Monday - Friday, June 28 - July 2, 9:00am - 5:00pm

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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

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Build a Slant Front Desk on Frame with W.  Mickey Callahan

Small but stately and delicate describe the slant top desk-on-frame that you will make in this week-long class with Mickey Callahan. This elegant desk is made of two major elements: the base and the slant top desk. Even though the desk has a contemporary feel, it can easily take on a more traditional look by utilizing different hardware, adding inlay designs or altering other subtle design features such as choice of moldings and finish. Each student will be given an opportunity to personalize their own desk. This is a good intermediate project for the student wishing to advance into more complex techniques such as bread boarding, fitting and making drawers, creation of wide panels and case and frame construction using dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joinery. The desk will be offered in cherry but walnut or mahogany can be used if you prefer. Mickey Callahan is the founder and president of The Society of American Period Furniture Makers. He is a graduate of North Bennet Street School and makes custom furniture from his shop in Massachusetts. Do not miss this excellent opportunity to learn from a master furniture maker while making an heirloom piece of furniture. Tuition: $645.00 plus materials.

Section 071910A: Monday - Friday, July 19 - 23, 9:00am - 5:00pm

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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)

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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

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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

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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

(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  

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