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.

Section 091608A: Tuesday & Thursday evenings,  Sept. 16 – Oct. 9, 

                            6:00pm – 9:30pm

Section 092708A: Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 27, 28, Oct. 11 & 12

                            9:30am – 5:00pm  

(This class is a required prerequisite for other classes in the "Fundamentals of Furniture-making" series and has always proven worthwhile to beginner and advanced students alike.)

 general tool list  (will open in a new window)  

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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 101408A: Tuesday evenings, October 14 – December 2,

                            6:00pm – 9:30pm

 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 an Arts and Crafts Style Glass Front Bookshelf with Bob Van Dyke & Tim Spratlin

This advanced workshop features a handsome frame and panel book shelf made in mahogany The design is loosely based on those made famous by Gustav Stickley and Harvey Ellis in the early twentieth century. Glass paneled doors, wedged through mortise and tenon joints and traditional Arts & Crafts style hardware are only a few of the distinctive features of this new project. This class will be a great learning experience because it is a new project and participants will see and be a part of all the problem solving that goes into any furniture-making project. The prototype bookshelf is in the works now and can be seen at the school. As with any new project, we can only estimate the number of nights the class will require. Woodworking II or Fundamentals of Furniture Making is required. Tuition: $575.00 (plus materials)

Section 091508: Monday evenings, September 15 – December 22,

                        6:00pm – 9:30pm  

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Fundamentals of Cabinet Making

Introduction to Cabinet Making with Steve Squires

This class concentrates on the techniques used in cabinet making rather than those used in furniture making. A medium sized painted plywood bookshelf is the project for this six night 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 biscuit joiner and working with a router. The design of the bookcase features a molded plinth base, adjustable shelves, decorative moldings and a scalloped base. 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 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. Advanced skills such as dovetailed drawers and raised panel doors will be featured in future classes in this series. Sign up today. Space is limited. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials

  new date coming October 2008

 General Tool list (will open in a new window)

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Woodturning

Woodturning with Al Czellecz

This six evening class is designed for the beginning (or frustrated) woodturner and features extensive hands-on practice each night. Al Czellecz has been turning and teaching for a number of years. His work is featured in a number of galleries in the New England area and he is the past president of the Central CT Woodturners. Students will learn basic spindle turning techniques used in furniture work along with bowl turning, sharpening and general information about lathes, tools, chucks and various jigs used in woodturning. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials ($49.00)

Section 092708B:   Wednesday evenings , September 27 – October 29,

                            6:00pm – 9:30pm 

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Basic Woodturning with Al Czellecz

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 101808B:   Saturday & Sunday, October 18 & 19,

                            9:30am – 5:00pm  

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Making Turned Boxes and Lidded Containers with John Lorch

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. John will demonstrate various box styles and students will complete two or more boxes. Finishing techniques, decporative possibilities and variations on some basic designs will be an important part of this fun and unique class. John is an accomplished woodturner and teacher whose work is exhibited in galleries and gift shops throughout New England. Don’t miss this exciting class, as you will be sure to have a great time. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials)

Section 060708B: Saturday & Sunday, June 7 & 8, 9:30am – 5:00pm

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Professional Furniture Finishing Techniques

Finish a Project with Peter Gedrys

I am sure many of you have worked long and hard on a piece of furniture, whether it was in class or is something you made on your own- and now, realizing that you have to put some finish on it you are unsure, uncertain or just afraid of “messing it up”! If you would like to go through all the steps under the guidance of professional finisher, Peter Gedrys, then this is the class for you. Peter will thoroughly cover final surface preparation, choosing the proper dye, stain or combination of the two (This is optional for students wishing to do a natural finish), glazing, sealers and topcoats. As each participants project will be different you will all have the opportunity to learn from each others projects and problems. The logistics of this class require that students work on a small to medium size furniture piece (While furniture is the focus of this session, architectural elements such as a door or small cabinet could be included. All surfaces need to be in bare wood condition). Please plan on submitting a picture (digital is preferred) to the school director for approval at least two weeks prior to the class. Assuming your project is appropriate Peter can begin planning the best finish and the best set of techniques for your piece. This is a unique opportunity to turn your hard work into a family heirloom. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials

 Section 102108B:  Tuesday evenings,  October 21 - December 2,    6:00pm – 9:30pm

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Gold Leaf Gilding with Peter Gedrys

In this unique class Peter Gedrys will introduce students to the ancient art of gold leaf gilding. This two day class will feature lecture, demonstration and hands-on practice. Students will have the unique opportunity to prepare and gild both flat and molded surfaces using a variety of gilding materials including Dutch metal (fake gold), aluminum leaf, bronze powders and real gold leaf. Peter will discuss the use of gold leaf in history along with some of the practical differences between water gilding, oil gilding and flash gilding. Students will also learn the techniques for developing a lustrous aged patina. The materials fee includes some materials for students to practice at home with. Class size is limited to 12 students. Fee: $245.00 (plus materials)

coming fall 2008

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Speciality & Weekend Classes

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. With some understanding of how things work and a little imagination the router can be used for accurate mortises, tenons, dadoes sliding dovetails, raised panel doors and more! We will demonstrate all these techniques in this unique two-night class. Time permitting; students will have the opportunity to practice some of the cuts themselves. Tuition: $120.00 (materials are included)

Section 080908B: Saturday, August 9, 10am - 4:30pm 

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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 equiptment. 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 demonstated. 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 092008B:   Saturday,   September 20,   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 071908B: Saturday, July 19, 10am – 4:30pm 

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Build a Utility Workbench with Bob Van Dyke

Many of you who have taken classes here have commented on how well the school benches work. They have all the attributes of a classic European style bench without the expense and the large amount of time required to make one. A massive top, sturdy legs, a good quality shoulder vise and benchdogs are all features that combine to make this a good heavy and versatile bench.Participants will cut all the joints in the base, assemble it, glue on a hard maple edging to the top and mount the vise. An outside millwork shop will fabricate the top, which is two layers of particleboard and one layer of MDF. The class will feature extensive work with the tablesaw and routers. Take advantage of this opportunity to get a good bench into your own shop. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials ($368.00)

Section 100408A:   Saturday & Sunday,   October 4 & 5,

                            9:30am - 5:00pm 

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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 $260.00

Section 092208B:   Monday evenings, September 22 – November 24,

                            6:00pm - 9:30pm    (note: class will not meet Nov 17)

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 candle-holders, 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 071208A: Saturday & Sunday, July 12 & 13, 9:30am - 5:00pm     

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Summer Week-long Classes

Take some time for yourself this summer!

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.

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 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. Students who wish to be working on a specific project will have their choice of a small “tool tote” or silverware caddy. Working on a series of practice exercises is also an option should you prefer that – but whatever you decide you owe it to your self to be a part of this great class. Tuition: $645.00 (plus materials)

Section 072108A: Monday – Friday, July 21 – 25, 9:00am - 4:30pm  

Build a Serpentine Front Marlborough Table (the “other” Chippendale style) - with Will Neptune

Most people think “ball & claw leg” when they think of Chippendale style furniture - but the Marlborough leg with its straight lines and more architectural effect is the complement to the naturalistic cabriole with its ball and claw foot and is just as important to the style. In this week-long hands-on class each student will build this unique table which will surely compliment any hallway or living room in your house. The basic construction of the table includes forming the serpentine curve on the front apron, bricklaying and using veneers along with extensive carving and ornamentation which offers the student craftsman countless challenges and opportunities. Will’s unique, methodical and imaginative approach to problem solving and furniture instruction insure that all participants will have a great experience (and they usually learn more than they had bargained for!) We will use shop made "scratch stocks" and molding planes to profile the leg surfaces, and then learn the carved embellishments that are used with this style table. Highlights of the carving in this project include the pierced C-scroll bracket along with several carved moldings including rope and gadrooning. If you have been intrigued by carving and want to begin learning how to incorporate it into an actual piece then this is a great beginning for you. Development of patterns, layout, carving tool selection and sharpening, along with Will’s years of experience and infectious enthusiasm will make this a memorable class you should not miss. Tuition: $695.00 (plus materials.)

Section 080408A: Monday – Saturday, August 4 - 9, 9:00am - 4:30pm

 tool list marlborough table 2008   (will open in a new window)

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