Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking, Woodworking Classes, Woodworking Courses, A place to Learn Woodworking - A hands-on woodworking school in Manchester, Connecticut, offering classes in furniture making, woodcarving, woodturning, furniture finishing and related crafts and artistic pursuits.

Open Shop Woodturning with Al Czellecz

If you have taken other woodturning classes and want to have more supervised "practice" time, or you have a specific project in mind that requires a lot of woodturning and you need some help then this is the class for you! Let Al Czellecz and his assistant help you hone your woodturning skills and work on a turning project at the same time. Maybe you have a table in mind with turned legs, a set of bowls to make (Christmas is right around the corner!) or you just want more practice- the sky is the limit. Sign up for this new class soon- space is limited. Tuition: $175.00 (plus materials used)

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Turning for Furniture Makers with Beth Ireland

Turning one table leg or one stair baluster takes some basic spindle turning skills but it is really not that hard to do. Turning four table legs that all look alike- now that's a little trickier! Join architectural wood-turner and instructor, Beth Ireland for this great hands-on class as she shows you some of the tricks of the trade. Duplicating parts, learning to turn from a square section to round (like the top of a table leg), and turning some architectural parts such as rosettes are all important parts of this unique one day class. Sign up today- space is limited. Tuition $225.00 (plus materials)

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Woodturning Jigs, Fixtures and Fresh Ideas with Beth Ireland

One of the best ways to learn some really creative techniques for solving any number of woodturning "challenges" is to learn from someone who turns for a living every day and who is constantly faced with solving all sorts of problems. This class features professional wood-turner, Beth Ireland who will show you a number of techniques for making various jigs to hold irregular shaped work, how to turn your lathe into an effective sander and how to make a few different drive chucks. One of the goals of the class is to get you thinking on a creative level to allow you to solve problems on your own rather than relying on store-bought tools that might only solve part of the problem at hand. Don't miss this truly unique class. Space is limited. Tuition $115.00 (plus materials)

(note: Take both of Beth's classes this weekend and pay only $100 per class)

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Beyond "Round & Brown" Woodturning with Al Czellecz

Take your woodturning skills and imagination to the next level and join Al for this two-day hands-on class that is guaranteed to expand your creativity. You will learn how to “dress up” your turnings and make them truly unique. Al will teach you techniques ranging from how to add a simple bead to the edge of a bowl to how to add carvings and “piercings” to your projects. So many bowls are just a boring natural finish- what about using some color? Various techniques for adding color and metallic looks along with texturing with power carvers and gunpowder (yes- that’s right!) will also be utilized. Don't miss this chance to open up new creative horizons. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials).

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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: $255.00 (plus materials)

Section 030511B:  Saturday & Sunday,  March 5 & 6,   9:30am - 5:00pm

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Woodturning Practice & Projects with Al Czellecz

If you have taken other woodturning classes and want to have more supervised "practice" time, or you have a specific project in mind that requires a lot of woodturning and you need some help then this is the class for you! Let Al Czellecz and his assistant help you hone your woodturning skills and work on a turning project at the same time. Maybe you have a table in mind with turned legs, a set of bowls to make or you just want more practice- the sky is the limit. Sign up for this new class soon- space is limited. Tuition: $195.00 (plus materials used)

Section 030106BB: Wednesday evenings, March 1 - 22, 6:00pm - 9:30pm

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Beginning Pen Turning with Bud Poulin

Turned pens and pencils are increasingly popular, easy to make (sometimes!), and they make great gifts (Christmas is right around the corner!!). Bud turns truly unique and beautiful pens and will teach students his techniques in this rewarding hands-on class. Students will have an opportunity to make one or two pens in a wood of their choice. Tuition: $65.00 (includes material for one pen)

Section 121612B: Sunday, December 16, 12:30pm - 4:30pm

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Turning Natural Edge Bowls with Al Czellecz

Natural edge (or live edge) turnings are a unique and often times beautiful form that any turner can learn. Al Czellecz has been turning stunning examples of this type of work for a number of years and will guide students in this special two-day hands-on class. Al will teach students how to prepare turning blanks from the log, learn various ways to hold the wood on the lathe, learn specific types of cuts to keep the bark intact and explore sanding and finishing options. Come join us in this unique class and expand your turning skills. Tuition: $195.00 plus materials ($35.00)

 Section 121606B: Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Spindle Turning for Furniture Making with Al Czellecz

Turning furniture parts should be simple- right? Most of the time the part is a combination of different sized coves and beads with a straight or a tapered section and maybe an urn or some other device. The problem for furniture makers is that you rarely have just one of these parts. Most table have four legs- and it would be nice if they all looked the same! Al Czellecz will guide you through the basics of making the different shapes used in spindle turning and then teach you simple methods for duplicating those shapes and maintaining complete control over the final piece. Whether it is a table leg starting from a square section going to round or something as simple as making knobs for a series of cabinet drawers,  sharp tools, basic spindle turning techniques and simple layout techniques are essential for success. In this class each student will make a simple three-legged stool as a project. The turnings can be as simple or as complex as you like- as long as they all look the same! Don't miss this opportunity to add turned parts to your furniture making skills. Tuition: $150.00 (plus materials)

                Section 103006B:   Monday evenings, October 30, November 6 & 13, 6:00pm - 9:30pm

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Sharpening for Woodturners with Al Czellecz

Turning & Carving -Exploring The Barley Twist with Beth Ireland

The Barley twist is a sculptural form that has been used in architecture, furniture and sculpture from the beginning of recorded history. In this unique new class participants will learn the fundamentals of Architectural wood-turning as a base to layout and hand carve a traditional barley twist. Students will be free to take this project in their own personal direction. Furniture maker or artist, the Barley twist will be an unendingly fun puzzle for you to unravel. Students do not need any prior experience.

Tuition: $195.00 plus materials.

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Turning Holiday Ornaments with Casey Coyne

The holidays are approaching and what better way to decorate your tree- or your house- than with hanging ornaments that you have turned yourself. Casey Coyne turns pens, pencils, beautiful bowls and great holiday ornaments. This fun class will give you the chance to use your imagination and make some truly unique tree decorations while learning about some basic woodturning techniques. Some turning experience is helpful but not essential. Sign up today. Tuition: $65.00 (includes materials for one ornament)

Section 120408B: Thursday evening, December 4, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

Section 122008B: Saturday afternoon, December 20, 12:00pm - 4:30pm

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A “Taste of” Turned 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. This one day “taste of” class allows the beginner or intermediate turner the opportunity to try out some different techniques and some different tools while making a creative and nice looking lidded container in either mahogany, walnut or cherry. 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 be able to complete one box with a lid. John is an accomplished woodturner and teacher whose work is exhibited in galleries and gift shops throughout New England. Don’t miss this exciting new class, as you will be sure to have a great time. Tuition: $95.00 (plus materials)

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Turning Hollow Vessels with Al Czellecz

Hollow vessels, i.e. vases, bottles and jars (or any shape whose top is narrower than the bottom) can be some of the most beautiful and graceful shapes possible- but, they can also be one of the most challenging designs to master. This unique class allows students who have some prior turning experience to expand their turning repertoire and master the specialized techniques and tools used in this distinctive style of woodturning. Participants will learn about different ways of holding the work, the many different types of hollowing tools on the market, ways of making your own tools and methods for making extremely narrow necks in the same or in contrasting woods. This is not a beginner class but don’t worry if you might think you don’t have enough experience (this is how you gain the experience!!) Sign up today for this fun and rewarding class. Tuition: $195.00 plus materials

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Turning European Style Pens with Bud Poulin

For those who want to increase their turning knowledge of pens, spend the day learning how to turn those great-looking European Style pens, ones that are as unique as those available in fine gift shops. Learn the tips and techniques that produce excellent results every time. Learn the fundamentals of creating these different style pens from wood selection, tool selection, and proper lathe techniques to finishing. At the end of the class you will not only leave with the knowledge to make these great pens, but you will also have a pen of your very own.  These also make great gifts.  Fundamental pen turning knowledge recommended. Tuition: $100.00 (includes material for one pen)

 Section 033112: Saturday, March 31, 10:00am – 5:00pm

  
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Turn a Table Lamp with Casey Coyne

What better way to sharpen and practice your turning skills than with this unique project that will look great just about anywhere. The project combines spindle turning for the stem, faceplate turning for the base, drilling out the long hole for the wires (how do you do that??), finishing and assembly. We will include everything for the lamp except the lampshade. Your choice of Rosewood, cherry, tiger maple- or whatever we have that will suit your tastes. Don’t miss this opportunity to further your turning skills and make a useful project at the same time. Tuition: $145.00 (plus materials)

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Turning Lidded Containers; Beyond the Basics with John Lorch

Lidded containers offer all sorts of opportunities for technical and creative exploration that can utilize all of your woodturning skills and creativity. This intensive two-day workshop is intended for students who already have some experience, but want to go beyond simple turning. After a short review of basic skills, students will begin working on their own unique turned boxes with an emphasis on practical and pleasing design. We will have some “step by step” boxes for those who might be unsure about their first “solo” design. The class will focus on forms for boxes, mounting, hollowing, lid fitting, finials and surface preparation on and off the lathe. Students are invited to bring wood and tools for individualized help. Tuition $195.00 (plus materials used)

Section 051907B: Saturday & Sunday, May 19 & 20, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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“Taste of” Woodturning

If you have been intrigued by woodturning but are not sure if you want to make the commitment to a full class, both in time and in money, then this is the class for you. This new class features our regular woodturning instructors who will be demonstrating a variety of spindle turning and bowl turning techniques. After some basic demonstrations we will get you going on the lathe to turn your first simple project - in either mahogany or walnut. Basic machine safety will be covered along with answers to questions about tools and lathes in general. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the fascinating and rewarding craft of woodturning. Tuition $65.00 (materials are included)

Section 092907B: Saturday, September 29, 1:00pm – 5:00pm

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Turning for Furniture Makers with Al Czellecz

Turning one table leg or one stair baluster takes some basic spindle turning skills but it is really not that hard to do. Turning four table legs that all look alike- that’s a little trickier! Join Al Czellecz for this great hands-on class as he shows you some of the tricks of the trade. Turning the pad foot on a cabriole leg, learning to turn from a square section to round (like the top of a table leg), special techniques for successful duplicating of parts, and turning some architectural parts such as rosettes are all important parts of this unique class. Sign up today- space is limited. Tuition $245.00 (plus materials)

Section 0030409B: Wednesday evenings, March 4 - 25, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

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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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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

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Spindle Turning for Furniture Makers with David J Lunin

Learn the techniques used to create complex and intricate turnings on the lathe.
The focus of the class will be traditional furniture parts, but the skills
learned can be applied to any turnings done between centers. Students will be
free to decide how to use their time over the course of the weekend.
Samples of several different legs will be available. Pick one and make all the
legs for a table, or try them all to get lots of practice in different shapes
and sizes.  Lots of demonstrations, plenty of hands on lathe time, as well as
one on one instruction. Sharpening methods, copying, and repetitive turning will be
covered in detail.
David is a nationally known woodturner who has written articles for Fine Woodworking magazine along with being a main presenter at the Society of American Period Furniture Makers Mid Year Conference. He has over two decades of experience on the lathe as well as an extensive background in traditional furniture design and construction. Tuition: $255.00 plus materials

Section 110511B: Saturday & Sunday,          November 5 & 6, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Creative Bowl Turning with Al Czellecz

This new weekend class is an opportunity to concentrate solely on making turned bowls- but with a twist! Take your woodturning skills and imagination to the next level and join Al for this two-day hands-on class that is guaranteed to expand your creativity. You will learn how to “dress up” your turnings and make them truly unique. Al will teach you techniques ranging from how to add a simple bead to the edge of a bowl to how to add carvings and “piercings” to your projects. So many bowls are just a boring natural finish- what about using some color? Various techniques for adding color and metallic looks along with texturing with power carvers and gunpowder (yes- that’s right!) will also be utilized. Don't miss this chance to open up new turning horizons.

Tuition: $255.00 (plus materials: $40.00)

 Section 022512B: Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & 26, 9:30am – 5:00pm

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Turn a Peppermill with Clete Boothby

Who does not need a peppermill? Freshly ground pepper has so much more flavor, it is almost like using a brand new spice - and making your own peppermill will only make it that much better!

The main focus of this  4 night class is to design a functioning 8" peppermill utilizing the lathe for all aspects of the turning and drilling process. We will work on form and design to learn the limitations as well as the unlimited variations you have available to create a beautiful functional piece. This class will take you step by step from mounting and roughing a piece to utilizing a talon chuck to drilling and finishing your project in the time allowed. Finishing techniques and enhancements will be discussed to put the final touches on your piece. The beginning of the class will be used to practice and brush up on basic tool use before jumping in to the project. Lathe safety and the use of jamb chucks will be discussed to make your project a safe, fun and successful one.  Clete is a member of the Central Ct Woodturners as well as the American Association of Woodturners and he works with Corey Anderson in many of our other woodturning classes. Sign up today and spice up your life!!

Tuition: $195.00 (plus materials)

Section 101112B:

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Professional Furniture Finishing Techniques

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: $125.00 Including materials

Section 032313B:     Saturday,   March 23,  9:30am – 5:00pm

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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 022513B: Monday evenings, February 25 - April 1,  6:00pm - 9:00pm

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Understanding Oil Finishes (or finish a project you made in time for Christmas!!)

The warmth of an oil finish is appreciated by all and is particularly suited to many of the furniture pieces we make in our classes. This is a three night hands-on class concentrating on the many misunderstood types of oil and wax finishes. Students will each work on a project that they either made during a class or a project from home. Working on a sample board during class instead of a project is frequently a good alternative. Some work during the week is suggested in order for students to go on to the next steps in the class. If you keep up on the steps, your project should be ready for Christmas! Tuition: $150.00 (materials for work at home are not included)

Section 120809A: Tuesday evenings, December 8, 15 & 22, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

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The Art of French Polishing with Nickolas Kotula

French Polish has a mystique about it intimidates many people- even experienced finishers- but, like anything, it is understanding the techniques and the materials which will give you the success you are looking for. Noted furniture conservator and expert Nickolas Kotula will open the doors to a highly rewarding look into the world of French Polishing and traditional finishing techniques. In this four night hands on class, students will learn the techniques and develop the hand skills necessary to produce this traditional fine finish. Nick will cover applying color to the wood, understanding the color wheel, the various types of shellacs and their uses, building the base coats of finish and then the techniques of French Polishing. We will also cover rubbing out the finish which will allow you to control the final sheen of the finish. Do not miss this opportunity to add new (or traditional!) aesthetic beauty to your furniture projects. Sign up today. Class size is limited. Tuition: $ 255.00.00 plus materials

 Section 110711B: Monday evenings, November 7 - 28, 6:00pm – 8:00pm

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Arts & Crafts Style Coffee Table

This class is essentially the same as the Shaker Hall Table class but features a different project. The class further develops the skills begun in Woodworking I and adds new ones such as using a handplane to surface furniture parts, matching grain to achieve a harmonious looking piece, hand-fitting mortice and tenons joints, gluing up a table top and more. This class also features wedged thru mortise & tenons which look great and are a good challenge to your woodworking skills. The project is a cherry coffee table which is approximately 22" X 46", has a lower shelf for books or magazines and will look great in just about any room. Because of the difference in styles you might want to do this class even if you have already done the Hall Table. Tuition: $295.00 (plus materials).

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Woodworking II

Arts & Crafts Style Hall Table

An eight-session (or four - day) class that is a continuation of the Woodworking I class. This new project features a handsome Arts & Crafts style hall or sofa table which fits in just about any home . The project is a perfect vehicle to learn new skills with handtools and powertools while making a valuable piece of furniture that will become a family heirloom. Techniques learned in the woodworking I are reinforced as new techniques and skills are introduced. Laying out, cutting and handfitting mortice and tenon joints, a dovetailed drawer, grain matching a table top, tricks for gluing up a whole piece of furniture, and using effectively using handplanes, card scrapers and chisels are just a few of the skills students will learn while making a cherry hall table as their project. Woodworking I is a prerequisite. Tuition: $355.00 plus materials .

Section 040912A: Monday evenings, April 9 - June 4, 6:00pm - 9:30pm

 general tool list· (will open in a new window)

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