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