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 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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Make a Greene & Greene Style Sofa Table with Bob Van Dyke

This is our newest Woodworking III project in the Fundamentals of Furniture making series and is unique because its design was a group effort by a special class last spring. Charles & Henry Greene were influential designers during the Arts & Crafts Furniture movement of the early 20th century and utilized some distinctly unique designs. Their style has become very popular in the last few years. Drawing heavily on Greene & Greene design features, Asian influences and a couple of our own, the project features the traditional cloud lift shape on the front and back aprons, curved end aprons, an Oriental looking lower shelf and raised ebony plugs. One of the more unique features is the ebony "keys" that are used on the edges of the breadboard top. The table can be made in either cherry or the more traditional mahogany. Sign up soon as class size is limited. Tuition: $325.00 Plus materials

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Make a Shaker Candle Stand Table with Bob Van Dyke

This traditional Shaker style table features a round top, a turned central column and gracefully shaped legs. It is based on the candle stand tables on display at the Hancock Shaker village. This project emphasizes extensive handwork using handplanes, chisels and scrapers. The project features sliding dovetails, tapered legs, carefully grain matching the top and flattening the top by hand. Turning the central spindle is not part of the class as many students are not skilled in woodturning and the spindles all have to be exactly the same in order for the sliding dovetails to work. Tuition: $295.00, plus materials.

Section 031106A: Saturday & Sundays March 11, 12, 18 & 19, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Make an Arts & Crafts Style Ottoman with Joe Scalzo

If you made the Morris Chair with Joe in one of his classes during the past few years, if you have a chair that needs an ottoman- or you just want to continue building your skills then this is the class for you. You will build an ottoman to match the style of the Morris chair in cherry or walnut. The project features through, wedged mortise and tenons, distinctive side spindles and your choice of leather or cloth cushion. Make sure you are a part of this new class. Tuition: $275.00 plus materials

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Shaker Wall Clock 

This 10-session (approximately) class continues the Fundamentals of Furniture-making series and concentrates on carcase construction while allowing you to refine your woodworking skills. Building the Shaker style wall clock (in cherry) emphasizes the use of handtools in fitting joints, creating a glass like surface on the wood and beveling the “bookmatched” back. Students will learn more advanced techniques including resawing, bookmatching, handfitting hinges and precise joinery techniques. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials.

Section 100506A: Thursday evenings, October 5- December 21,  6:00pm - 9:30 

(note: this class was originally scheduled for Thursday nights to begin September 14)

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

This advanced workshop features a handsome frame and panel blanket chest, which is based on a design by John McAlevey, a well-known custom furniture maker and author living in Maine. The chest was featured on the cover of Fine Woodworking Magazine a number of years ago. The project entails extensive through mortise and tenons, raised panels, chamfered legs, a number of curved parts and frame and panel construction. The techniques used in its construction are basic to many larger furniture pieces. The format of this class is unique. We will meet one weekend a month for three months, which provides six full days of class time. Work at home between sessions will be required in order to keep the project on track.  Participants need to have taken at least the Woodworking I and II classes. Tuition: $545.00 (plus materials).

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

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Make a Plant Stand Table with Bob Van Dyke & Tim Spratlin

This exciting new class features a small plant stand table as the basic project. Inspired by the accent tables made by Bill Huston of Kennebunkport, Maine, the table has gracefully curved legs, a sculpted top and the top can actually raised up above the table base if you like! This class is a little different than our usual classes in that it allows and encourages some variation in the basic design of the project. The class will begin with examining the basic table design and then each participant will be able to vary elements of that design to make it their own if they desire. The size and shape of the top, the shape of the aprons and the choice of wood species allow for plenty of imagination. We will go through the “mock-up” process and learn some basic drawing techniques in addition to learning the techniques for making the curved “Krenov” style legs. The table can be made in tiger maple, cherry or walnut (or a combination of species). This is a class you should not miss so sign up today. Space is limited. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials.

Section 010808A: Tuesday evenings, January 8 – March 4, 6:00pm – 9:30pm (no class Jan. 15)

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Make a Craftsman Style Morris Chair with Joe Scalzo & 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 will be done by a local upholster whom we have used for other projects. His fee is separate and will depend on the material (fabric or leather) that you choose. Tuition: $395.00 (plus materials).

Bow Front Writing Desk with Bob Van Dyke & Tim Spratlin

This intermediate level class will encourage students to go beyond the "straight and square". Techniques used for creating curves, designing angled joinery and making handcut dovetailed drawers will be explored in this innovative class. The desk will incorporate a curved-front drawer, tapered legs, glue laminated curved aprons and walnut cockbeading around the drawer. This project incorporates challenging woodworking problems such as cutting the tenons on the end of a curved piece, fitting the drawer to the exact drawer opening, flattening the 22 inch wide top (by hand) and more. We solve these problems in a simple and unique way which you will be able to apply to other projects in the future. Some hand work at home will be expected. Woodworking 1 & II are required prerequisites. Don't wait too long to sign up for this class as space is limited. Some work at home will be required. Tuition: $695.00.00 plus materials

                Section 032409A:  Tuesday evenings, March 24 - June 16, 6:00pm - 9:30pm (This class was originally scheduled to begin on March 3)

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

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Tiger Maple Butcher Block Table with Bob Van Dyke & Tim Spratlin

This new project in the “Fundamentals” series features a small cherry table with a tiger maple “butcher block” top. The table, originally designed for a kitchen, would work well as an occasional table just about anywhere in the house. The design is loosely based on some Arts & Crafts styles with an Oriental influence. The legs feature a curved reverse taper common to that style of furniture and the top is raised up off the legs to give the table a feeling of “lightness” . Another interesting (and challenging!) feature of the table is the lower shelf which is a series of slats inlaid with a walnut geometric design. This new class has just enough complexity to make it a logical choice after having taken the Shaker hall Table class. Sign up soon- space is limited. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials

Section 010609A: Tuesday evenings, January 6 – February 24, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

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Fundamentals of Cabinet Making

Making Raised Panel Doors with Reuven Perry

The raised panel door is a basic part of most furniture carcase construction, but is also used extensively in cabinet making. Steve 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

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Using Dovetail Jigs with Mitch Cain

Handcut dovetails are great- but lots of people don't have the patience or the desire to learn how to do them. If you have a dovetail jig- or have been considering buying one then you owe it to yourself to get some answers and some practice on a few different kinds of jigs. The Leigh jig is generally considered the best and most versatile of all the dovetail jigs but the Akeeda and the Porter Cable certainly have their place. Mitch will demonstrate the use of all three and hopefully clarify the pros and cons of each one. Through and half blind dovetails will be covered. Students will make a small box during the class which will give them the opportunity to get the feel of the jig and the routers while making a useful project. Tuition: $120.00 plus materials ($18.00)

Section 011008B: Thursday evenings, January 10 & 17, 6:00pm – 9:30pm 

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Design and Build Kitchen Cabinets with Mitch Cain

The pinnacle of home cabinetmaking is the kitchen cabinet.  In this class Mitch will show you how to use the computer to design and layout your kitchen, discuss the "buy or build" options that you have available today, review the standards involved in modern kitchen design; ie. the height of counters, depths of cabinets, etc., and demonstrate the installation process. The class will design a cabinet on the computer as a group and then each student will build the cabinet.  The cabinet will incorporate a face frame, a raised panel door, a drawer, 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 013108B: Thursday evenings, January 31 – March 20, 6:00pm – 9:30pm

 general tool list (will open in a new window)

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Woodturning

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: $245.00 (plus materials)

Section 030808B: Saturday & Sunday, March 8 & 9, 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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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 for the holidays or any occasion. Fundamental pen turning knowledge recommended. Tuition: $75.00 (includes material for one pen)

Section 121408B: Sunday, December 14, 12:00pm – 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

“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

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

Professional Furniture Finishing Techniques

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)

Section 110108B: Saturday & Sunday, November 1 & 2, 9:30am – 5:00pm

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Dyeing and Staining Techniques with Peter Gedrys

Have you ever looked at an antique and admired the rich glow and depth of color in the wood? Quite often the coloring process seems to be a mystery and your results lack the desired depth.

This weekend class is designed to take the guess work out of your next project. Students will begin with basic color theory followed by color mixing. You will then progress through the variety of colorants including dyes, pigment stains and glazes and tinting mediums. Through demonstration and hands on students will create samples of color layering. To further take the guess work out of coloring students will have the unique opportunity to create their own color samples using the variety of products available at the school. Students are encouraged to bring in photos of furniture they would like to match. Tuition: $195.00 plus materials

Section 022506B: Saturday & Sunday, February 25 & 26, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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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: $145.00 (plus materials)

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Professional French Polishing Techniques with Peter Gedrys

Join noted professional finisher and restoration expert, Peter Gedrys for this highly rewarding look into the world of French Polishing and traditional finishing techniques. The finish on many 18th & 19th century antiques have a "fire" in them which is only produced by the shellacs used in the French Polished surfaces. In this three night hands on class, students will learn the techniques and develop the hand skills necessary to produce this traditional fine finish. Peter will begin to teach students the techniques for developing deep colors, filling the pores of open grained woods, building a finish and finally, polishing the finish. The various colors and grades of shellac will be explored and utilized in the informative and exciting advanced finishing class. Do not miss this opportunity to add new (or traditional!) dimensions to your furniture projects. Sign up today. Class size is limited. Tuition: $ 175.00 plus materials

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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

Fall schedule coming soon

Basic Furniture Finishing with Peter Gedrys

Many woodworkers shy away from finishing a project they have spent so much time and effort completing. Often one is afraid to "ruin" a piece.

This hands on class will remove the fear of finishing. Participants will learn the differences between dyes, pigmented stains and glazes and how to best manipulate them to create the special look you are after. With the vast array of topcoats available, each has its strong and weak points. Participants will learn to use oil and water based varnishes as well as shellac to their fullest advantages. Along with notes and formulas, participants will create sample panels that become a visual road map for future projects. With the huge number of finishing questions that come up on a daily basis, this class is designed to take the guess work out of your next project.

Peter Gedrys is a professional finisher and frequent contributor to Fine Wood Working magazine. He teaches numerous finishing classes here at CVSW and at other schools around the northeast.         Tuition: $295.00 plus materials

Section 012908B: Tuesday evenings, January 29 – March 4, 6:00pm – 9:00pm (class will not meet February 12)

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Speciality & Weekend Classes

Accurate Joinery with Gary Rogowski 

A two-day intensive focused exclusively on joinery skills, applications, and techniques with Gary Rogowski, author of The Complete Illustrated Guide to Joinery. Learn how to design and lay-out carcase joinery from simple rabbet joints to hand cut dovetails. Discover and practice frame joinery like splined miters and wedged mortise and tenon joints. Cut and fit joints with all the tools we use in the studio: hand tools, routers, and power tools as you learn joinery for a variety of pieces ranging from cabinets and jewelry boxes to benches, tables, and chairs. Use the router, band saw, drill press and table saw for precise, repeatable joinery that you'll use in your next project and for years to come. Tuition: $195.00 plus materials.

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Make a Pair of Adirondack Chairs with Mitch Cain

Adirondack chairs mean "summertime and relax" to most people. In this six -session class students will work as a team to make two chairs for each participant. Cypress, which is both attractive and rot resistant, will be used throughout. Students will concentrate on accurate bandsaw and router work and with making multiple parts. The design we will use is one of the most comfortable and attractive Adirondack chairs around. They will be done just in time for summer! Tuition: $295.00 (plus materials)

Section 041708B:    Thursday evenings,     April 17 - May 22,    6:00pm – 9:30pm

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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 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: $120.00 (Materials are included).

Autumn date coming soon 

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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 060609A: Saturday, June 6, 10am - 4:30pm 

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Timber Framing Weekend with Northford Timberframers

We can’t believe it has been over 13 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, 20. 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 041809A: Saturday & Sunday, April 18 & 19, 8:30am - 4:30pm (note- class will start at 8am on Sunday)

Section 042008C: Monday, April 20, 8:30am - 5:00pm

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Installing Hardware and Fitting Doors with Phil Lowe

How many times have you worked for weeks or months on a project, everything goes together nicely and then, if the project has an inset door, you get to fitting it and you just can't get it right? Have you ever tried to figure out how a mortised lockset works? Do you have a hard time mortising hinges accurately? If you answered yes to any of these then you owe it to yourself to join master furniture maker, Phil Lowe as he guides you through the subtleties of these and other common hardware problems. Students will fit a door into a frame that we will provide, layout the hinges, and mortise them by hand. Phil will also demonstrate installing a traditional mortised lockset and different types of door catches. Phil is a frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine, he is one of this country's leading authorities on 18th & 19th century furniture and he runs the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts. Class size is limited so sign up today. Tuition: $195.00 plus materials

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Make a Cabriole Leg with Phil Lowe

The cabriole leg is a graceful and essential form in most Queen Anne style furniture and we are fortunate to have Phil Lowe, an expert in this furniture style, hosting this unique two-day hands-on class. Phil is a nationally known craftsman and author whose work and articles have appeared in Fine Woodworking Magazine for many years. Phil, who also runs his own furniture-making school and custom furniture business in Beverly, Mass. will begin by teaching students the basics of design and layout for a graceful cabriole leg that could be used in a Queen Anne style "tea table". Students will go on to layout their own leg, bandsaw it to shape and spend time refining the shape with rasps, spokeshaves and scrapers. The class also features demonstrations of the layout and carving of a shell on the knee as well as turning a foot and pad on the leg. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the leaders in the field. Tuition: $195.00 (plus materials- some specific tools will be required- please inquire when registering).

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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: $195.00 plus materials

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Make a Nantucket Lightship Basket with Bob Rosenberg

South of Cape Cod, thirty miles at sea, is Nantucket Island, an early nineteenth century whaling center that became known for, among other things, the unique baskets originally made by the crews of the lightships stationed around the island. These baskets became known worldwide for their unique design and meticulous workmanship. In this two-day class, Bob Rosenberg will carry on this tradition while guiding students through the careful construction of a 6" Nantucket lightship basket. Participants do not need any prior woodworking experience or specialized tools to complete this rewarding project. Tuition: $195.00 (plus materials $45.00)

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Photographing Your Work with Richard Bergen

This course is designed for the woodworker who needs to make quality photographs of his or her work. The first part of the course will be a basic introduction to photography and will revolve around the mechanics of the