Dedicated to promoting excellence in craftsmanship and in developing superior hand and machine woodworking skills. Workshops are designed to satisfy beginner, intermediate and advanced woodworkers in a relaxed, hands-on format.
Fundamentals of Furniture-Making with Bob Van Dyke
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 091409A: Monday & Thursday evenings, September 14 - October 8, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Section 101909A: Monday evenings, October 19 - December 7, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
(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.)
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).
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.
This new Woodworking III class features a graceful side table which was derived from the design of the tiger maple butcher block table we made in class last winter. The design is loosely based on some Arts & Crafts styles with an Asian 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". The base will be built in cherry and the top will be your choice of cherry or tiger maple. This piece is the first in a series of pieces we are developing which utilize this unique design. You have the option of building a second table as long as you are able to do the handwork that will be needed at home as we won't have time to do all the handwork in class. Don't miss this opportunity to make a great looking piece of furniture for your home- and learn some great woodworking techniques in the process. Tuition: $395.00 plus materials
Section 090809A: Tuesday evenings, September 8 - November 17, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
The side table we will be making is based on the design of the butcher block table pictured
Make a Craftsman Style Dining Chair with Bob Van Dyke & Tim Spratlin
A dining chair is one of the more challenging woodworking projects you can take on. The balance between making the chair as strong as possible and still maintain a lightweight and attractive design, the angles involved to make the backrest comfortable, creating the curved parts and the sheer number of mortise and tenons will exercise all the woodworking skills you have learned up till now. The chair features tapered legs and a tapered backrest. The Craftsman style utilized in the design assures that it will complement the furnishings in most rooms. As with all Level III classes, some work at home (or in "off" time in the school) will be required. The "one weekend per month" format allows us to take on this more ambitious project and allows you plenty of time in between sessions to get all of the handwork done to your satisfaction. Participants need to have taken at least the Woodworking I and II or equivalent. The upholstery work for the chair is not part of the class and will be up to you. Tuition: $595.00 (plus materials).
Section 092609A: Saturday & Sunday, September 26 & 27, October 31 & Nov. 1, November 21 & 22, 9:30am - 5:00pm
This class concentrates on the techniques used in cabinet making rather than those used in furniture making. Reuven Perry, owner of Perry Woodworking, is a professional cabinetmaker who brings with him years of labor saving tricks and techniques which students will find invaluable when completing their own projects at home. A medium sized painted plywood bookshelf is the project for this class and features techniques such as cutting plywood panels to size, using solid wood edging, making and applying a molding, making a mitered base, using a Kreg jig and working with a router. The design of the bookcase features a plinth base, adjustable shelves and decorative moldings. This class is designed for beginner and intermediate woodworkers who are interested in learning techniques they can use in numerous home improvement projects. The bookcase utilizes common portable power tools that most homeowners would have or might be considering purchasing. This class will provide you with the foundation skills needed for more advanced projects such as kitchen cabinets, storage cabinets, entertainment centers, counter tops and more. Sign up today. Space is limited. Tuition: $295.00 plus materials
Section 092209B: Tuesday evenings, September 22 - October 27, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Crown molding is a classic finish to almost every aspect of cabinetry and traditional furniture. It is available in a variety of styles and sizes and with the right tools and a bit of skill you can make just about any style you can imagine. But it is not so simple to make and install. Join professional cabinet maker Reuven Perry for this unique demonstration class and learn about the variety of crown molding styles and shapes and learn some of the "tricks of the trade" that will let you install crown moldings successfully in your own work or home. Master cabinetmaker Reuven Perry, brings years of experience to this class and you will leave with the confidence to tackle this seemingly difficult task with ease. Tuition $120.00 materials are included.
Section 110709B: Saturday, November 7, 9:30pm - 5:00pm
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 091609B: Wednesday evenings, September 16 - October 21, 6pm - 9:30pm
Section 110409B: Wednesday evenings, November 4 - December 16, 6pm - 9:30pm
(no class on November 25)
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 103109B: Saturday & Sunday, October 31 & November 1, 9:30am - 5:00pm
This hands on weekend class is an opportunity to concentrate solely on turning bowls. Students will learn basic and advanced bowl turning techniques, tool grinding and various methods for holding the work- including simple home-made jigs and commercial four jaw chucks. Projects will include a variety of bowls and platters made from cherry, mahogany and either tiger maple or walnut. Decorative edges and finishes will also be covered in this unique hands-on class. Fee: $245.00 (plus materials: $40.00)
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, decorative 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 new class, as you will be sure to have a great time. Tuition: $245.00 (plus materials)
In this one day hands-on class students will have the opportunity to make a variety of small jewelry pieces on the lathe. Beads for bracelets and necklaces, earrings and even a pendant or amulet for a necklace are just a few of the possibilities you can be making in this new class with wood turner, Corey Anderson. Exotic or little bits of figured wood, wood with an interesting grain or color and even other materials like plastic, soft metals and shells are all perfect materials to be made into that special piece of jewelry. Students should have some familiarity with using a spindle gouge. We will supply a list of sources should you get hooked and want to make more jewelry on back in your own shops. Tuition: $120.00 plus materials
Section 100309B: Saturday, October 3, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Turned pens and pencils are increasingly popular, easy to make (sometimes!), and they make great gifts. 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 100409B: Sunday, October 4, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
Section 121909B: Saturday, December 19, 12:30pm - 4:30pm
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 091709B: Thursday evenings, September 17 - October 22, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
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)
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 080109A: Saturday, August 1, 10am - 4:30pm
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 are 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
Section 092309A: Wednesday evenings, September 23 - October 28, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Many of those who have played or even admired the beauty of the guitar have shown interest in making their own heirloom instrument that can be played today and passed on to future generations. In this class beginner and intermediate woodworkers will build an exceptional steel string acoustic guitar using a unique kit as a foundation. You will
learn the terminology and the techniques that are unique to the luthier's art. The process
is broken down into small steps, beginning with the construction of the neck including truss rod installation, fingerboard & fretting, abalone inlay to the construction of the body including brace trimming/fitting, top installation, bridge gluing/alignment, purfling and final fit up of the neck to body joint using a bolt-on system. Each guitar will be completed leaving the final top cote finish up to the student. Look for our other classes designed for finishing techniques. You can see a finished example of the guitar in the school. The guitar can be made in sapele or sycamore- please indicate your choice when signing up. Tuition: $345.00 plus materials $285.00
Section 091409B: Monday evenings, September 14 - October 26, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Beginning Electric Guitars- Build a Telecaster with Ryan Welcome
In this new class we jump into the world of electric guitar construction. Beginning with this new project students will each build their own guitar based on the world famous Fender Telecaster (yeah- that's the one Bruce Springsteen plays!).
Starting with a solid white ash body we will bandsaw and rout the basic shape, fit and fine tune the maple neck (we will purchase pre-made necks for this beginning class), fine tune the rosewood fingerboard and install all the hardware, electronics and both pickups. Finishing is an important part of any guitar so we will also spend a few nights of class time applying your choice of three different finishes (clear, "butter" or cherry). The last night of the class will be final setup & tuning of the guitars and then a jam session to prove how good they are! Sign up today for this exciting new class and have the satisfaction of building (and playing) your own heirloom quality instrument. Tuition $345.00 plus materials.
Section 110209B: Monday evenings, November 2 - December 28, 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Carving has always been a hallmark of high end furniture. These details have been carved for most of the major furniture periods. This workshop involves many familiar styles of carving, such as drapery, flowers, quarter fans, leaves, and architecturally inspired elements. These samples will be a value for future projects and build strong hand skills. This class is a continuation of Dan's Intro to Woodcarving class and will reinforce the skills learned previously and introduce many new skills. Some previous carving experience or class is strongly recommended.Some specific carving tools will be required. That list can be viewed at http://www.schoolofwoodworking.com/ . Tuition $245.00 plus materials
In this new weekend class students will learn to carve a Bellamy inspired Eagle. The eagle has to be one of the most recognized American symbols and carvings by renowned eagle carver John Haley Bellamy have fetched tens of thousands of dollars and are heavily sought after by collectors. This particular mid to late 19th century pattern eagle is 38" in length and was originally painted red, white and blue. These ornaments can easily be adapted in design and scale for signs, furniture, or to stand alone painted or gilded. All levels of experience are welcome, sharp tools are a must! Dan Faia is a professional furniture maker and carver who teaches the full time furniture making program at the North Bennet Street School in Boston. The tool list for this class will be posted at www.schoolofwoodworking.com by mid summer. Sign up soon- space is limited. Tuition $245.00 plus materials
Using Marquetry Techniques to Create Furniture Inlays with Steve Latta
"Painting in Wood" dates all the way back to ancient Egypt. In this class, we will scratch the surface of this ancient method of ornamentation. We'll look at tooling, veneers, substrates and adhesives and discuss various approaches to cutting and assembly an image. We'll apply these techniques to furniture inlays such as the ornamental ovals or paterae that adorn the top of Federal card table legs or are set into the middle of a table top or apron. We'll spend some time on geometric patterns or parquetry as well. The possibilities are endless and this great new class will get you started in the basics of marquetry as a design element to add to your repertoire of techniques. Sign up soon. Space will be limited. Tuition $245.00 plus materials
Basic & Advanced Joinery for Tables and Case Pieces with Will Neptune
In their most basic form, tables are nothing more than four legs and four rails held together with tenons and case pieces are just dove tailed boxes with shelves or drawer frames inside. Having good sound techniques for building these basic pieces gives you good strategies for dealing with more complex variations on the basic forms. Adding a drawer to a table involves new technical problems. Adding multiple drawers, either side by side or stacked vertically, complicates construction even more! And angled or curved parts go one step further. Similar issues appear in case work as the form becomes more complex. The trick is to recognize more complex problems as the extension of solutions used in simpler examples.
In this hands-on class we will build mock ups of the typical joinery problems found in most tables and case pieces. Using a combination of hand and power tools, each student will make several mock ups and learn to convert simple examples into more complex ones. These samples will be a physical record that will be an invaluable reference for future work.
We cannot expect to build an entire project in one weekend but you can learn a systematic approach to solve many common joinery problems. For those of you who have not taken a class with Will you really owe it to yourself. You will learn way more than you ever thought possible! Tuition $245.00 plus materials
Designing Jigs and Fixtures for Furniture Making with Will Neptune
Basic woodworking machinery can be efficient, especially when making multiple parts. But in many instances the basic machine is not enough to hold and guide the parts safely and accurately. This is when you realize that some other fixture needs to be made to work along with the machine (or sometimes with hand-tools). An important part of your woodworking skill is knowing how to design these shop made additions to enhance the machine's capabilities. There are always issues of safety, indexing, clamping and accuracy. These concerns grow as the parts become large, angled or curved. A task as basic as mitering a frame is easier with a shop made jig for the table saw, rather than relying on the factory made miter gauge. Common joinery such as tenons and dovetails are also easier and more accurate when made with shop built jigs. This class will concentrate on teaching students the basic methods and thinking that goes into any well made woodworking jig or fixture. We will start off with some very basic fixtures such as a cross cut sled or a tenoning jig and move on to more complex jigs to hold curved work, cut angled joinery or other specialized tasks. To reinforce the ideas and methods that Will is teaching students will each make the parts for a miter jig that can be used on your own tablesaw. You will also get a chance to use several other shop made jigs to get the feel for how they were made. Most importantly you will learn to problem solve and design your own jig to solve a specific woodworking problem you may encounter in the future. Whatever your skill level, you will learn some new tricks that will make your work safer, faster and more accurate. Sign up today, space is limited. Tuition $245.00 plus materials.
Chip carving is a technique in carving which involves the systematic removal of triangular chips of wood to produce dramatic geometric designs and patterns. It is a very accessible form of carving in that it does not require a huge investment in carving tools (two carving knives does it!), the layout is fairly straightforward (using a ruler and compass) and the basic cuts and designs are simple enough that a total beginner will have immediate success. Janet will start the class by going over the tools, layout techniques, the basic designs and sharpening. The second day of the class will be spent on carving sample boards, practicing and developing more complex designs. A few specific tools will be required for this class. You can inquire when signing up or get the tool list from the school website- www.schoolofwoodworking.com Don't miss this great new class. Tuition: $245.00 plus materials.
The Federal period features some of America's truly unique furniture and is noted for its clean lines, impeccable workmanship and intricate ornamentation. Join one of this country's leading furniture makers, Phil Lowe, for this unique opportunity to construct a Serpentine front writing desk with drawers, veneer work and inlayed legs. As with all of Phil's classes, we will start off with designing and making a full size drawing of the writing desk. This will solve many of the proportion and joinery problems before any wood is even cut. Creating the serpentine curve on the front will utilize the traditional "bricklaying' technique followed by hammer veneering the front apron. Inlays are a big part of this type of furniture and students will be encouraged to do their own inlay work on the desk at home (after Phil's demonstrates the techniques for both the inlays and making the appropriate tools). This is not a beginner class but if you have done a few classes here at the school or have been working on your own for a while then you owe it to yourself to take this class and learn from one of the best instructors around. As with all of our weekend "series" classes, homework in your own shop will be required. Sign up today- space is limited. Tuition: $895.00 plus materials
Section 091909A: Saturday & Sunday, September 19 & 20, October 24 & 25, November 14 & 15,
and December 12 & 13, 9:30am - 5:00pm
Desk pictured is similar to the one we will build in class
Blacksmithing & Toolmaking -Make a Woodworking Chisel, a Turning Gouge or some other Woodworking Tool with Walt Scadden
Tool making is probably one of the most useful skills that a blacksmith has and this new class will give you an appreciation of some of the techniques used. Students will have the chance to make a woodworking chisel and a turning gouge (or a second chisel if you prefer). Shaping the tool steel, annealing and hardening the steel, grinding the cutting edge and fitting the handles are just a few of the steps you will take to make some great tools that you can truly call your own. This fun class will give you a chance to try out blacksmithing, or polish your skills if you have taken past classes. Don’t miss it! Tuition: $245.00.00 plus materials
Walter Scadden is a local blacksmith who has taught hands-on classes all over the country and was the lead blacksmith for the building of the Amistad. He also worked for three years at Mystic Seaport and we are fortunate to have him teaching here. Walter will teach students the basic principles of blacksmithing, including materials needed and what to look for in tools and forges. This is a hands-on project-oriented class and participants will start off making some simple hooks and maybe a letter opener and will then move on to making their own set of blacksmithing tongs. Other possible projects include candleholders, fireplace pokers, coat hooks or maybe even a small pot & pan rack. Whatever you make, it will surely be fun and informative. Don't miss this great opportunity to learn some truly unique and useful skills.
Tuition $245.00 (plus materials $30.00)
Blacksmithing with Walter Scadden- making Hardware & Hinges
Learning blacksmithing is great and it is a lot of fun and challenging- but most of us are woodworkers and wouldn't it be great to be able to apply some of those blacksmithing skills to our own furniture work. Here is your chance to do just that. Join accomplished blacksmith, Walter Scadden as we explore the possibilities of making your own hardware or hinges for your own woodworking project. Maybe you are thinking of making a Greene and Greene cabinet that needs a rustic looking iron door pull or maybe you have something in your home that would look great if you only had the right hinge on it. Bring your imagination
(and a sketch if you have something specific in mind). If we can make it then we will! Tuition $245.00 plus materials
Christmas is just over a week away and you have a few choices; go to the mall and finish your Christmas shopping (along with everyone else in the northeast!), stay home (you will probably just be in the way!) or come to the school and learn a little blacksmithing and make some small projects on the anvil that you might (or maybe not!) want to give someone as a Christmas present. That sounds like more fun-right? Walt Scadden will guide students in the making of a holly leaf shaped key ring, a small iron wreath or maybe a letter opener. These are just a few of the possibilities. No experience is needed so sign up today. Tuition:$120.00 plus materials.
Section 121909A: Saturday, December 19, 9:30pm - 5:00pm
Lunch break is approximately one hour. A refrigerator is available as well as local restaurants and convenience stores. Lodging assistance is available should you need it.
Fundamentals of Furniture-Making with Steve Kain and Bob Van Dyke
This popular five-day intensive hands-on class is an opportunity to concentrate on the basics of woodworking and furniture making. Each student will make a Shaker style cherry hall table, which is a perfect vehicle to practice the machine and hand-tool techniques that we teach in the class. Subjects covered include basic shop safety, machine use (with particular emphasis on the tablesaw, jointer and planer), using handplanes, card scrapers and chisels effectively to surface and hand-fit the mortice and tenon joints, handtool sharpening, making tapered legs and grain matching and gluing up a top. This class takes the place of Woodworking I & Woodworking II and provides a strong foundation for more advanced furniture projects. Tuition: $645.00 plus materials
Build a Connecticut Pembroke Table with Steve Latta
During the early days of the Republic, rural craftsmen would visit urban centers such as Boston or Philadelphia and travel home with the intent of reproducing the furniture they saw.Sometimes the details got a little jumbled resulting in some of the most quaint and beautiful furniture of the time. We are pleased to welcome back nationally known furniture maker, author and instructor, Steve Latta, who is an expert on furniture of this time period. In this fast-paced week-long class we will make a Connecticut Pembroke Table in walnut which was inspired by a survivor from the late 18th century.An oval top with two rule joints, a curved drawer with a hidden compartment, knuckle joint supports and some funky inlay make this table both a delight and challenge to build.
Plan on spending a night or two during the week to explore the techniques Steve uses to accomplish the intricate inlay work that is so characteristic of these great American treasures. Because of the complexity of this project and the level of ornamentation that you may want to add to the project you should not necessarily expect to bring home a fully completed and assembled Pembroke table. Be assured you will learn more than enough to finish up any unfinished details on the project on your own and then be able to take on other more challenging projects in the future! Sign up today as space is limited. Tuition: $645.00 plus materials
Section 060809A:Monday - Friday, June 8 - 12,9:00am - 4:30pm
Note: if you are really interested in pursuing these inlay skills then you owe it to yourself to take Steve's "Inlay Techniques for a Federal Style Table Leg" class on February 14 & 15. That class will concentrate on the inlays that you could be doing for this Pembroke Table
Join Janet Collins for this great new class on building an Arts & Crafts style side table (also referred to as a Tabouret table). Janet builds custom furniture in her Vermont studio when she is not teaching woodworking classes at various schools throughout the northeast. This class will really sharpen your joinery skills while making this deceivingly complex table that will be a welcome addition to your home. The table features through tenon joints, bridle joints, angled joinery (because of the splayed legs) and an inlayed top. We will utilize both hand tools and power tools in its construction. Participants need to have a good foundation in basic machine woodworking techniques- Please inquire with the school's director, Bob Van Dyke, if you have any questions. The table can be made in either quartersawn white oak or mahogany. Week-long classes are a great opportunity to concentrate your energy on learning new techniques, brushing up on old techniques, making a great piece of furniture and making some new friends! Sign up today - space is limited. Tuition: $645.00 plus materials
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)
Make a Federal Style Demi-lune table with Will Neptune
We are pleased to welcome back well known furniture maker and author, Will Neptune for this exciting and informative new class. Will has written numerous articles for Fine Woodworking magazine and taught traditional furniture-making techniques at the North Bennet Street School for many years in addition to his own commission furniture work. Students will have the unique opportunity to build a Federal style Demi-lune table under Will’s guidance. Inspired by the card tables made popular during the Federal Period, the demi-lune eliminates the hinged top and swinging leg support resulting in a small hall table that also provides students a good introduction to curved work, veneering and inlay. The basic table can be embellished with a variety of effects, giving each student a chance to personalize their table. Some of the skills you will learn in this class include; utilizing the "bricking" method to build up the curved front, veneering the curved front apron, joining the legs to the curved apron along with numerous embellishment techniques. These decorative effects include stringing, banding and inlay work. The class will be organized so that students will complete the fabrication of parts, the veneer work and the joinery. Demonstrations will cover making simple bandings, sand-shading veneer for inlays, and using shop made "scratch stocks". An extra sample leg will also be made which students can use to practice the several decorative options. Students should expect to complete the decorations, clean-up and finish work at home. Don’t miss this opportunity to make an heirloom piece under the direction of one of this country’s leading craftsmen. Tuition: $695.00 plus materials
Build a Traditional Cabinetmaker's Workbench with Bob Van Dyke
In this fast paced class students will have the opportunity to build the traditional cabinetmaker's workbench they have dreamed about! Let's face it- the benches we build in the school during the year are great (especially for the price!) but nothing beats working on a traditional workbench constructed entirely of 8/4 and 12/4 rock maple. A flat top, wide enough to accommodate most work (24"), wooden bench dogs to hold the work in conjunction with the end vise, a sturdy shoulder vise, a tool tray to keep the smaller tools you are working with in one place and about 300 pounds of dead weight all make this bench a pleasure to work on. The massive trestle base joined with pegged and wedged mortice and tenons knocks down for easier (relatively!) moving. This is a great project to further your woodworking skills and is a bench you will treasure for years and pass on to future generations. Sign up today- space is limited- and be ready to work hard! Tuition: $695.00 plus materials
Start the new year out the right way!
These classes are intensive all-day classes.
Lunch break is approximately one hour. A refrigerator is available as well as local restaurants and convenience stores. Lodging assistance is available should you need it.
Build a High Performance Sea Kayak with Nick Schade
Sea kayaking is the sport of taking a small boat out on to the big ocean. You could buy an ordinary plastic kayak, or you could build your own which will be lighter, faster, better looking and more fun than any you can buy. This fast-paced class will take students through the major phases of building a “Night Heron” sea kayak. Using the “Stitch-and-glue” construction method, each student will go home with his or her own kayak. Some finish work will be required when they get home. Students will learn some basic woodworking skill as well as how to work with fiberglass and epoxy. The logistics of working with fiberglass and epoxy will require one or two later nights (8 or 9pm) as some operations have to be completed by the end of a day in order to allow sufficient dry time before going on to the next operations. The Night Heron is 18’ long and 20” wide. It is fast and responsive, suitable for exploring estuaries or venturing out into exposed open water. Tuition $695.00 (plus materials- approx. $1350.00) For more information on Nick’s kayaks go to http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/
Section 011610A: Saturday, Sunday & Monday, January 16, 17 & 18, and January 23, 24 & 25, (2010) 9:00am – 5:00pm
For more information on this exciting project go to
2009 summer & fall class schedule now available. 
Class Schedule 
general tool list
