Workshop Descriptions
We offer a variety of evening and weekend workshops plus summer intensives to accomodate your skill level and schedule. Private lessons in woodworking and wood turning are also available. Check our current calendar for dates, times, and tuition; enroll by calling 413-527-6103 or by printing and mailing our enrollment packet . For information on our nine-month career training program, please click here.
Evening Workshops
Woodworking for Beginners - Level I (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
Designed for people with little or no woodworking experience, this 10-week class begins by covering the safe use of basic power tools and the essential properties of wood. You will then learn and practice fundamental woodworking techniques by making a small maple box with cherry splines. The focus of this class is primarily on the use of power tools, although you will get some practice using chisels. If you want to learn how to use hand tools, take a look at our Introduction to Hand Cut Joinery class. Please bring a 16' tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Meets one day weekly, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Woodworking for Beginners - Level II (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
Building on the skills acquired in Level I, this 12-week class introduces you to more complex woodworking operations. You will use jigs and fixtures on the table saw, router, and drill press to construct a cherry Shaker-style table with a beautiful book-matched top. You will also learn to joint and edge glue boards to make the larger panels necessary for major furniture pieces, as well as learn more about using chisels and card scrapers. Please bring a 16' tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Prerequisite: Level I or the equivalent. Meets one day weekly, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Open Shop (Instructors: Brian Mulcahy or Greg Larson)
If you have some woodworking experience and a project already in mind, this is the workshop for you! Bring in your plans and materials and use our state-of-the-art equipment on a schedule that works for you. We offer this in 5-week sessions so you can sign up for one, two, or more sessions as needed. Projects must be kept to a reasonable size for on-site storage. Click here for more information on this unique opportunity. Prerequisite: Levels I and II or the demonstrated equivalent. Meets one day weekly, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Introduction to Trim Carpentry (Instructor: Mark Bonde)
This 3-week class covers the basics of trim carpentry, including how to cut and install a variety of trim moulding like door and window casing, base moulding, crown moulding, and chair rails. You will learn techniques for removing old trim and coping corner joints, plus other tips and tricks for creating professional-looking installations. Please bring a 16' tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Meets weekly, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Enroll now >>
Introduction to Hand Applied Finishes (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
This 3- week, hands-on course will introduce you to a variety of commonly used hand applied finishes. We will cover surface preparation, explore the options available for staining wood, discuss the types of oil and water based topcoats suitable for hand application, and learn how to rub out the final coat of finish. You will apply a variety of finishes to sample boards to get experience in each of the finishing steps that you can then take home with you for future reference. Students are encouraged to bring questions about any finishing issues or problems that they may have. Meets weekly from 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Introduction to Hand Cut Joinery (Instructor: Bill Hewitt)
Sharpen your hand skills with this 6-week, hands-on class focused on the quieter side of woodworking, where you will learn the proper use of hand tools, including saws, chisels and planes. Class begins withinstruction in the proper use of hand tools to cut dovetail and mortise and tenon joints, followed by time to practice the joinery techniques. We will also talk about how and when to use this type of joinery in furniture building. Students are required to bring a set of bench chisels, a dovetail saw, marking knife, and a small square to class. You can optionally bring a marking gauge, coping saw, or bevel gauge. It is highly recommended that students take the one-day Sharpening Hand Tools workshop prior to this class. Meets weekly, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm.
Introduction to Cabinetmaking (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
This 12-week course covers techniques of basic cabinetmaking in the home shop. While building a small, single-door cabinet, students learn a variety of techniques including milling rough lumber, layout and optimization of sheet goods, cabinet construction methods, building a face frame, and construction, fitting and mounting of an inset flat panel door using European hinges. Students who take the one day Veneering workshop may use their veneered panel to build their cabinet door. (We schedule the veneering workshop in the middle of the cabinetmaking workshop so that your newly veneered panel doesn't warp before you use it!) Please bring a tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Prerequisite: Level 1 or similar experience. Meets weekly, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm.
Build a Toboggan (Instructor: Glenn Leonard)
Do you have fond memories of riding a toboggan down a snow covered hill when you were kid? Have you dreamed about building your own hand-crafted toboggan? Join us for an 8-week class where you'll build your very own 5' steam bent ash toboggan. You will learn to mill and shape the wood parts, use a steam box to bend the slats, apply finish, and properly assemble all of the parts. There will be some opportunity to customize your toboggan, and optionally purchase a pad for it. Meets one day weekly, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Intro to Wood Inlay Techniques (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
Learn how to dress up your projects using solid wood inlay. In this 6-week class, you will first learn and practice basic solid wood inlay techniques. The instructor demonstrates how to create a compass star inlay in a piece of solid wood, and students are given time to practice on their own. Students who have taken - or plan to take - our Woodworking Level I class, may do an inlay using a piece of cherry sized to top the box that is built in that class. Mastering inlay techniques takes quite a bit of practice, so students are encouraged to practice at home between classes. Students must bring their own 1" chisel (you can bring other size chisels as well), card scraper, and x-acto knife. Since sharpening is not taught in this class, we highly recommend that students first take the one-day Sharpening Hand Tools class to sharpen their chisels. Meets one day weekly, 6:30 - 9:30 pm.
Weekend Workshops
Google Sketchup for Beginners (Instructor: TBD)
Google's Sketchup 8 is a powerful, free tool used by woodworkers. Learn how to use Sketchup to model a bedside table with tapered legs, mortise and tenon joinery, beveled top, dovetailed drawer trimmed with bullnose cock beading, and a shaker style drawer pull. The power of Sketchup is in its ability to model an object in 3D exactly how it is constructed. You can rotate and view it from any angle, create sections, photo-realistically render it with textures, and create conventional dimensioned 2D shop drawings. Finally, we will learn how to extend the functionality of Sketchup through the use and customization of scripts. Participants must bring their own laptop (PC or Mac) to class with Sketchup pre-installed in order to practice the exercises. Help provided in class with installation issues.
Introduction to the Router - Level I (Instructor: Dave Nauman)
In this one-day class, you will learn about wood and grain, the anatomy of a router, shapes and styles of router bits, and the operation and use of hand-held routers. The class will then advance to the router table, learning its construction and operation. You will design, machine, and construct a stacked molding and build raised panel doors, incorporating the skills learned throughout the day. You are encouraged to bring in your own router if you have one; if not, routers will be provided. Saturday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Enroll now >>
Introduction to the Router - Level II (Instructor: Dave Nauman)
This class builds off the Intro to the Router class. With the use of the router table, you will design and construct a take home wall cabinet. Emphasis will be on the proper set-up and execution of the many machining processes on the router table used in this project. Saturday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Introduction to Veneering Techniques (Instructor: Greg Larson)
Unlock the secrets of using veneer and a vacuum bag, and open a new world of design possibilities and wood choices. In this one-day class, you will learn about basic veneer matching techniques and create panels using simple and four-way book-matching. We will cover the selection and preparation of veneers and substrates, tools, adhesives, and proper use of the vacuum bag. Please bring a 16' tape measure, utility knife with a sharp blade, veneer saw (such as those available at Woodcraft - Part #15S05), and pencil and paper. You may also bring safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Saturday, 8 am- 4:30 pm. Enroll now >>
Sharpening Hand Tools (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
If you are looking for a simple, repeatable method for sharpening your chisels and plane irons, this class is for you. For hand tools to be enjoyable to use, they must be razor sharp. There are as many sharpening methods as there are woodworkers, but many are difficult for the average woodworker to be successful at. This one day class will teach you to sharpen your tools quickly, with a minimum of effort, using a method that emphasizes repeatability and uses easily obtainable materials and jigs you can make yourself. This is a hands on class, so bring your chisels and/or plane irons with you to sharpen during class. Meets Saturday, 8:00 am - 4:30pm.
Enroll now >>
Hand Plane Tune-Up (Instructor: Glenn Leonard)
IHow many times have you picked up an old hand plane, tried it out, and gave up in frustration because it didn't work properly? This one day class will teach you how to tune up any hand plane to get maximum performance. You will be amazed at what a well-tuned hand plane can do. Also covered are the types of common hand planes and their uses and the proper use and care of hand planes. Bring a bench plane, preferably a #4 or 5, to class with you to work on and optionally a block plane. Please call us if you don't have a plane or have another type of plane you want to work on to see if it is suitable. It is highly recommended prospective students take the one day Sharpening Hand Tools class prior to this class to sharpen your plane irons. Saturday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Enroll now >
Introduction to Bending Wood (Instructor: Bill Hewitt)
This one-day class introduces a number of approaches to created curved work out of solid wood and plywood. You will learn the basics of steam bending, lamination bending, and creating curved work using a vacuum bag, as well as how to create bending forms, build a steam box, and choose the correct wood and glue for bending in different situations. Saturday, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Enroll now >>
Intro to Wood Carving (Instructor: Adam Suska)
Explore the fascinating world of woodcarving using hand tools. Taught by an experienced carver, this hands-on class will focus on traditional methods of carving and is for beginners who want an introduction to the craft. We start with an overview of tools and their uses and then you'll learn how to sharpen the tools. The rest of the classes will be focused on basic carving techniques for creating lettering and ornamental designs. Tools and wood will be provided, although you may bring your own tools if you have them. 2 Saturdays, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Not Currently Scheduled
Summer Intensives
Summer Camp for Teens (Instructor: Greg Larson)
Our summer camp offers a full week of woodworking fun for students ages 12 to 17. Students will make a small take-home project while learning shop etiquette, the safe use of power tools, basic joinery and basic finishing. No experience necessary. Class is limited to 10 students and is taught by an experienced school shop teacher. Eye and ear protection is provided. Students should bring their own lunch. More information is available here.
Meets daily M-F, 9 am - 3:30 daily (half hour for lunch)
Introduction to Hand Tools (Instructor: Bill Hewitt)
Sharpen your hand skills with this hands-on, one-week class focused on the quieter side of woodworking. You will learn the proper use of hand tools, including saws, chisels and planes, and several woodworking techniques using each of the tools. Class starts with an overview of sharpening techniques, with a chance for students to practice sharpening their own tools, followed by instruction in the proper use of hand planes to flatten a board, and methods of hand cutting finger, dovetail, miter, and mortise and tenon joints. You will construct a progression of small projects throughout the week that allow you to practice what you have learned. Students are required to bring a set of bench chisels, a dovetail saw, and at least one hand plane to class.
Meets daily M-F, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Woodworking for Beginners - Level I (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
Our popular evening workshop is also available as a five-day summer intensive! Designed for people with little or no woodworking experience, this workshop begins by covering the safe use of basic power tools and the essential properties of wood. You will then learn and practice fundamental woodworking techniques by making a small cherry box with splines. The focus of this class is primarily on the use of power tools, although you will get some practice using chisels. If you want to learn how to use hand tools, take a look at our Introduction to Hand Cut Joinery night class or our Introduction to Hand Tools Summer Intensive. You may also like to take the Level II workshop, which will take place the very next week. Please bring a 16' tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Meets daily M-F, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Woodworking for Beginners - Level II (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
Building on the skills acquired in Level I, this five-day summer intensive introduces you to more complex woodworking operations. You will use jigs and fixtures on the table saw, router, and drill press to construct a piece of medium-complexity furniture. You will also learn to joint and edge glue boards to make the larger panels necessary for major furniture pieces. Please bring a 16' tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Prerequisite: Level I, either as a ten-week evening course or the 5-day summer intensive. Meets daily M-F, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Introduction to Cabinetmaking (Instructor: Brian Mulcahy)
This 5-day summer intensive covers techniques of basic cabinetmaking in the home shop. While building a small, single-door cabinet, students learn a variety of techniques including milling rough lumber, layout and optimization of sheet goods, cabinet construction methods, building a face frame, and construction, fitting and mounting of an inset flat panel door using European hinges. Students who take the one day Veneering workshop may use their veneered panel to build their cabinet door. (We schedule the veneering workshop in the middle of the cabinetmaking workshop so that your newly veneered panel doesn't warp before you use it!) Please bring a tape measure, utility knife, pencil and paper, and safety glasses/ear protection if you have them. Prerequisite: Level 1 or similar experience. Meets weekly, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm.
Veneering Techniques - Level II (Instructor: Jonathan Benson)
This week-long workshop, taught by a master veneer craftsman, takes the mystery out of veneering. Beginners will learn to create beautiful matched patterns, while students with veneering experience will learn new techniques for making more imaginative designs. The workshop covers all aspects of veneering, including when and where to use veneer, and how to find, choose and buy veneer. Each students will create a basic book match and then progress through four-, eight-, and twelve-way matches. You will learn to inlay these patterns into fields of other veneers to create standard and curved panels. Several methods for cutting, joining, pressing and finishing of veneers will be presented. You will also learn the process of hammer veneering with PVA glue, which requires no press or clamps at all. Meets daily M-F, 8 am - 4:30 pm.
Not Currently Scheduled
Private Lessons
We offer individualized lessons in woodworking and wood turning for $65/hour. Dates and times will be arranged between the student and the instructor. All lessons take place at our shop at One Cottage Street. Please call 413-527-6103 for more information.
