In this 5-session in-depth course, students will learn and practice fundamental woodworking skills by making a beautiful hardwood stool to bring home. Experiencing traditional techniques with hand tools, and taking advantage of the modern efficiencies of power tools, students will develop skills applicable to most future woodworking projects. Students may choose the height of their stool based on desired function (e.g., a stool, shelf riser, low end table, plant stand, laptop riser, etc.).
Students will:
- Build a solid wood stool using traditional joinery
- Learn to design and plan a project, identifying important steps and an order of operations
- Learn to select pieces of wood with desired characteristics
- Learn to properly measure and mark workpieces
- Learn one of the most common and useful wood joinery methods: the mortise and tenon joint
- Learn safety and technique on power tools: miter/chop saw, bandsaw, table saw, and drill press
- Learn safety and technique on hand tools: hand saw, chisel, and mallet
- Learn techniques for proper glue-ups with clamps
- Learn proper sanding techniques and tips
- Learn about wood finish options (oils, stains, etc.) and techniques. A few options of low-VOC (low-fume) finishes will be available to be applied in-class, if desired and time-permitting. Students may apply other self-provided finishes (high-VOC/fume) at home.
All tools and materials will be provided. However, if students want to practice with their own small tools from home, they are encouraged to bring them (especially a hand saw, chisels, mallet, drill, tape measure, square, mortise marking gauge, wheel depth/marking gauge). We will provide safety glasses, ear muffs, and dust masks, but feel free to bring your own preferred equipment, if desired. Students should bring dinner/snacks/water or plan to buy from nearby food trucks/establishments on a short break.
Students should wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes that can get dusty. For those with long hair/beards, bring a hair tie/clip for safety with power tools.
