Ages 15+
For anyone who has ever dreamed of making something from wood, but doesn’t know where to start, this beginner’s course on woodworking basics will teach you the principles and steps to starting nearly any project.
We will each make our own cutting board to learn and practice techniques that will apply to future woodworking projects, with a beautiful board to proudly take home at the end of the course.
This course will include:
- Project Conceptualization and Planning: Turning your idea into a specific plan, asking the right questions before you start, and determining what you’ll need (wood, tools, supplies, etc.).
- Wood Selection: Overview of different wood species, where to buy and how to select wood for different purposes, and wood movement/drying.
- Wood Preparation: Instruction on how to use hand and power tools to measure, cut, plane, and sand wood. We will prepare strips of different species and colors of wood; students can arrange their own pattern.
- Joinery: Overview of general joinery options in woodworking projects (wood joints, fasteners, and adhesives). We will learn how to properly prepare, glue, and clamp our wood strips, an essential skill in modern woodworking.
- Finishing: Overview of finishing options for any project (stains, oils, clear finishes, etc.) with instruction on oiling and waxing cutting boards properly.
Appropriate for beginner skill levels or anyone who would like to refresh their basic woodworking skills.
All materials and tools will be provided. Students may bring pen and paper to take notes, and any preferred safety equipment (such as glasses or hearing protection) or small tools from home, if desired. Students should wear closed-toed shoes and dress comfortably in layers.
Class takes place at Arbutus Folk School, 610 4th Ave E, Olympia.
Open to students ages 15 and older.
Note: Before registering for a series (a course which contains more than one class) students should make sure that individual class dates aren’t in conflict with their schedules because we cannot provide refunds or make-ups. Course payment is for the entire series and not individual classes within the series. If you do miss a class, let your instructor know, and they will be happy to answer your questions about what you may have missed.
