Our cabinetmaking classes are targetted for the homeowner who wants to fit out their house with new cabinets. The techniques we teach do not require the use of panelsaws or other big tools. We show you professional techniques on affordable tools that you can easily use in a garage or small homeshop.
Carpenters may want to consider these classes to expand their skills and jumpstart a transition to new career.
We use these classes to build cabinets for local non-profit organizations (like the NW Maritime Center in Port Townsend) - so you get experience building real cabinets. If you take both courses you'll got through the whole process from design to installation.
Please bring: hearing protection, eye protection and a dust mask.
Homeshop Cabinetmaking
For the beginning cabinetmaker - no experience. Just bring along common sense and enthusiasm.
This course will teach you how to build basic cabinets without the need for big stationary equipment. Using modern tools and a few tricks of the trade, it's easy to produce cabinetry in a small home shop that is as good as high-priced custom, and much better than what's sold in the big box stores.
We begin by learning how to accurately measure a room and plan the cabinet layout. How do you locate and cut in for plumbing, electrical, and venting? What can you do to eliminate dead, inaccessible corners? How do you make sure that doors and drawers will open without running into adjacent units? All this and more will be revealed.
The course is a mixture of design sessions, lectures and slideshows, and practical shop work that will cover basic cabinet carcass design & construction. We'll also explore the varieties of standard and specialty cabinet hardware.
In the practical part of the course, students will build cabinetry that will become part of the school furniture. These cabinets will be built with face frames, drawers and edged panel doors.
We'll also include some of the more arcane, but necessary cabinetmaker's skills, such as scribing-to-fit and other black arts that make installation a pleasure instead of a nightmare. Finally, we'll lead you through the maze of design & technical resources available to the beginning cabinetmaker.
Class size: 10
Cost: $650
Materials Charge: $25
Intermediate Cabinetmaking
This course builds on the basics covered in the Homeshop Cabinetmaking course, and goes into more advanced planning, layout, design and construction techniques.
We'll examine the different types of cabinet carcass construction - face frame, frameless and hybrid - and how they are designed and built. We'll take an in-depth look at different types of cabinet door and drawer construction, and delve into specialty hardware for corner cabinets, angled doors, tilt-outs and pocket doors.
We'll discuss planning and laying out cabinet runs, dealing with inside and outside corners, planning for appliances, and how to plan and construct deeper-than-standard cabinetry while maximizing sheet goods utilization. We'll also address methods and techniques of hanging wall cabinets, and the various types of countertops and backsplashes.
In the shop, you'll build a frame and panel door. You'll also build two different types of drawers, and learn to mount the slide hardware designed for each. Students will also build and install a wood-edged laminate countertop.
Bring questions about your own cabinet projects - real or imagined - and as a class we'll critique, brainstorm and advise.
Prerequisite
We strongly recommend that you have completed our "Homeshop Cabinetmaking" course before taking this course. Feel free to contact John if you have questions.
Class size: 10
Cost: $650
Testimonials:
“The workshop met all expectations in laying the foundation for cabinet building from which one could easily build their preferred style. (It was a) great environment; excellent equipment; (and a) clear, hands-on presentation” --Paul Clinton
“My main concern was that as a beginner I would be lost during the class. However, everything was presented so clearly and patiently that I was entirely comfortable and truly inspired to pursue my own projects in the future. The experience and the facility were outstanding and I look forward to enrolling in future workshops”. ---S.D. Murphy
“Another great course with lots of practical wisdom”. –David Jenner
“I have been to many workshops (though this my first woodworking workshop) so I feel I know what a good presentation is. This is one of the best I’ve been to. Both John and Jim were very methodical, logical and clear in their presentations.” --Michael Fowler
