Hours
We run a 9:00 - 5:00 day, with time off for good behaviour at lunchtime, usually around noon. We allow time mid-morning and mid-afternoon for a break.
Your Workspace
We are situated in the Old Power House at Fort Worden. We have two teaching spaces - a bench room and machine shop. The bench room is equipped with a large professional quality workbench for each student. Each work bench is stocked with a set of high quality handtools.
If you are just beginning woodworking you do not need to bring any tools along with you. You can use our tools and then base your tool purchases based on that experience.
If you have already started to acquire some handtools feel free to bring them along. You can learn how to sharpen and tune them and then use them in the class. We recommend that you bring your tools in a tool bag or box for your convenience.
Each bench has storage space for your personal items and project parts.
The Legal Stuff
We will ask you to sign a release form at the start of each class. The release asks you to to be responsible for your own actions during the course. We also ask you to grant us the use of your likeness in any images taken during a class.
Cellphones
We ask that you turn your cell phone off when you are in the shop (reception is lousy anyhow). You can use your cellphone during breaks and at lunchtime. If you are expecting an important call - please use the school number (360) 344-4455.
What to wear
We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes with a close fitting wrist or short sleeves and sturdy trousers (pants). You may want to bring some layers - we keep the shop at around 65oF.
We also recommend that you wear comfortable, supportive shoes. The floor is concrete which can be hard on the legs after a long day, though we do surround each bench with shock absorbent mats
We do not recommend wearing sandals in the shop - you need to have full foot protection. If that chisel you have just sharpened jumps off the bench we'd rather it was stopped by your shoe!
If your course includes work with the larger woodworking machines we ask that you wear close fitting clothes; do not wear necklaces or your hair in a ponytail; or wear anything that could get trapped in a spinning blade.
Layering / Outerware
The climate in Port Townsend is pretty benign. There are relatively few days when it freezes and the average winter midday temperature is in the mid 40's. In the summer the local breezes take the edge off the heat. The temperatures can swing during the day so we recommend that you bring layers appropriate to the season.
Port Townsend is in the rainshadow of the Olympic Mountains and gets considerably less rain than Seattle. The other benefit is that we can frequently be in the sun when Seattle is cloudy or rainy. However it does rain - we suggest that you consider bringing a lightweight water resistant jacket for those dashes to the Commons (see below).
Beverages / Food
At the moment our facilities are pretty spartan. We do have a supply of water and a kettle. and we supply teabags and mugs. We now have a small microwave if you want to heat up some food. A small fridge is available if you bring a packed lunch>
There is good food and beverages available just a two minute walk away at the Commons in the Local Goods Cafe (a great sandwich costs around $6).
For our classes using the tablesaw and other dust making woodworking machines we require that students wear safety equipment. We provide one disposable dust mask per student per course. If you lose it or damage you'll need to buy a new one from us. We also have a stock of ear defenders and goggles. If you wish to bring your own we make these recommendations:
- Ear protection
We recommend that you bring ear protection that works for you. Some folks like ear plugs, others like ear defenders. If you're unsure which will work for you we recommend trying cheap ear plugs and seeing if you can be comfortable wearing them for 20 minutes. If you get uncomfortable we recommend you use ear defenders. They are reasonably priced at most hardware stores.
- Eye protection
Polycarbonate lenses in eyeglasses can provide some dust protection but dust can still get in around the sides. We recomend that you get some goggles that work for you. The goggles should sit firmly on your face and, if you wear glasses, sit comfortably over your glasses. Again goggles are available at your local hardware store.
One word of warning: There are goggles available that have rows of tiny vents above the lenses for ventilation - these are not recommended as they can let a lot of dust in - especially when routing.
- Dust protection/ Face Mask
A little dust goes an awful long way. We recommend that you use a disposable mask like a 3M R8511es Respirator Dust Mask. This mask has a couple of straps, an exhalation valve (this is less likely to fog up your glasses) and is lightweight. This is a pretty heavy duty mask and will last a couple of months in the shop. Cost in the $5-6 range.
We've got many questions about where to get this type of mask. In Port Townsend Admiral Ship Supply in Boat Haven is a good place. Edensaw also stocks similar masks.
In Seattle we'd suggest Woodcraft plus any of the stores that service the marine trades.
Tim and Jim both like the Dust Bee Gone faces masks. These are cloth masks that can be washed and cover beards well.
