Introduction

We believe that all woodworkers should start woodworking by learning how to use hand tools.

Using a hand tool on wood builds an intimate relationshhip between the woodworker and the wood.

A hand plane does not cut well when pushed against the grain. Chisels cut very differently in hard woods and softwoods. The feedback is immediate and educational - you learn about wood from your first contact.

A thorough understanding of how to use hand tools effectively and efficiently will influence your decisions about how to to grow and develop as a woodworker.

For example:  

• Are you only making a couple of pieces of furniture each year?  You may choose to set up a hand tool  workshop like Jim Tolpin describes in his book "The New Traditional Woodworker".
   
• The knowledge you gain from using hand tools will help you better understand the benefits of different woodworking machines. This will allow you to make better decisions about  the types of machine you purchase.
   
• Confidence with hand tools will greatly expand your ability to create great furniture. You will be able to layout, cut and fit even the most complex joints and then add delicate decorative details.

Basics of Woodworking

This series of eight weekend classes is intended to give the beginning hand tool woodworker (or a beginning woodworker) a thorough introduction to working with hand tools.

These classes cover the use, sharpening and maintenance of hand tools; hand tool joinery; furniture construction techniques and traditional finishing techniques. The classes are sequenced in the order we think you need to learn the skills.

For these classes you do not need to bring your own tools - you may use the School's tools and use that experience to influence your purchasing decisions. If you have already acquired some hand tools please bring them along - you get even more from the courses.

Notes:

*  Frame & Panel Essentials and Carcass Essentials require the level of knowledge you would have acquired in the earlier classes to complete the practical work. If you have the equivalent experience that is fine.