We've found that the terms Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced are open to a wide variety of interpretations.
We've adopted and adapted a level system developed by Anderson Ranch and we think it will better help you to understand the the level of skills you need as a pre-requisite for a class.
We have set up criteria for three areas of woodworking:
Still unsure about your skill level? Please feel free to email or call (360) 344-4455
Hand Tool Woodworking Class Levels
- Open to All
Students of any skill level
- Level I
Students are new to hand tool woodworking and have no formal training
- Level II
Students have experience working with and sharpening basic hand tools (planes, hand saws and chisels) and are familiar with the basic principles of joinery and stock preparation. Students may have started to build their own kit of hand tools.
- Level III
Students have some formal training in hand tool woodworking and design; plus experience with a variety of woods and joinery techniques. Students know how to competently and safely use stationary machines for stock preparation. Students have their own kits of hand tools. Students may have a portfolio of their work.
- Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of hand tools and furniture design. Students are highly motivated and may have multiple portfolios of their work.
Furnituremaking and General Woodworking Class Levels
- Open to All
Students of any skill level
- Level I
Students are new to woodworking and have no formal training
- Level II
Students have experience working with stationary machines, power and hand tools and are familiar with the basic principles of stock preparation, joinery and design.
- Level III
Students have some formal training in design, experience with a variety of materials and fabrication processes, and know how to use machine and hand tools competently and safely. Students may have a portfolio of their work
- Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of furniture design. Students are highly motivated and may have multiple portfolios of their work
Woodturning Class Levels
- Open to all
Students of any skill level
- Level I
Students are new to woodturning and have no formal training
- Level II
Students have a basic understanding of fundamental turning tools and techniques and are comfortable using and sharpening bowl gouges and spindle gouges
- Level III
Students have significant turning experience using both green and kiln-dried lumber. Students are capable of selecting wood, able to use and sharpen gouges, and familiar with the basic principles of design. Student have some formal technical training in woodturning and may have a portfolio of their artwork.
- Level IV
Students have advanced skills and knowledge of woodturning. Students are highly motivated and may have multiple portfolios of their work
