Woodworking

Come build a Paraguan harp. This harp is characterized by a large soundbox with a rounded base, very light weight, closely-spaced light tension strings (usually nylon), a relatively flat harmonic curve, and with the strings running up through the center of the neck, which are tuned with gear-style tuners (like a guitar). Almost all harps of this style are played with the fingernails, in very rhythmically intricate music. This is the national instrument of Paraguay, and is commonly found throughout South America, Central America and in parts of Mexico. Students will be using tools from the past and today, to fashion an instrument that will last a lifetime. After this class you may even want to learn to play your beautiful new harp!

Come build a Paraguan harp. This harp is characterized by a large soundbox with a rounded base, very light weight, closely-spaced light tension strings (usually nylon), a relatively flat harmonic curve, and with the strings running up through the center of the neck, which are tuned with gear-style tuners (like a guitar). Almost all harps of this style are played with the fingernails, in very rhythmically intricate music. This is the national instrument of Paraguay, and is commonly found throughout South America, Central America and in parts of Mexico. Students will be using tools from the past and today, to fashion an instrument that will last a lifetime. After this class you may even want to learn to play your beautiful new harp!

In 1903, the first Adirondack chair was built in the town of Westport, N.Y. and has since taken the world by storm. Its contoured seat and back, along with its wide arms make it the perfect chair for lounging in after a hard day’s work. You will start with surfaced pine, cut the pieces, shape them on a router table, sand them and then assemble your own Adirondack chair. No prior woodworking experience is necessary but be prepared to use power tools.
Join us for this special Father’s Day and learn from notable AFS father & son duo, John & Ben Cerveny and build your very own Adirondack chair.

This class is designed for both the beginning and experienced scroll saw user with patterns of increasing difficulty to be used during the day. The first pattern to be completed by the student will have all exterior cuts of varying tightness of curvature. The second pattern will have both interior and exterior cuts requiring the student to become accustomed to frequently resetting the scroll saw blade. The final pattern will require the student to make numerous intricate interior cuts to complete. The patterns shown in the photo are only representative of possible trivet patterns to be used. The owl is the most difficult and should only be attempted by a daring student.

In 1903, the first Adirondack chair was built in the town of Westport, N.Y. and has since taken the world by storm. Its contoured seat and back, along with its wide arms make it the perfect chair for lounging in after a hard day’s work. You will start with surfaced pine, cut the pieces, shape them on a router table, sand them and then assemble your own Adirondack chair. No prior woodworking experience is necessary but be prepared to use power tools.
Join us for this special Father’s Day and learn from notable AFS father & son duo, John & Ben Cerveny and build your very own Adirondack chair.

In this class you will be introduced to the wonderful art of pyrography (wood burning). You will learn all the basics of wood burning, from the different tips of your wood burning tool, to how to transfer your design onto the wood.

Take your next hike or walk around the corner with a unique hand-crafted walking stick. Frank will guide you through the process of taking a piece of ironwood and transforming it into a walking stick that will last a lifetime. The inlaid compass will help ensure you don't lose your way on the trail! Makes a wonderful gift for the hikers in your life!

One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop.

One of the most iconic items of Shaker woodworking, nesting oval boxes share elegance, simplicity and functionality equally. Using carefully prepared thin strips of wood each participant will carve the "swallowtails" of "fingers" on one end before soaking them in a hot water bath to soften for bending. Copper tacks are installed to hold the oval hoop together before top and bottom boards are fit and held by wooden pegs. Each student will construct five nesting oval boxes from cherry wood in this two-day workshop.

Each participant will become familiar with construction techniques as five serving trays are completed in this two-day workshop. Long thin band stock is carefully bent and custom boards seamlessly fitted to create a very useful project. With Shaker inspired elegance these are sure to become instant heirlooms. They even nest neatly when not in use making a proud display!

Each participant will become familiar with construction techniques as five serving trays are completed in this two-day workshop. Long thin band stock is carefully bent and custom boards seamlessly fitted to create a very useful project. With Shaker inspired elegance these are sure to become instant heirlooms. They even nest neatly when not in use making a proud display!

Bring your own turnings from David's Turning Chair Parts class or choose from walnut, cherry or ambrosia maple parts provided by instructor David Abeel. Make an heirloom that is comfortable, well-engineered and styled to fit in traditional or contemporary settings. Students will do compound drilling and work with a variety of simple jigs and tools along with compass planes, travishers, draw knives, scorp and hand planes. All skill levels are welcome. Dress comfortably and be ready to work on your feet all day.