Woodworking

Come join us in the making of your very own handmade Backpacker guitar. Drawing from over 35 years of instrument making, Martin Macica will share his knowledge of the principles and practice of guitar making, leading participants through the process of making their own versatile backpacker guitar. Participants will leave the class with a working knowledge of guitar making and a handcrafted instrument ready for years of making music while traveling and adventuring.

The purpose of this course is to introduce the student who is interested in pursuing the hobby of working with the scroll saw to produce scroll work art for themselves. Their family, and their friends. The student will be introduced to the mechanics and the safe operation of the scroll saw. Students will be introduced to the many different saw blade types and cutting characteristics of each blade type to help in their selection of a blade for a particular piece of work. Additionally, students will receive instruction in three different methods of transferring a pattern to a piece of wood. Following this instruction, students will practice preparing the saw for safe operation followed by practicing the different movements required to successfully follow pattern lines while cutting a piece of wood. At the completion of the class, students will have completed a simple cat puzzle and a snowflake trivet using both exterior and interior cuts to remove material from the puzzle and the snowflake.

Unsure how to begin woodworking? Jim will guide you through the basics of hand and power tool safety. Students will receive group and on-on-one coaching on the use of tools and working with wood – planing, measuring, cutting, joining, assembly and finish. The class is great for beginners and those who want to take their skills to the next level.

Come create a beautiful 12"-18" hardwood cutting board during two, half-day sessions. The class will discuss the types of wood being used, such as sapele, purple heart, African cherry and hard maple. The wood will be cut to size on a table saw. Then, using a joiner, students will make sure all pieces are the same size before gluing the various pieces together and allowing them to dry overnight. On the second day, the class will use planers to ensure that all boards are level and the same thickness. Students will then use a router to create a well and handles. Finally, the boards will be sanded.

Come create a beautiful 12"-18" hardwood cutting board during two, half-day sessions. The class will discuss the types of wood being used, such as sapele, purple heart, African cherry and hard maple. The wood will be cut to size on a table saw. Then, using a joiner, students will make sure all pieces are the same size before gluing the various pieces together and allowing them to dry overnight. On the second day, the class will use planers to ensure that all boards are level and the same thickness. Students will then use a router to create a well and handles. Finally, the boards will be sanded.

Students will build a keepsake box using a walnut frame and specimen wood, creating a gorgeous and distinctive piece great for gifting. Woodworking techniques such as cutting, sanding, and creating finger joints will be covered.

Students will build a keepsake box using a walnut frame and specimen wood, creating a gorgeous and distinctive piece great for gifting. Woodworking techniques such as cutting, sanding, and creating finger joints will be covered.

Come build a Paraguayan 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 Paraguayan 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!

Anyone can learn to make a rustic birdhouse in just a few hours. A birdhouse is a simple structure with seven basic parts: two sides, a front and back, a bottom, and two pieces for the top. Power tools are not necessary to cut the wood; it can be done with a handsaw. Using rough-cut lumber, you will construct a rustic birdhouse that can be functional and/or decorative. Choose from several birdhouse designs. There will be a short discussion about nesting birds, feeding birds and suitable houses for area birds. Participants are encouraged to bring objects (such as old drawer pulls, doorknobs, hardware, etc.) from home. Adults and teens welcome; children ages 10-14 must be accompanied by an adult.

Learn how to make your very own personal hiking stick. Begin by selecting the perfect stick collected by the instructor. Then you will learn how to shave and carve your hiking stick. Once you are happy with your creation, the sticks will be completed by drilling a hole in them and adding a lanyard. Once finished, put your stick to good use on the trail running right by our school!

Spend five unforgettable days learning the art of traditional timber framing - while building a woodshed of small cabin alongside a group of like-minded learners. This is a hands-on, team-based experience where you'll learn the skills to take on your own timber frame project with confidence. Using the square rule method - a traditional method developed in the early 1800s - you'll be guided through each step of cutting, fitting, and assembling a timber frame structure, from mortise and tenon joinery to raising the finished frame. This is a group class, designed to create a collaborative learning environment while still giving you plenty of direct guidance from the instructor, Nick, a seasoned timber framer and builder. Expect demos, instructing, and lots of hands-on time with tools. This course focuses on traditional timber framing techniques using only hand tools and human power. Whether you're dreaming of a backyard shed, tiny cabin, or just want to understand how old-school builders worked with big timbers and simple tools - this course gives you a solid foundation. No previous timber framing experience is required. This course is beginner friendly, but also valuable for folks with some carpentry experience. A list of required tools will be sent out prior to the class.