Hand Tool Boot Camp: Scrapers; Sharpening; Chisel & Hand plane Use

HTBCHand tools are essential to an efficient, enjoyable experience while building furniture and cabinetry, Yet many woodworkers struggle with these fundamental tools, and the skills required to use them effectively. As the first “Cordless” tools, hand tools allow you to trim pieces to exact length, fine tune joinery, deal with crazy twisting grain, remove milling and machining marks, and avoid countless hours of sanding.

During our two day hand tool boot camp, we’ll begin by providing you with a top quality card scraper which you’ll take home with you. You’ll learn how to dress and edge that card scraper, and move on to how to use it to cut down dramatically on your sanding time. Then we’ll look at variations of the card scraper, such as the cabinet scraper, and the scraper plane. Then we’ll move into sharpening, and explore several methods to attain a razor edge on your chisels and plane blades which you will literally be able to shave with. Then we’ll put those sharp edges into use as we learn proper technique for paring and accurate cutting with the chisel. Finally, we’ll learn how to take an average hand plane, tune it, adjust it, and use it for real world, practical applications. Without exception, every student I have instructed in hand planing has left being able to produce full width shavings they can read through!

While not mandatory, students are encouraged to bring their own bench planes and chisels, so they may take them home razor sharp, and well tuned.

This class is limited to only 6 students, so you’ll receive lots of instruction & personal attention !

Open Group Tuition: $328 Materials/Lab: $83 :: For One on One, or Private Group Tuition, Click Here
Course Length: 2 Days
Skill Level: All
Pre-requisites: None
Instructor: Gregory Paolini

Hand Cut Dovetails

Description coming soon… Inquire for more info.

Routers 101

RoutersMDWoodworking routers are compact, powerful tools, which are easily adapted to a multitude of jigs, fixtures, and accessories, making them one of the most versatile tools in the shop. In this full day class we examine a variety of routers, and become versed in their nomenclature. We’ll learn what you need to look for when shopping for a router, as well as bits and cutters which mount into it. We’ll focus on proper safety and technique when using a router, both in hand held and table applications. Students will learn a quick method to predict how the router will cut and react in any application, further increasing their safety and control. We’ll learn the technique to master zeroing bits and setting depth of cut with the plunge router, regardless of the particular router’s turret system. Students will also learn how to properly utilize template guide bushings, and other common accessories to add more versatility and accuracy to their routing.

All of the theory learned in class is backed up by hands on exercises, so you’ll have the confidence to do it on your own, back at your shop! During the day we’ll cut a variety of woodworking joints, and perform several tasks at which the router excels. We will have routers available for use in class, however students are encouraged to bring their own router to work with.

Students must bring their own eye and ear protection for this course.

This class is limited to only 6 students, so you’ll receive lots of instruction & personal attention !

Open Group Tuition: $145 includes Materials :: For One on One, or Private Group Tuition, Click Here
Course Length: 1 Days
Skill Level: All
Pre-requisites: None

Four Square Foundations

FourSquareComplete Description & Video Overview Coming Soon

A successful project starts with a good foundation, and for furniture anc cabinetry work, that means flat, sqaure stock

What’s required for good square stock
Jointer set up and useage
Planer set up and use

This class is limited to only 6 students, so you’ll receive lots of instruction & personal attention !

Open Group Tuition: $75 includes Materials :: For One on One, or Private Group Tuition, Contact Us
Course Length: 1/2 Day
Skill Level: All
Pre-requisites: None

Fundamentals of Veneering

Description coming soon.. Inquire for details.

Hand Plane Fundamentals

Description coming soon… Inquire for more details.

Tuning and Using Scrapers

More class info coming soon…

Sharpening Class Sharpen Chisels and Hand Plane Irons Razor Sharp

SMsharpenAre you frustrated with tools that just don’t cut it anymore?

Sharp tools make woodworking easier and enjoyable!

In this workshop Gregory will cover a variety of methods to make your tools razor sharp, including sandpaper on glass, water stones, and slow speed grinding machines. We’ll also focus on achieving the “burr”, or “wire edge” which is often described in text, but so elusive to so many woodworkers.
Upon completion, you’ll literally be able to make an edge razor sharp. Feel free to bring a dull chisel or plane iron to practice on.

Open Group Tuition: $75 includes Materials :: For One on One, or Private Group Tuition, Click Here
Course Length: 1/2 day (3 hours)
Skill Level: All
Pre-requisites: none