Workshop Description
This workshop is intended for those who have a familiarity with woodworking tools and machinery and is a highly recommended class for those working on their MASW Master’s program. It is an opportunity to advance technical knowledge by experimenting with forms and woodworking processes that may be new to you. The students will be encouraged to try each of the techniques by designing and making a piece of furniture with Michael’s one-on-one guidance. There will be discussions on hand tools, machinery, wood selection, joinery, shaping, surface preparation, and finishing. Demonstrations will take place each morning and afternoon during the entire two weeks. The tools will remain set up so you can become proficient with the various techniques. Michael will go from machine to machine, sharing tricks of the trade accumulated over forty years of experience. The students will be introduced to the design process that will help them resolve their work and then complete it in a safe, organized, and efficient manner. Drawing, model making, and quick full-size mockups are very important parts of the design and fabrication process, and their value will be constantly demonstrated during the class. Improving the workshop environment in every area will be discussed, from workbench design and tool cabinets to choosing appropriate machinery and planing wood to material storage. We are very fortunate to have Michael as part of our two-week apprenticeship program. Make sure that you sign up early because this class could be one of the first to sell out.
Key Points
- Joinery techniques from the fastest to the finest
- Problem-solving the construction of your designs
- Planing techniques to avoid mistakes
- Measuring accurately every time
- Making simple but effective hand tools for your workshop
- Workshop layout
- Properties of wood
- Design theory
- Choosing adhesives and finishes
- Tricks of the trade for each machine in your shop
Visit the Full Week Programs page for complete details on our weeklong workshops!
$2,190.00
Apprenticeship: A Creative Bend on Furniture Making with Michael Fortune April 27-May 8, 2026 (2 weeks)
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