Students who are new to woodworking have probably read a lot of articles, watched several videos and maybe taken a few workshops, all with the goal of becoming a better craftsperson. This approach is great for filling in gaps but it usually doesn’t do much in the way of laying down a solid foundation for the how’s and why’s of approaching woodworking. This class will give students an understanding of essential skills. Tools, both hand and power, will be covered in great depth with ample opportunities to practice and refine. Students will also learn to sharpen and understand how a sharp tool is a safe tool and a fundamental extension of the hand. The finesse applied to using a hand tool works just as well on a table saw and other stationary tools; through various demos and exercises Steve will emphasize this point.

Lessons on wood movement, joinery, fundamental drawings, wood species, finishing and so forth will occur throughout the week. Steve’s primary focus, however, will be on strategy and efficiency; what cut to make, when, and in what order. These are “steps” that are rarely discussed and instead are replaced with a series of unrelated steps that take away the rhythm of the furniture making process. By making a cherry, single-drawer, end table as the class project, students will learn a systematic approach to building that flows smoothly following a logical path that enhances accuracy, cleanliness and speed.

Unique Instructor Steve Latta

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