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Class schedules are updated once/month and extend out about 1-2 months at a time. For more information, use the contact tab to get in touch.

I find working with tools to be incredibly empowering and therapeutic. In a chaotic world that pulls us apart from one another and towards screens, tools and woodworking help us to get out of heads and back into the world. It is tangible and REAL. It appeals to something primal within us: to create, build, fix. It requires your mind and body and focus.

My classes are designed to get you working with tools comfortably and safely with the goal of preparing students to go on to make things on their own. Once students complete these 4 woodworking courses, there is an option for a capstone project: a side table. After that, some students stay on to complete projects that they design and build directly with me, one-on-one.

Classes are limited to 2-3 students. Not every class includes a project. Instead, the focus is on building skills. Each session is a mix between brief discussions and demonstrations, followed by hands-on time with the tools.

In addition to learning skills, you’re joining a community. The woodworking community is a growing and wide tent full of people who love the tools and materials. The online and IRL communities are lively, engaging, and largely welcoming (there are trolls everywhere, but we try to rout them out of the shop). Additionally, you’ll meet other people looking to learn and grow their skills. We always have a nice time that includes discussions reaching far beyond tools and wood. Oh yeah, there will be snacks.

All classes are held in my home studio in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of DC. I’ll send specific instructions/logistics a few days before you class.

Classes include

Tool basics for DIYers:

This class is all about getting people comfortable with the most basic tools: drills, drivers, handsaws, measuring tapes, etc. We’ll cover how to read a measuring tape (it’s OK, a lot of people don’t know), different types of screws and when to use them, how to successfully drive a screw without stripping it, how to cut a board with a handsaw, and a power saw. This class will give you the little bit of instruction you need to tackle those little at-home projects that have been on your list. Class time: 90 mins- 2 hours

Intro to Power Tools:

We start this session with a brief discussion of wood as a material: how it moves, different species, different types of engineered products, etc. From there, we will go tool-by-tool: bandsaw, chop saw, and the table saw. At each tool, you will learn how the machine works and how to use it safely. You’ll then get some hands-on experience using each machine. After this introduction, each student will make a handled cutting board, employing all of the skills we just learned during the cutting board project. Class time: 4-5 hours

Intro to Hand Tools

This class starts with a discussion of wood as a medium (different discussion from power tools). We’ll use hand planes, hand saws, and chisels. Each tool will start with a discussion of how it works and how to use it safely. You’ll learn how to take shavings with a hand plane cut straight lines with a hand saw, and chop and pare safely with chisels. The class will culminate with learning about dovetail joinery. Class time: 4-5 hours

Hand Held Power Tools

This class focuses on the smaller power tools many of us are familiar with: Jig saws, circular saw/track saw, drills and screw guns, biscuit and domino joiners, pocket screws, and routers. We’ll go through each of these tools and take some practice reps with each. Then, we’ll make simple practice joints. This is a great class for people who may have a smaller space and room or budget for just a few tools. Class time: 4-5 hours

Advanced Hand Tools

In this class, we’ll go deeper into hand tools. Primarily, we’ll play with specialty planes and refine our skills with the basic bench planes. We’ll also go into more hand cut joinery, practicing the mortise and tenon joint with hand tools. Importantly, this class covers sharpening! If you have blades that need sharpening, BRING THEM! If not, don’t worry, we can sharpen my tools.

YOU MUST COMPLETE THE INTRO TO HAND TOOLS BEFORE ENROLLING.
Class time: 4-5 hours

Hand cut dovetail workshop:

This class is for students who have taken the intro to Hand Tools class, or have prior hand tool experience and want to practice their dovetails. The class will begin with a brief refresher of how to cut the joint and then each person will work on a practice joint. The goal is to refine your skills and get some practice. Class size is limited to three people. All tools and wood provided; feel free to bring your own saw/chisels.