Woodshop: Woodworking 101

In this class, you'll learn to use the most common woodworking hand tools and power tools. In addition, we'll show you how to choose the right wood for your project, discuss assembly techniques, and which finishes to apply to different projects.

During this class, we'll be building a beginner woodworking project that will help you build your confidence to try other woodworking projects, either on your own or during another class.

Material fee: $10 This can be paid in cash or Venmo at the beginning of the class.

Class duration: 3 hours

Clothing: Wear comfortable, breathable natural fabrics like cotton or denim. Full-length pants, t-shirt, and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. No shorts, or open toe shoes/sandals. Avoid loose sleeves or dangling jewelry that could get caught in spinning machinery. It is highly recommended to wear clothes you don't mind getting covered in sawdust.

Feel free to bring a snack and a water bottle since we'll be working right through the lunch hour. We'll take a few minutes to grab a quick bite to eat and then we'll get right back to work.

Instructor: Craig Erickson started building wood project when he was 10 years old. Craig learned woodworking from his grandfather who was a master craftsman in Sweden and taught him old world carpentry and fine woodworking skills. During his woodworking career, Craig has built everything from bird houses to charcuterie boards, cabinets to fine furniture, and has been a part of construction crews that have built hundreds of houses in the western United States.

Questions? craig@chimeraarts.org

Cancellation Policy: Attendees must register for classes or request cancellations/refunds 72 hours in advance. (Some classes may require more time.) Eventbrite fees will be charged to the attendee. No walk-ins.

Class Outline

• Safety
• Types of wood
• Tools
• Assembly
• Finishing

Safety

• Personal protection equipment (PPE)
• Best practices

Materials

• Hardwood versus softwoods
• Plywood
• Rot resistant woods
• MDF and others

Tools

• Mitre Saw
• Drills
• Band Saw
• Sanders
• Hand Tools

Assembly

• Nails, screws or glue?
• Nails
• Screws
• Glue

Finishing your project

• Sanding and finishing wood
• Finishes: paint
• Finishes: polyurethane, shellac, varnish, laquer, etc.
• Finishes: oils
• Applying finishes: brushes, sprayers, hand-rubbed