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Hand Tool Skills: Making a Simple Pencil Box
Four 4-hour evening sessions
Prerequisite: Intro to Guild Safety
Skill Level: Beginner
Instructor: Ruth Warbington
Assistants - Kevin Smith and JJ Hoffman
Students - 4 (if upon registration it goes to the waitlist, student capacity reached)
Working with hand tools is fun, quiet, and satisfying. Hand tools are very effective used in conjunction with machines in woodworking or on their own for many operations. Certain surfaces and woods lend themselves to final or near-final surface finishing with hand planes (less sanding!).
In this class, you’ll use only hand tools to make a butt-joined sliding-lid box from a pine board. Emphasis will be on learning and using hand tool techniques; final box finishing may take place after class. You’ll hand saw parts to size and then square up and refine parts with hand planes. A plow plane is used to cut grooves for the sliding box lid. Then chamfer the lid with hand planes and create a recessed pull with a carving gouge and a bench chisel. Finish the box with a smoothing plane and add fine chamfers on all edges. The box is about 10” long by 5” wide by 3.5” high.
Hand tool beginners and intermediates are welcome. Skills to be practiced: hand sawing to medium precision; planing edges straight and square, flattening, grooving, shooting ends and sides, chamfering and smoothing. Bring your own tools if you have them, but don’t shop for saws and planes just for this class. We’ll have enough saws, planes, and chisels for everyone.
Tool list: Pencil, try square, measuring tape, ruler, hand saws (rip and cross-cut), hand plane (smoother and/or jack), small block plane, ½-1” chisel.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarship we offer.
The guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Class Cancellation Policy
Basics of Fine Woodworking
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety & Core Tool Certification
Instructors: Multiple
Assistants: Bill Gemulla
Students: 6 maximum
This course is designed for beginning woodworkers who have completed Core Tool Certification and:
1. Would like to build confidence using these tools.
2. Desire introductory knowledge on the process of bringing a project from concept through the process of woodworking, to applying a finish.
This class consists of 7 sessions offered on Monday evenings. Students are expected to attend all 7 sessions. There will not be any makeup sessions offered for missed classes. Each session covers specific aspects of woodworking, presented in the typical project order of operations.
Instructors will provide information and hands-on practice on the process of woodworking, through the construction of a simple box that you will work on through each session to completion. The objective is the acquisition of knowledge and skills of the process, rather than the box, though you will have a constructed box in the end to remind you of the process and your abilities.
The session topics are as follows:
Session One: Design and Layout
- Hands-on: drawings, layout, modeling, construction – table saw (cross cutting) and bandsaw (resawing)
Session Two: Understanding Wood
- Hands-on: milling – jointer, tablesaw (ripping), planer
Session Three – Joinery
- Hands-on: tablesaw (crosscutting and cutting grooves), bandsaw, layout
Session Four – Hand Tools
- Hands-on: layout, handsaw, coping/fret saw, chisels, block plane
Session Five – Work Session
- Hands-on: complete box to to point of assembly
Session Six– Assembly and Glue-up
- Hands-on: table saw (cutting a rabbet), surface prep (sanding), hand plane and shooting board, clamps, glue
Session Seven – Finishing
- Hands-on: applying finish on sample boards, shellac finish on box
Materials will be provided.
PPE required: hearing protection, safety glasses, dust mask (as needed), closed-toed shoes.
Students should also bring: a fine point mechanical pencil and a tape measure. If you have your own combination square and marking knife, bring them, however, there are plenty of these in the Studio to use if you do not own one. Also bring your block plane if you have one. Do not buy one for this course.
Please contact Pat Shuff (pat.shuff@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org) with questions.
Guild classes are Member-only classes. Not a member? Visit the Membership webpage and Join Now.
Triple Tier Plant Stand using CNC
A Mentored Project
Instructor: Dick Rohrbaugh
Skill Level: Intermediate
Prerequisites: 1. Core Tool Certification 2. CNC Certification
Students: 3
General Description:
Moving to the next level of woodworking can only be learned by actual doing. To aid that, we will be offering a mentoring program for any who would like to build the triple tier plant stand pictured below. It is a good next step for those who are comfortable with woodworking basics, can purchase and mill their own wood, and would like to move toward intermediate projects, including fine furniture. We anticipate that this project will take 3-4 sessions (excluding the preview session mentioned below).
In addition, this project offers a new step for those who have recently attained certification on the CNC. Here is a chance to move beyond simple signs and trays to using the CNC in making parts for furniture projects. If you are interested in learning to combine traditional woodworking skills and CNC work to build fine furniture, this project will be a good next step.
To determine interest and explore details, we will be holding a preview meeting. If you are interested in learning whether this would work for you, join us at 9 AM in the studio shop on Wednesday, February 4th. There is no charge for the preview meeting.
We will go over details of the project, potential time and cost involved, and explain the mentoring program and what it offers.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: If students have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, etc. they could bring those. Students should also bring their own Personal Protective Equipment.
A variety of hardwoods can be used for the planter project.
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Instructor - Mark Klein
Assistant - Rick Martin
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to the Guild (all members) and Getting Started (beginners only)
This class is designed for the member to become certified on the "Core tools" and is required to work in the Guild machine room or to take classes using the “core” power tools.
The class consists of two 4-hour sessions and will certify you on the commonly used "core” power tools: chop saw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, table saw, stationary sanders and the drill press.
The instructor will demonstrate using each tool and discuss safe practices. There will be the opportunity to practice using each tool. By the end of the class, one should feel comfortable operating each tool safely. Upon successful completion, the instructor will certify the member on the 7 core tools.
Do not register for this 2 session class unless you are able to attend both sessions. We cannot reschedule you if you are not able to attend both sessions and no refunds will be given for missed sessions.
Students should bring these items: Personal and required PPE, pencil, and tape measure. Bring a copy of this document, either digitally or printed, Core Tool Handout . Bring a combination square, if you have one. Don't go out and buy a cheap one for the class. We have plenty to borrow and we'll discuss the benefits of investing wisely in a quality square.
Please contact Kimberly Grommes with questions.
Instructor - JJ Hoffman
Assistant - Matt Grommes
Night stand/End Table Build - Mentoring Project
Design your own and build with Mentor/Instructor in 3 sessions
Instructor: Pat Schuff
Prerequisites:
Minimum: Core Tool Certification
Recommended: Pantorouter Certification
Project Goal: Build an end table/night stand using mortise and tenon joinery with glued top
In this Mentoring Project, you will refresh your Pantorouter skills by making an end table or night stand using mortise and tenon joinery. If you don't want to use the Pantorouter, we will focus on hand tools to create the joints. The table will be up to 24 inches in height and up to 18 by 18 inches deep and wide. We will glue up a top to attach to the legs and skirt and sand/finish the table using a food safe finish. The legs can be crafted as desired using Greene and Greene style decorations, tapered or straight legs, and flat or beveled edges to meet your style. The design of the table is open ended and can be a simple straight leg box with a skirt, include or not include a drawer, have a simple top or an inlay top of your choosing. We will design, mill, customize, and assemble everything over three afternoons. Sanding and finishing can be done in the studio or at home based on your needs.
You will have a choice of Walnut or Mahogany which will be provided to build the project. If you wish to use a different wood, you will need to supply your own.
Instructor: Pat Shuff
Class Assistant: Christie Linnard
Students: 6 spaces
This is an introductory hands-on class in which students will learn to make a laminated face-grain cutting board. During the two, 3-hour class sessions, students will mill the wood from raw boards, glue up the boards for drying between classes, watch demonstrations of the milling and shaping steps, and then work on their own boards. Students will get hands-on practice with the table saw, planer, router, band saw (optional), disc, belt and spindle sanders, and router table (optional) to shape their cutting board.
The goal is to have a rough cutting board drying overnight and a finished cutting board to take home at the end of class. In some cases, final sanding and application of mineral oil finish will be done at home. In exceptional cases where more shop time is needed for use of power tools, we will try to accommodate students with a shop session when they can use the shop to finish up their board.
Wood will be provided. Remember to bring your Personal Protective Equipment - eyes, ears, and lung protection.
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety and Core Tool Certification
Please register online and remit payment at once. Your registration is not complete without payment.
ROUTER AND ROUTER TABLE BASICS AND CERTIFICATION
Instructor - Scott Demming
Class Assistant - Jim Meyer
Prerequisites: Core Tool Certification
This class is about safe use of router and router table and is designed to provide you with Certification on these machines.
The router is one of the most versatile tools in the shop. It is commonly used to do routine cutting of slots with a straight bit, but has great flexibility in edge profiling and in use with jigs. The router is a simple motor 1, 2¼ or 3½ horsepower with a changeable collet that can hold thousands of bit styles. It can be mounted in a table for exquisite control or hand held when the project is too large to get onto the table. If you are not confident in your mastery of this machine, then this is the class for you. We will discuss best practice for each operation, you will see it demonstrated, and then you will have the opportunity to perform the procedure yourself, hands on. By the end of the class, you should feel comfortable that you can operate these machines safely. Materials will be provided.
Bring your PPE.
Hand Tool Mentoring
Mentor: Tim Moore and others
It will be a rainy afternoon in Portland and if you will not be tied to a television, here is your chance to come in to the Studio and work on a personal project. Whether it is a leatherworking project, sharpening your chisels, fettling a plane or building a ukulele, you are welcome to sign up for the hand tool mentoring session from 1 to 5:00 and talk to one of our experienced shop attendants. We don't expect a big crowd, so this is your chance to get something done!
This is an open agenda session. That means participants come with questions or hand tool tasks that you would like some help on and the instructor will be there as a resource. Perhaps it is to sharpen a chisel? Maybe there is a hand tool that you would like some advice on. This is an ‘open-door’ session so you can show up at any time during the session.
Just register, pay $40, and show up during the session. You will leave knowing more than when you came. Tim suggests that you contact him with questions and anticipated arrival time so that he can plan the afternoon.
tim.moore@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org
Getting Started – Shop Safety for Beginners
Instructors: Jim Meyer
Class Assistant: Ginny Benware
Prerequisite: Introduction to Guild Safety
The Getting Started class is a continuation of the safety process in good woodworking practices taught in the Intro to the Guild class.
Getting Started is a required class for those needing experience with the safe and appropriate use of portable power tools, prior to starting the path to the Guild’s Shop Certification classes.
This is a four-hour class, with ~2½ hours of practice with a jig saw, a trim router, a random orbital sander, drill motors (battery), and installing their accessories.
Curriculum includes:
The final section of the class will be using these tools to create a cutting board. Material provided by the Guild.
Please review the Guild’s PPE (personal protection equipment) policy from the Intro to the Guild class.
Have all your PPE for this class. Approved wrap around safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask (these tools are not connected to the dust collection system).
Class size is 6 students. Each student will have their own area in the Shop with each tool to be demonstrated. No tool sharing. Safe distancing.
Dress appropriately for working in the Shop. (hair tied back, no dangling sleeves, bracelets, strings etc)
The handouts will be reviewed in class.
These items will be used during class pencil, combination square or similar, razor knife, tape measure, notebook, piece of chalk, blank piece of paper for drawing and a straight edge.
Please bring your own PPE and pencil.
Upon completion of Getting Started, members can sign-up for the Core Tool Certification classes.
For more information on the Shop Certification process:https://guildoforegonwoodworkers.org/Safety-Classes-&-Shop-Certification
Instructor - Dennis Dolph
Assistant - Ed Ferguson
Shop Attendant: Ruth Warbington
Prerequisites: Introduction to Guild Safety
Core Tool Certification required if working in the machine room
Women of the Guild! Come join other women for fellowship, conversation, some learning, and making some sawdust if you like.
5:00 -7:00 Open Shop time: this is for using either the bench room or the machine room. Limited number of spaces available. Register for Open Shop. This will include the program time later in the evening.
6:30-7:00 Social time and show and tell in the Bench Room. If just attending this part and/or the Program, please register for Program
7:00-9:00 Program to be determined. If just attending this, please register for Program.
Introduction to Guild Safety
Instructor: Education and Membership Team
Welcome to the Introduction to Guild Safety class. For every Guild member wishing to take Education classes, use the Guild shop for personal projects, or participate in the Community Project sessions, this is a required class, regardless of experience or skill level.
This class is presented by the Education and Membership Team. In addition to important information about shop safety, we will provide an overview of Guild Education, Community Projects and Open Shop programs. You will also learn about how to volunteer because the Guild only succeeds with active volunteers!
Included in the class is a tour of the Guild Shop, introducing the stationary tools and their function.
This class is about 3 hours.
Please include your name in the list of attendees so the Instructor can track attendance and make your Guild shop name badge. It is only visible on the class registration list to other Guild members.
Complete the following before class:
Print out and complete the self-evaluation section (left side) of the New Member Experience Assessment/Shop Certification form. Bring the entire form to class.
Print out and bring assigned Liability Release form.
Read the attached resources and take the Guild Safety Test. Bring your answers to class on paper or a device.
General Safety
Guild Safety Manual
Policy on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Material Guidelines
Upon completion of the Intro to the Guild Safety class, you will be directed to:
1. A second beginning class, Getting Started; required for those with little or no experience with portable power tools.
OR
2. Bypass the Getting Started class and start the path to the Shop Certification classes.
For more information on the Shop Certification process: https://guildoforegonwoodworkers.org/Safety-Classes-&-Shop-Certification
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarships we offer.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending guild events when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with flu or COVID-19. If you've tested positive for COVID, please wait until clear to return to the shop.
Carving SIG - Daytimes & Evenings (First Wednesdays for both)
This is an interest list. Signup here to get on the list so you can get specific links on registering (required) for individual meetings.
DESCRIPTION These monthly carving meetings are open to beginners and experienced alike. The focus is on carving - projects already started or something new using resources we have. Bring your project and tools if you have them, otherwise, use ours.
DATES/TIMES - The groups meet monthly except for the summer and December. Evening times are 7:00-9:00 pm, Daytimes are 1:00-3:00 and you are welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes early to socialize.
SATURDAY OPTION - A related group called Eastside Carvers meets the first Saturday near NE 32nd and Sandy from 10:00-1:00).
PREREQUISITE - None.
LOCATION - Larry Wade's Carving Studio and Shop,
COST - free except for possible material reimbursement. However, the real cost is you sharing your experience, questions, successes, and frustrations so we all can learn from and help each other.
LEAD - Larry Wade, (503) 312-7745, lpwade@gmail.com), but expect others to pitch in over time (this could be you!).
Class Assistant: Mike Chia
Prerequisite: Core Tool Certification
Students - 4 maximum (2 minimum)
Dick will show the steps to building one of the handiest Tablesaw accessories you can have in your shop - A Crosscut sled! With this sled you will be able to safely crosscut wide pieces with the ease and accuracy.
In this class you will Practice on the Tablesaw cutting sled parts, glue-up the fence, and square up the sled’s fence using the 5-cut test. Each student will go home with a completed sled that they can adapt to their saw.
Please bring your Personal Protective Equipment, a tape measure, a small square, and pencil. Materials will be provided.
A LOCAL PRO WORKSHOP - BUILD A MISSION STYLE CHAIR -
Local Pro Instructor: CHARLES FREEBORN
Class Assistants: Doug Drake & Mark Klein
Students: 6
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Class Goal: To build a mission style chair using mortise & tenon joinery
Tools Used: Table saw, Bandsaw, Routers, PantoRouter
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: If available, bring your pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. .
Bring your own Personal Protective Equipment.
Guild will provide pre-milled lumber parts, tenon stock patterns, jigs/templates and project supplies.
If needed, check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for scholarship funding.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending Guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with RSV, flu or COVID-19.
Class Cancellation Policy - full refund when cancelled with 7 days prior notice, or emergency. Please see policy for details.
Instructor - Bob Mack
Class Assistant - TBD Prerequisites: Core Tool Certification
Instructor - Jim Meyer
Assistant - TBD
BOX SIG
As every month: bring your boxes for show and tell! Afterwards those who wish to continue the conversation will walk up the street for some food & drink.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with COVID-19. Follow CDC guidelines: If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are expected to follow the current CDC guidelines.
Hand Plane Skills
Instructors: Ruth Warbington
Class Assistant: Kevin Blair-Smith
Students: 5 (if you're directed to the waitlist, class is full)
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety
A hand plane is a powerful tool for woodworking; it complements power tools and other hand tools beautifully. Learn and practice the most common applications of the most-used hand planes: the jack (#5), smoother (#4), and block plane. If you only use power tools, you'll be exposed to the ways hand tools assist and augment machine work. We’ll flatten, joint, smooth, shoot, bevel, and chamfer quietly and effectively with hand planes. You’ll take apart, reassemble and adjust the planes so that they perform well for each task, learning first-hand the importance of sharpness and tool adjustment. We’ll also use workshop standbys such as hand saws, squares, straight edges, winding sticks, and shooting boards, as these are the companions of handplanes. If you are new to hand tools this class will be a good start; if you have a little experience you'll gain more.
We’ll have the planes and accessories which are needed. Bring your own planes if you have them and any of the other items mentioned in the description, but don’t go shopping until after class.
Please try to bring these basic tools, if you already have them: Pencil; 12” combination square; try square or small combo square.
Class Assistant: Darell Duffy
Instructor - Stuart Brown
Assistant - Tom Nelson
CHAIR MAKING SIG
Leader: Simon Bosley
Register for this Free event
Are you interested in making chairs?
Chairmaking is a fascinating branch of woodworking with many special considerations. In addition to aesthetics, a good chair needs to be comfortable and strong enough to withstand the forces and loads to which it will be subjected. Chairmaking topics range from use of templates, angled joinery, curved parts, steam bending and many others.
We are exploring the idea of a Special Interest Group, or SIG, for chair makers. This would be a forum dedicated to the building of chairs where we can share ideas, learn new techniques, and help each other with projects and challenges.
Whether you are just getting started, already building chairs, or just interested in building chairs, we want this group to support your needs and interests.
If you would like to participate in this group, register this meeting for this event or contact Simon Bosley at simon.bosley@comcast.net
Please stay home if you are sick to protect our community from illness. Thank you.
Instructor: Chip Webster
Class Assistant: Rick Martin
To get the most out of your 14" bandsaw (or any woodworking bandsaw), you need to become proficient at cutting to the line free-hand and learn when and how to use simple jigs effectively.
These bandsaws are capable of very accurate work, from cutting precise mortise and tenons and resawing the densest wood straight and smooth, to cutting fluid curved shapes.
This hands-on workshop with Chip Webster is based on Michael Fortune's material and experience, and is focused on learning and practicing these skills.
FLOATING SHELF BUILD - a "Local Pro" workshop
Instructor: Austin Heitzman
www.austinheitzmanfurniture.com
Class Assistants: Doug Drake & Bill Gemulla
Recommended: Router Certification
Class Goal: To build a floating shelf using a bridle joinery
This class will guide each student through the process of building a live edge floating shelf. Shelf size approx. 18” x 24”. Students will learn how to dimension lumber accurately, how to consider, clean up and prep live edge material. They will also learn how to use a router table to cut hanging hardware and cut and assemble a simple bridle joint.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: If students have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. they could bring those.
Students should bring their Personal Protective Equipment.
Guild will provide pre-milled lumber parts, wire wheels, and project supplies.
Instructor: Tim Moore
Assistant: TBD
This 4-hour class is for students who want to design and produce durable and attractive leather sheaths for woodworking tools such as draw knives, spoke shaves, small saws and hatchets. This will allow them to store and transport edged tools more safely. Students will also get to try various leatherworking tools, in order to help them buy their own in the future. They should be able to go home with one sheath of their making, sewn and ready to apply a finish.
All basic tools for cutting and shaping leather, using the saddle stitch, will be provided.
Consumables such as leather, thread and needles will also be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own mallets, dividers, cutting mats, etc. Tim will provide a suggested tool list during class.
Class Cancellation Policy - except in the case of emergency or illness, requires 7 days prior notice of cancellation for full refund. see policy for details.
PantoRouter Certification Class
Prerequisites: Core Tool Certification and Router Certification
Cost: $90
The PantoRouter™ is an innovative tools that utlizes a router to create highly precise joinery, including mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, box joints, and other specialized joint types.
In this class, students will cover both safety as well as the basics of using the PantoRouter™ to create accurate, reproducible mortise and tenon joints. During the class the 4 students will jointly create a table base using mortise and tenon joinery while learning how to set up, calibrate, and safely operate the PantoRouter™. While completing this class, each student will practice setting up the machine for a cut, aligning work pieces, and safely cutting multiple joints.
After successfully completing the class, students will be certified to use the PantoRouter™ during Open Shop periods. While the class uses mortise and tenon joints for teaching purposes, PantoRouter™ users can consult the manual as well as the extensive online library at PantoRouter.com to learn how to apply their skills to other joints, including dovetail and box joints.
Students should bring personal protective equipment, including safety goggles and hearing protection.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending Guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with Flu, RSV or COVID-19.
LUTHERIE SIG
SIG Leads: Janet Starck & Tim Moore
Requirements: Intro to Guild Safety
This SIG is for anyone interested in Lutherie no matter your skill or knowledge level. Come and learn or share your knowledge and love of stringed instruments with other Guild members.
For additional information or to be added to the Lutherie email list contact Tim Moore.
All Guild Members are welcome at no charge. Please Register.
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Not a member? Visit the Membership webpage and Join Now.
Hand Tool Special Interest Group
The next meeting of the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers Hand Tool SIG is Wednesday, March 26, 2026 from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm in the Guild Studio.
Presenter: TBD
Topic for March 26, 2026 :
TBD.
If you are not on the Hand Tool SIG email list please contact handtool.lead@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org to be added to the Hand Tool SIG email list.
All Guild members are welcome at no charge. Please Register.
If you are not on the Hand Tool SIG email list please contact the Handtool SIG Leader to be added to the Hand Tool SIG email list.
Milling and Prep for Frank Strazza Master's class
Students will be contacted prior to milling sessions to determine availability. For questions on prep, contact Carol Boyd.
Class Assistant - JJ Hoffman
Scroll Saw Basics
Instructors: Rick Martin
Class Assistant: TBD
Students: 4 maximum
Skill Level: all
This class will provide an introduction to the use of the scroll saw.
In this class, the student will learn the basic mechanics of the scroll saw and practice the use of it by making a completed jigsaw puzzle.
Instructors - Bob Mack and Mark Mattson
Class Assistant: None
Skill Level: All
Enjoy a quiet shop and an introduction to kumiko as you build a drink coaster. This asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern is easier than it looks, but does require patience and attention to detail. The only tools used are a small hand saw and a 1" bench chisel. You will improve your skills with both but you don't need any experience to start. Kumiko was developed in Japan for shoji screens but is recently being used for decoration and for contrast in woodworking. You'll use the hand saw to cut pieces to length and then use a beveling jig to carefully shave the necessary angles on each end with a chisel. Bevel jigs, wood strips, chisel and saw will be provided. Bring your own chisel and small saw if you have them.
Setup for Frank Strazza classes
Dovetail Essentials: Mastering What Matters with Frank Strazza
This is the second time this workshop has been offered.
In this two-day workshop, you will uncover the critical elements that make or break a perfect dovetail while learning to separate essential techniques from common misconceptions. We’ll begin with an overview of sharpening, followed by sawing practice to develop proper tool handling and usage.
The workshop will cover through dovetails, tapered sliding dovetails, and half-blind dovetails, with needlepoint dovetails added as the techniques progress. Frank will also demonstrate houndstooth dovetails, showing how these skills build upon each other. Along the way, you will discover which tools are essential, how to use them effectively, and the advantages and limitations of various approaches.
This workshop is open to all skill levels. Beginners may not progress as well as others with some experience.
What you will learn in this workshop:
• The fundamentals of sharpening for precise, clean cuts
• Proper sawing techniques, including tool hold and usage
• How to cut through dovetails with accuracy and confidence
• Techniques for tapered sliding dovetails
• Cutting half-blind dovetails for drawer construction
• The intricate methods behind needlepoint and houndstooth dovetails
• Tool selection: which tools matter most and how to use them effectively
• Strategies for reducing stress by focusing on what truly matters in joinery
Join us to focus on what truly matters in dovetail joinery and leave unnecessary stress behind while building precision and confidence in your work.
About Frank Strazza:
Frank Strazza is a traditional fine furniture maker, with over 30 years experience, based in Central Texas. He began woodworking at age 11. After completing high school, Frank served a traditional apprenticeship and journeymanship, including studying with Paul Sellers for several years.
Frank ’s work has been featured in both local and national publications. He also participated in building furniture for the permanent collection at the White House, in Washington D.C. His work has won top awards in nationally recognized furniture shows across the country including, Best of Show, 1st and 2nd place, People’s Choice, Best Traditional Furniture and more.
Frank has taught and lectured at many different venues across the country, including Colonial Williamsburg, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, Marc Adams School of Woodworking, Florida School of Woodworking and more. Frank continues to teach, passing along the traditional craft of hand tool woodworking.
His interests include: Windsor chair making, inlay, violin making, and marquetry. When not in the shop, Frank can be found cycling for miles around the Texas Hill Country or playing the mandolin and cello with the symphony and a local Americana band.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for a scholarship.
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by staying home when sick and please follow current CDC guidelines.
Hand-Cut Marquetry: Traditional Techniques and Personal Expression with Frank Strazza
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety and Core Tools Certification
Join master craftsman Frank Strazza for an immersive five-day exploration into the art of marquetry. This hands-on course will guide students through both traditional and contemporary methods of hand-cut veneer inlay, with an emphasis on the timeless beauty of historic designs and the creative potential of personal imagery.
Participants will learn to cut and assemble intricate marquetry using fret saws and bird’s mouth benches, practice the boulle and double bevel techniques, and gain a deep understanding of veneer selection, preparation, and surface finishing. From classic patterns to personalized designs, students will leave with finished samples and the confidence to pursue marquetry on their own.
Breakdown of what will be covered in the 5 Day workshop:
Day 1: Introduction to Marquetry & Boulle Cutting Technique
• Overview of marquetry history and styles, with examples.
• Introduction to the fret saw and bird’s mouth bench.
• Hands-on practice of the boulle cutting method (packet cutting).
• Create English-style paterae (oval inlays) common on historic furniture, patterns using two contrasting woods.
• Techniques learned including sand shading and mastic filling to highlight the design. .
Day 2: Double Bevel Marquetry & Lettering
• Continuation of Boulle technique with advanced patterns
• Introduction to the double bevel technique for seamless fits.
• Create a two-wood image with zero gaps using the fret saw and tilting method.
• Personalize a design with custom lettering using the double bevel method.
• Discussion on veneer: cutting your own vs. using commercial sliced veneer; benefits of thick veneer.
Day 3: Building Visual Imagery in Marquetry and Inlay Techniques
• Stringing around an oval.
• Learn the basics of inlaying marquetry into a substrate.
• Sharpen and use cabinet scrapers to level the surface.
• Begin cutting a simple leaf design using natural colored woods.
• How to create a multi-piece compositions.
• Study composition, shading with wood grain, and using multiple woods.
Day 4 and 5: Personal Projects & Finishing Techniques
• Individual project planning: sketching,
• Choosing woods and working to create more complex projects.
• Execute individual marquetry projects based on personal designs or reference imagery.
• Inlaying finished marquetry panels and final leveling with scrapers.
• Parquetry, including making a traditional style fan inlay and Louis Cubes.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for a scholarship if needed.
Class Assistant: Micah Stolowitz
Instructor: Pat Shuff Class Assistant: Paul Fischer
Introduction to Hand Tools for Beginners
Instructor: Paul Barker
General Description
This class will introduce students to the most common hand tools focusing primarily on hand saws, chisels and hand planes. Instructor will provide demonstrations on use, set up and anatomy of tools. Students will complete exercises using the tools to have better understanding of their uses.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: Guild will provide Hand saws, hand planes and chisels and wood to practice exercises with (soft wood like alder or pine).
If you have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. you can bring those. They are also available at the Studio.
A Guild Scholarship Program is available for those who meet scholarship criteria.
Class Assistant: Mark Allen
Students: 4
This four-hour class is designed to bring your chisels and hand planes up to an acceptable level of sharpening, good enough to get back to woodworking quickly. We will focus on how we sharpen the Guild's own tools, primarily using our Veritas sharpening jig since it is relatively simple and the results are repeatable. We will also briefly cover other approaches, such as sandpaper (Scary Sharp®) and a basic jig, such as the Eclipse and its clones. You are encouraged to bring your own tools in to sharpen and if time permits, we can talk about other sharpening challenges, such as small or skewed blades, scrapers, etc.
Introduction to Joinery for Beginners
This class will introduce students to the most common joints, ways to make the joints, and practice making some of the joints. Discussion of various basic joints and where they can be used, including examples, pros and cons of these basic joints:
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: Guild will provide Hand and power tools as needed for demonstration, hands-on practice. Pre-milled wood for a small frame project will be provided.
Students should bring their own Personal Protective Equipment.
If students have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. they could bring those. They will be available at the studio as well.
Class Assistant - Darell Duffy
Instructors: TBD
Fundamentals of Veneering
Instructor - Chip Webster
Chip Webster has been restoring fine old furniture for over 20 years, often requiring
repairing or making new veneer panels for doors, cabinet tops and other components.
Class Assistant - TBD
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Class Goals: to learn the fundamentals of veneering using a variety of clamping systems and process techniques.
Veneers are often used to apply expensive exotic woods or woods with figure or a beautiful grain pattern to a less expensive board. They are also used to create decorative elements, such as inlaid pictures or banding, in projects.
In this workshop we will make a small panel to take home suitable for use as a lid for a small box. We will explore the use of commercially available veneers and shop sawn veneers, where to use each and how to apply them. Different substrates and adhesives will be discussed and used during the class. Cutting and jointing veneer, and the process of securing and clamping, including a vacuum press, will be practiced. We will also make various edge treatments and discuss the requirements and process to produce a curved panel.
Veneer, tape and other materials will be provided. Students will be required to bring a #11 XActo knife or Olfa utility knife.
Students should also bring, if they have available, a sharp low angled block plane and several 12" F style clamps (Harbor Freight is a great source for the F clamps at a very reasonable cost).
We will be working with a bandsaw, jointer, planer, drum sander, router and table saw in this workshop.
Students should plan to bring lunch or visit a local establishment.
Instructor: Ken Fairfax Class Assistant: Darrell Duffy
Class Assistant - Tom Nelson
Instructor: Ken Fairfax Class Assistant: Neil Bacon
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