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Monthly meeting to discuss all things IT - second Monday of each month
All members are invited to participate in the It meetings.
The link for the Zoom IT Meeting is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81897494351?pwd=XaWua7Kq2aZxa2hRobW5bMH5vq7Itv.1
Meeting ID/Passcode 818 9749 4351 / 588394
Basics of Fine Woodworking
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety & Core Tool Certification
Instructors: Multiple
Assistants: Chris Cardoza
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.
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
Instructor - Dennis Dolph
Assistant - David Neff
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.
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.
Shop Time
Core tool certification (for machine room use)
Liability Waiver
Members who have not been active shop users in the last year (365 days) are required to complete a brief shop and tool re-certification with a Core Tools instructor prior to participating in Open Shop. These are done on an individual basis at no cost; email recertification@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org to schedule.
Please review the Material Guide and bring all consumables required for your project. The guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measure
There is a high demand for this event. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation immediately so another member can register and use the shop.
The Shop Attendant will wait 30 minutes after the start of the shift. If nobody shows up, the SA will close the shop and leave, unless notified in advance of a late arrival.
On the following registration form (after you click the Register button) there are two fields for you to enter the time you plan to arrive at the shop and an estimate of how long you will be there. This information will help the SA determine if drop in users can be accommodated.
The Shop Attendant may allow drop in users if there is room.
There are two CNC machines available for use by reservation for the Open Shop Session. When completing the registration form, select the machine you wish to reserve. The user must be certified or have completed the training and have a certified mentor present while they are using the machine. Make arrangements for a mentor before registering to use the CNC machine. The mentor does not need to register for the session.
You must have the following safety equipment:
Dust mask: wearing the mask is optional although the SA may determine it is needed
Staying Home When Sick:
Join us in making projects to benefit our guild and the wider community
Introduction to Guild Safety (Core Tool Certification is not required)
Intro to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required)
Project build is currently working on:
Intro to Wood Talk and Milling
Instructor: Mark Allen
Class Assistant: Mar Beck
Students: 4 spaces
Prerequisite: Core Tool Certification
The first step in any project is buying wood and milling it to yield flat, dimensional boards of the proper thickness and with all angles at 90 degrees. This class is designed to teach the proper methods and sequence for this milling process when using machines (vs. hand tools). Our focus will be on the preliminary milling that must be done for the wood to be ready for final project milling. Since it is where EVERY project must begin, it is an essential skill for EVERY woodworker.
In the class you will learn basic terminology that is used to describe wood; receive information on wood grain and movement; participate in the demonstrated milling of lumber with each machine; and work with a team of fellow students to complete a small milling project. You will leave the class knowledgeable and comfortable with the use of equipment for milling.
Students should bring these items: pencil, combination square, and tape measure.
You must have the following Personal Protection Equipment (PPE):
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
ROUTER AND ROUTER TABLE BASICS AND CERTIFICATION
Instructors - Scott Demming and Mark Mattson
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.
Instructor - Stuart Brown
Assistant - Ezra Richards
BOX SIG
Bring your boxes for show and tell! Bring your questions for help on solving problems. After the program, those who wish to continue the conversation will walk up the street for some food & drink.
Introduction to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required)
Staying home when sick:
Members are encouraged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending Guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of contagious illness, especially those associated with flu, RSV, or COVID-19.
Getting Started – Shop Safety for Beginners
Instructors: Jim Meyer
Class Assistant: John Augsburger
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 - John Mafrica
Assistant - Rick Martin
All members are invited to participate in the board meetings but are unable to vote.
The link for the Zoom Board Meeting is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87906271746?pwd=SbVCExmBZEMI6bkWqbCKASbm6uST8c.1
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.
Journeyman SA: Hank Kaplan 503-984-0845
Introduction to Hand Tools for Beginners
Instructor: Paul Barker
Class Assistant: JJ Hoffman
Prerequisites: Introduction to Guild Safety
Skill Level: Beginner
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).
Students should bring their Personal Protective Equipment.
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.
Apprentice SA: Mark Hinrichs 503 860-1564
CNC SIG
If you are interested in learning more about CNC in woodworking join us. Beginner or advanced. CNC is a rapidly developing method of woodworking that is providing new opportunities for woodworkers. The SIG is a great way to develop relationships with other CNC users, share your creative ideas and propose ways to enhance the expertise of Guild's CNC community.
NOTE: The SIG has a "lead." But it is largely a self organized group. This means everyone gets to contribute toward setting topics for discussion, participation and keeping the group active. If you want a discussion on a topic, send your ideas ahead of time to the SIG lead.
Register and join us. For 2026, we meet on the 2nd Thursdays of Jan, Mar, May, Jul, Sep and Nov from 7 - 9 PM at the Guild Studio.
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
Prerequisites:
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 - Jim Meyer
Instructor - JJ Hoffman
Assistant - Bill Tainter
Instructor: Carol Boyd
Class Assistant: TBD
Students: 4
Prerequisites: All 3 certifications must be completed prior to class
Learn how to do a simple inlay. You will create an inlay in a box using a template and a router. A pre-cut box kit will be provided to all students and at the end of the session, you will go home with a glued up box with an inlay.
If you prefer, you can bring your own piece for the inlay – it must be able to hold a 2” inlay. Please contact the instructor ahead of time if you want to do this.
Students: Please bring your PPE, small square, and pencil.
Guild: All materials will be provided.
Tools Used: Hand held Router
Class Cancellation Policy - cancel 7 days in advance for full refund (exceptions for illness or emergency)
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, RSV or COVID-19.
Instructor: Tim Moore
Class Assistant: Mark Allen
Prerequisite: Intro to Guild Safety
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.
Shop Assistant: Bill Burky
These Shop sessions are dedicated for new members to the guild. These are special Open Shops for new woodworkers on the first and third Sunday afternoons of each month. The goal is to allow new and aspiring woodworkers space to build their confidence and safely use machines under dedicated supervision on their personal projects. Two experienced volunteers will be available to provide guidance as needed that will lead to the successful completion of their project. They will be available to discuss plans, review cut lists, examine proposed steps to complete the project, and assist with set up and safe operation of the machines that were presented in the Core Tools class. Participants will bring their materials (lumber and consumables) and their project plan (e.g., simple drawing and project ideas) to the shop, and will pay standard shop fees. The intent is to create a safe, collaborative environment where beginners can obtain direction on their project and will have the opportunity to learn from mentors and peers attending the session. Over the course of a few sessions, we anticipate that new woodworkers will build the necessary skills and confidence that will allow them to comfortably work in a standard open shop session.
These Shop sessions are dedicated for new members to the guild. These are special Open Shops for new woodworkers on the first and third Sunday afternoons of each month. The goal is to allow new and aspiring woodworkers space to build their confidence and safely use machines under dedicated supervision on their personal projects.
Two experienced volunteers will be available to provide guidance as needed that will lead to the successful completion of their project. They will be available to discuss plans, review cut lists, examine proposed steps to complete the project, and assist with set up and safe operation of the machines that were presented in the Core Tools class.
Participants will bring their materials (lumber and consumables) and their project plan (e.g., simple drawing and project ideas) to the shop, and will pay standard shop fees.
The intent is to create a safe, collaborative environment where beginners can obtain direction on their project and will have the opportunity to learn from mentors and peers attending the session. Over the course of a few sessions, we anticipate that new woodworkers will build the necessary skills and confidence that will allow them to comfortably work in a standard open shop session.
Please review the Material Guide and bring all consumables required for your project.
Volunteers are welcome at any time during that period that fits with your work and home life.
Join us for a daytime maintenance session. Participants do not need special knowledge and skills. We will have a mixture of beginners and experienced members learning more about our power tools while keeping our shop in working order.
Introduction to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required).
PantoRouter Certification Class
Instructor: Ken Fairfax Class Assistant: Darrell Duffy
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.
7 PM @ The Studio
Agenda TBD
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96184696029?pwd=MWZOUEZsejJua0pJY2tvbjVSVlFuZz09
Hint: The link never changes for the monthly meeting. It is the same every month.
Prep for Stake Leg Stool class
This is an Open Forum to discuss the Guild's IT offerings
Come if you are:
The Guild's IT services are:
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.
Education Team (Class Assistants and Instructors) Orientation and Training
Have you wondered how to become a Class Assistant (CA)? Are you interested in becoming an Instructor? The Guild has opportunities for all levels of woodworkers to volunteer in the Education Program, even if you have not yet completed Core Tool certification.
If you have considered becoming a CA or Instructor, are a current CA or Instructor, or just want to learn more about these roles, please complete this short application (CAs), and register for this informative Orientation and Training session.
If you have questions, please email kim.montagriff@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org.
Instructor: Pat Shuff
Class Assistant: Nick Stocco & Siobhan Murphy
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.
BUILD A SIMPLE STAKE-LEG STOOL
Instructors: Jim Spitzer & Carol Boyd
Students: 6
Intro To Guild Safety
Core Tool Certification
Router Certification
This stool was developed and designed by Guild member Steve Poland. In this class, we will discuss various design options for your future stake-leg stool projects. The Instructor will describe a range of approaches to forming cylindrical tenons that are used for creating accurate and strong cylindrical mortise and tenon joints without use of a lathe. Then you will create your own simple stool.
You will have the option of finishing with the simple plank style or using a curved track router jig to create the curved seat version. We should have a couple species options, but we won’t know exactly what is available until just prior to the class.
Basic operations will include:
- Use a table saw fixture to create 8 sided legs from square stock.
- Use a router table jig to form precise diameter round tenons.
- Use band saw to slit wedge slot and drill to bore stress relief at bottom of slot.
- Use an angled fixture on drill press to create splayed mortises.
- Use a curved rail router sled jig to carve a radiused seat top.
- Use band saw to cut wedges for locking the tenons in mortise
- Use a flush-cut saw and block plane to trim tenon flush with seat.
- Use a height marking fixture to set up leg length cut with Japanese saw.
- Use block plane to champher edges of seat and bottom of legs.
- Finish sanding with random orbit sander.
Students bring: PPE. and if you have them, bring a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, chisels, and block plane.
If needed, check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarship we offer.
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 the flu, RSV and COVID-19.
Class Cancellation Policy - full refund when cancelled with 7 days prior notice, or emergency. Please see policy for details.
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.
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 Tool Special Interest Group
The Guild of Oregon Woodworkers Hand Tool SIG meets the 4th Thursday of the Month (except November and December) from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm in the Guild Studio.
Presenter: 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.
Guild Studio
Safety Committee is making a comeback! If you have expressed an interest in or have an interest in improving Guild and craft safety, come join us.
Join us for an evening maintenance session. Participants do not need special knowledge and skills. We will have a mixture of beginners and experienced members learning more about our power tools while keeping our shop in working order.
Instructors: TBD
Assistant - TBD
Instructors - Bob Mack and Mark Mattson
Instructor - Mark Klein
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.
Instructor - Scott Demming
Class Assistant - Tom Nelson
Shop Assistant: Flora Lee
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
Assistant - Tom Nelson
Instructor: Chip Webster
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.
The gGuild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Scroll Saw Basics
Instructors: Rick Martin
Class Assistants: TBD
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.
Introduction to CNC Routing
Interested in learning about CNC Routing and how you can incorporate this highly versatile tool into your woodworking? This class is for you! It starts at the very beginning, describing what CNC routing is all about and how it can be used in woodworking. You’ll then get experience using the software needed to design, create toolpaths, and cut your work on the Guild’s CNC machine.
This is a hands-on class; you’ll need to bring a laptop with the (free!) design software already installed. You’ll work at your own pace through scripted exercises that will teach you to create a design and toolpaths for a personalized sign. When complete, you’ll cut the sign and take it home!
To help support effective and efficient learning, this class includes one-on-one mentorship for each student. Imagine having a CNC expert at your side to guide you every step of the way through the self-paced exercises and machine operation. Enrollment in this all-day class also includes a follow up one-on-one mentorship session in the shop (or maybe the shop of your mentor) to reinforce your newly learned skills.
After completion of the course and approval of your mentor, you’ll have access to the Guild’s CNC machines when attended to by any CNC mentor. You will also have the skills to create simple CNC projects of your own or access literally thousands of designs available through Vectric or on third party Internet sites.
You may be wondering if you’ve got the “right stuff” for CNC. We can help you decide! Click this link for an introductory document and computer skill self-assessment to see if CNC is right for you.
Students need to bring a Windows desktop (or Macbook with virtualized Windows) and will pre-load the (free) Vectric VCarve design software. There is some additional homework required prior to the class. Detailed instructions provided at this link.
Note: This class includes an introductory Zoom call the Saturday 2 weeks prior to the class date from 9:00-11:00am. Attendance is required. If you do not attend the call, your registration will be cancelled.
Price: $230- Includes 10 hours of One on One Instruction (2 hours online + 8 hours in person), 4 hours of individual CNC mentoring (scheduled separately) and routing materials. Lunch: You have the option to obtain lunch in the Village, but we highly recommend you bring your own lunch so we can "talk shop" while we break for a bite.
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.
TheGuild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
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.
Instructor: Ken Fairfax Class Assistant: Neil Bacon
Assistant - Matt Grommes
Assistant - Ginny Benware
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, RSV or COVID-19. If you've tested positive for COVID, please wait until clear to return to the shop.
Shop Assistant: Ginny Benware
Class: Hand Plane Skills - Joinery
Instructors: Tim Moore
Class Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Students: 6 (if you're directed to the waitlist, class is full)
General Description:
This class will focus on four of the most common and most useful joinery planes. After using bench planes to smooth and square up stock, these planes would be used to make rabbets, perfect tenons and cut grooves for drawer bottoms or box tops. They are fairly simple to adjust and to use when adjusted properly but hands-on instruction will speed up the learning process. Students will receive an article by Vic Tesolin to read prior to class. It will be discussed briefly before moving straight to hands-on application. We expect you to be comfortable with all four planes at the end of the session. - The Rabbet Plane is used to cut rabbets along a board that could be filled with a bookcase back, for example.
- The Shoulder Plane is a precision tool to clean up a rabbet or even out the shoulder of a tenon, to create a gap-free mortise and tenon joint.
- The Plow Plane quickly cuts a groove for a box lid or bottom, but can also be used to create decorative edges, like beading.
- The Router Plane smooths out rough-cut grooves and dadoes, flattens tenon cheeks and does many other jobs where a smooth surface will enhance glue-up.
Class Goals: Class goals include mastering traditional joinery techniques, understanding hand plane setup and sharpening, and gaining the skill to use joinery planes for tasks like rabbeting, edging, and routing grooves, dadoes and tenons.
BUILDING CUSTOM CABINETS FOR YOUR HOME
Instructor - Bill Gemulla
Class Assistants - Pat Shuff & Allie Menard
Core Tool Certification Sufficient experience to confidently work with powered hand tools and machine tools
Skill Level: Intermediate/Advanced. Intermediate woodworkers have some woodworking experience on most machines
Description: This two day class is an introduction to residential cabinetmaking. We’ll review the basics of layout, design, materials, hardware options, construction, installation and the tool kit. Our emphasis will be demonstrations and the hands-on building of a simple cabinet. Each student will build and take home a paint-grade utility cabinet that includes a door, a drawer and an adjustable shelf. The cabinet will be approximately 24" wide, 36" tall and 24" deep.
Class Goal: Learn the basics of residential cabinet making.
Tools Used: Table saw, nail guns, staple guns, plate joiner (biscuit cutter), drill and driver, planer (optional), router (optional; certification not required).
Materials:
Guild provided: Guild will provide lumber, plywood, hardware (drawer slides, hinges, screws) and project supplies. Student Provided: PPE Recommended Tools: You'll get more out of the class if you bring your own tools, and our class will progress more smoothly. The Guild will supply tools that you don't bring though our inventory is limited. Instructor will provide a detailed list of tools you should bring if you have them.
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.
Shop Assistant:
Assistant - Ed Ferguson
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 RSV, flu or COVID-19.
Art in the Pearl 2026
This is one of the largest fine arts show in the country. Located in the beautiful Portland Parks Block, it is one of Portland’s most popular events. The Guild has a demonstration booth where we promote the art of woodworking to the public with interactive demonstrations and displays. It is also a chance to recruit new members.
Join us Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday September 4-7) from 10am-5pm and 4pm on Monday. No special skills needed other than the ability to interact with people, explain the Guild and tell people why you love woodworking.
We need 3 people/shift for the Hand Plane Demo making cedar sachets (we can teach you how to do this). The Oregon Carvers Guild will join us.
Please plan to show up at least 15 minutes early for your shifts if possible to allow for parking and shift transition time. Or come even earlier and explore all that the fair has to offer!
Location: Pearl District - North Park Block; likely NW Flanders between NW 8th and NW Park Ave. Our actual location is TBD, but it is expected to be the same as prior years and we will update when we have confirmation.
Sign up via SignUpGenius HERE
If you prefer not to use SignUpGenius, email heidi.mcnamee@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org with your preferred shifts
Friday Setup 5pm
Saturday, Sunday 9:30-1:30pm & 1:15-5:15pm
Monday 9:30-1:30pm & 1:15-5pm
Register and join us. For 2026, we meet on the 2nd Thursdays of Jan, Mar, May, July, Spetember and November from 7 - 9 PM at the Guild Studio.
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