Woodcraft of Charlotte

Turn A Basic Bowl

Saturday, April 5, 9 AM - 1 PM

The bowl, one of mankind’s most underrated creations. A simple concept with a “bowl full” of function. Turning a bowl is rewarding and easier than you may think. Students will learn lathe safety, proper turning techniques using high speed steel and carbide tools, and how to mount and balance a bowl blank using a lathe chuck and a jamb chuck. Finally, techniques for finishing will be discussed and applied to protect and accentuate the beauty of each bowl made. At the end of this half-day class, students will have turned their own bowl and learned the skills to make one for friends and family in the future. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you, please do not hesitate to call our store, and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Intro to Lathe - Half Day

Saturday, April 5, 1:30 PM - 5 PM

In this class students will learn lathe safety, appropriate lathe speed, proper techniques related to the use of the following conventional and carbide turning tools. Standard Turning Tools: Roughing Gouge, Spindel Gouge, Parting Tool, and Skew Chisel. Carbide Tools: Roughing Square Cutter, Smoothing Round Cutter, and Detail Pointed Cutter Sharping System for Conventional turning tools, Wolverine System, will be demonstrated. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Learn to Turn – Full Day

Saturday, April 12, 9 AM - 4 PM

This intense full day class will get you turning and send you home with several completed projects. When you leave you will feel much more confident and ready to get your lathe spinning and those projects started. You will be instructed in the basics of lathe safety, lathe components, lathe tools, and then get into proper cutting techniques. Late afternoon with some projects under your belt, tool sharpening and maintenance will also be covered. The instructor will provide hands-on instruction with each student while they are becoming familiar with the primary lathe tools. Instruction on how tool and body movements effect tool position and cut quality. Students will turn several projects that they will take home. The instructor’s will select a variety of woods that will help students recognize the unique nature of the woods and how the correct tool impacts the finished project. Some sanding and finishing will also be addressed. Your take home projects will serve as a memory guides on making future successful pieces. CLS018. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Learn to Turn – Full Day

Saturday, April 19, 9 AM - 5 PM

This intense full day class will get you turning and send you home with several completed projects. When you leave you will feel much more confident and ready to get your lathe spinning and those projects started. You will be instructed in the basics of lathe safety, lathe components, lathe tools, and then get into proper cutting techniques. Late afternoon with some projects under your belt, tool sharpening and maintenance will also be covered. The instructor will provide hands-on instruction with each student while they are becoming familiar with the primary lathe tools. Instruction on how tool and body movements effect tool position and cut quality. Students will turn several projects that they will take home. The instructor’s will select a variety of woods that will help students recognize the unique nature of the woods and how the correct tool impacts the finished project. Some sanding and finishing will also be addressed. Your take home projects will serve as a memory guides on making future successful pieces. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Custom Knife Making

Saturday, April 26, 9 AM - 1 PM

Learn to make your own custom knife. Craft a handmade handle to fit a pre-made fixed blade, spear point, knife blank (item# 148362). Students will learn how to create a jig to secure the workpiece in order to cut, shape, glue and pin their custom handle to the knife blank. Once the handle is set, students will learn finishing techniques appropriate for protecting the knife handle. Tools used: bandsaw and belt/disc sander. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Woodshop 101

Saturday, April 26, 1 PM - 5 PM

If you are new to woodworking and are looking for direction on what, why, when, and where of power and hand tools, then let our Woodcraft instructor help guide you. This class will provide insight into shop safety, the tools in a woodshop, what they can do, how to use them, and the interaction between tools. You will learn when to use a bandsaw versus a table saw or miter saw; a hand sander versus a drum sander, spindle sander or belt sander; and how a jointer and planer can help you. Your instructor will guide you through the various tools explaining each in detail so that you can effectively plan your shop layout and tool purchases. If the class you are interested in is full or if the date does not work for your schedule, please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when the class is scheduled again.

Intro to Pen Turning 101

Saturday, May 3, 12 PM - 4 PM

Turning a pen is relatively quick but big on reward. This class will expand your turning knowledge, and provide insight into why turning is such a rewarding hobby. In this hands on action filled class, students will receive expert instruction while making two pens: Typically a Wall Street II twist pen and a Slim-Line two-piece pen. The pen making process begins with a discussion on lathe safety and lathe operation, followed by tool orientation. The instructor will work closely with students as they learn how to prepare the blanks for mounting and turning. This includes selecting, sawing, drilling, inserting brass tubes and milling the ends for flatness. The turning and finishing steps will be followed by pen assembly and will provide the students with beautiful pens to take home. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Beginning Kumiko

Saturday, May 10, 9 AM - 1 PM

It may come as a surprise to most, but there is beauty in geometry. Kumiko is the Japanese technique of assembling wooden pieces, without the use of nails, into carefully laid out patterns resulting in beautiful geometric art. Students will learn to fit a pre-planned pattern together using hand tools such as a block plane, saw, gauging block, and chisel. At the end of the class, students will have learned the basics in the art of Kumiko and go home with coasters showing off their new skill. If the class you are interested in is full or if the date does not work for your schedule, please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when the class is scheduled again.

CNC 101 - Design & Make your first Project

Part 1: Saturday, May 17, 9 AM - 1 PM

Part 2: Saturday, May 31, 9 AM - 1 PM

This Intro to CNC class will help you get started on your CNC journey. Perfect for anyone thinking about a CNC machine, trying to become comfortable with a CNC or already doing basic CNC but looking to improve your skills. This is a 2 part class, 2 separate sessions of 4 hours each. Part 1 includes discussion on how to select a CNC system as well as discussion on design software choices. Then moves into the steps needed to take a project from concept to completion. This includes a comprehensive overview of V-Carve software, how to create a design, generating tool paths and save the machine file. At the end of Part 1, student will have some homework and will work on their design to bring back for part 2. Part 2 will help students take their design from software to completed project. Some / all student projects will be chosen as examples and be run on the store CNC, time permitting. This section includes instructions on CNC controls, CNC safety, tips for running your first project, post processors, tooling, and machine configuration. Hands on training will include machine setup, program uploads, selecting cutting tools, setting speeds, and feed rates that relate to the best cutting practices. The class is hands-on so prepare to take notes. It is not required, but we recommend each student bring a laptop computer with a currently licensed demo version of Vetric V-Carve or Vetric V-Carve Pro. The demo version is a free download. We look forward to providing guidance into the world of CNC machining and arming you with the knowledge to complete your next CNC project with confidence. NOTE: If the class you are interested in is full or if the date does not work for you, please call our store, and add your information to the overflow list. We will contact you when the class is scheduled again.

Intro to Pen Turning 101

Saturday, May 17, 12 PM - 4 PM

Turning a pen is relatively quick but big on reward. This class will expand your turning knowledge, and provide insight into why turning is such a rewarding hobby. In this hands on action filled class, students will receive expert instruction while making two pens: Typically a Wall Street II twist pen and a Slim-Line two-piece pen. The pen making process begins with a discussion on lathe safety and lathe operation, followed by tool orientation. The instructor will work closely with students as they learn how to prepare the blanks for mounting and turning. This includes selecting, sawing, drilling, inserting brass tubes and milling the ends for flatness. The turning and finishing steps will be followed by pen assembly and will provide the students with beautiful pens to take home. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Custom Knife Making

Saturday, May 24, 9 AM - 1 PM

Learn to make your own custom knife. Craft a handmade handle to fit a pre-made fixed blade, spear point, knife blank (item# 148362). Students will learn how to create a jig to secure the workpiece in order to cut, shape, glue and pin their custom handle to the knife blank. Once the handle is set, students will learn finishing techniques appropriate for protecting the knife handle. Tools used: bandsaw and belt/disc sander. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Router Inlay

Saturday, May 24, 1 PM - 5 PM

The router is one of the most versatile tools a woodworker can master. When it comes to adding one-off details and customizations, router inlay techniques will elevate your woodworking projects to a new level. Your instructor will guide you through the process of creating custom templates & jigs, using commercial templates & jigs, as well as determining fixes and work arounds. Students will learn how to determine what bits, bushings, and routers are needed to create a decorative and stable inlay. Everything from a simple dutchman inlay to decorative recesses with corresponding filler pieces will be discussed and shown. Those with a desire to get more comfortable with their own equipment are encouraged to bring a router and inlay kit (woodcraft items 159213 or 09I16) to the classroom. Other materials and tools will be provided.

Learn to Turn – Full Day

Saturday, June 7, 9 AM - 4 PM

This intense full day class will get you turning and send you home with several completed projects. When you leave you will feel much more confident and ready to get your lathe spinning and those projects started. You will be instructed in the basics of lathe safety, lathe components, lathe tools, and then get into proper cutting techniques. Late afternoon with some projects under your belt, tool sharpening and maintenance will also be covered. The instructor will provide hands-on instruction with each student while they are becoming familiar with the primary lathe tools. Instruction on how tool and body movements effect tool position and cut quality. Students will turn several projects that they will take home. The instructor’s will select a variety of woods that will help students recognize the unique nature of the woods and how the correct tool impacts the finished project. Some sanding and finishing will also be addressed. Your take home projects will serve as a memory guides on making future successful pieces. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Custom Knife Making

Saturday, June 28, 9 AM - 1 PM

Learn to make your own custom knife. Craft a handmade handle to fit a pre-made fixed blade, spear point, knife blank (item# 148362). Students will learn how to create a jig to secure the workpiece in order to cut, shape, glue and pin their custom handle to the knife blank. Once the handle is set, students will learn finishing techniques appropriate for protecting the knife handle. Tools used: bandsaw and belt/disc sander. If the class you are interested in is full or if that date does not work for you please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

CNC 101 - Design & Make your first Project

Part 1: Saturday, July 12, 9 AM - 1 PM

Part 2: Saturday, July 26, 9 AM - 1 PM

This Intro to CNC class will help you get started on your CNC journey. Perfect for anyone thinking about a CNC machine, trying to become comfortable with a CNC or already doing basic CNC but looking to improve your skills. This is a 2 part class, 2 separate sessions of 4 hours each. Part 1 includes discussion on how to select a CNC system as well as discussion on design software choices. Then moves into the steps needed to take a project from concept to completion. This includes a comprehensive overview of V-Carve software, how to create a design, generating tool paths and save the machine file. At the end of Part 1, student will have some homework and will work on their design to bring back for part 2. Part 2 will help students take their design from software to completed project. Some / all student projects will be chosen as examples and be run on the store CNC, time permitting. This section includes instructions on CNC controls, CNC safety, tips for running your first project, post processors, tooling, and machine configuration. Hands on training will include machine setup, program uploads, selecting cutting tools, setting speeds, and feed rates that relate to the best cutting practices. The class is hands-on so prepare to take notes. It is not required, but we recommend each student bring a laptop computer with a currently licensed demo version of Vetric V-Carve or Vetric V-Carve Pro. The demo version is a free download. We look forward to providing guidance into the world of CNC machining and arming you with the knowledge to complete your next CNC project with confidence. NOTE: If the class you are interested in is full or if the date does not work for you, please call our store, and add your information to the overflow list. We will contact you when the class is scheduled again.

Beginning Kumiko

Saturday, September 13, 9 AM - 1 PM

It may come as a surprise to most, but there is beauty in geometry. Kumiko is the Japanese technique of assembling wooden pieces, without the use of nails, into carefully laid out patterns resulting in beautiful geometric art. Students will learn to fit a pre-planned pattern together using hand tools such as a block plane, saw, gauging block, and chisel. At the end of the class, students will have learned the basics in the art of Kumiko and go home with coasters showing off their new skill. If the class you are interested in is full or if the date does not work for your schedule, please do not hesitate to call our store and sign up for the “overflow” list. We will contact you when the class is scheduled again.