Woodcraft of Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

Beginning Kumiko

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 9 AM - 3 PM

Kumiko is the ancient Japanese technique of assembling intricate geometric wooden lattices. Found in fine furniture and architecture, these panels add elegance to cabinets, doors, and boxes. In this class, you will: Learn design layout for a Kumiko pattern. Build custom jigs to achieve perfect, repeatable angles. Mill and fit individual components using traditional methods. You will walk away with a completed Kumiko panel and the fundamental skills for high-precision joinery.

Bowl Turning

Saturday, December 27, 2025, 9 AM - 4 PM

This course is designed to introduce the student to the required safety considerations of woodturning and focus on learning basic bowl turning techniques using traditional bowl gouges. Topics covered in the class include wood selection and preparation, different ways to mount blank onto lathe, proper tool technique, sanding, and finishing the bowl. Tool sharpening will be discussed. At the end of the day you'll be taking home a beautiful bowl turned by you! No experience necessary although completion of Turning 101 class is recommended. If the class you're interested in is full, or date does not work for you, please call our store and sign up for the "overflow" list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Learn to Turn

Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM

This beginner-friendly class is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about the craft of woodturning. Whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, this class focuses on learning fundamental tool techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment. In the morning, students will turn a Bead & Cove Stick—a foundational exercise that teaches the key shapes used in most turning projects: the bead (convex curve), the cove (concave curve), and the flat (straight line). In the afternoon, you’ll apply those skills by creating a simple, satisfying project to take home. Mastering the Bead & Cove Stick builds the muscle memory and understanding you need to enjoy smoother, more successful turning. It's an essential first step that sets you up for more advanced projects with confidence. If the class is full or the date doesn’t work for you, give us a call to be added to our overflow list. We’ll notify you when a new session becomes available.

Woodworking 101: Make a Charcuterie Board

Saturday, January 17, 2026, 12 PM - 5 PM

Unleash your inner woodworker and create a stunning, custom charcuterie board in just five hours! Join us for this immersive, hands-on workshop where you'll learn the essential techniques for crafting a beautiful wooden serving piece. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some woodworking experience, our expert instructor will guide you through every step, from raw lumber to a finished, food-safe board. What You'll Do: Lumber Selection: Learn about different wood species ideal for charcuterie. Shaping & Cutting: Safely use saws to cut and shape your board to your desired design. Sanding & Smoothing: Master the art of progressive sanding for a flawlessly smooth finish. Finishing & Oiling: Apply a food-safe oil finish to bring out the wood's natural beauty and make it ready for serving. Walk away with: A one-of-a-kind, handcrafted wooden charcuterie board ready to impress your guests. The confidence and skills to tackle future small woodworking projects

Woodworking Fundamentals

Part 1: Saturday, January 24, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM

Part 2: Sunday, January 25, 2026, 12 PM - 4 PM

Want to try woodworking but not sure where to start? Start right here, where you'll "meet the shop"! We'll show you how to use many of the common hand and power tools in the modern woodworking shop as you put together and finish a project you'll be proud to display in your home. This course will explore the safety and use of, by hands-on practice, the table saw, jointer, planer, band saw, drum sander, drill press and much more. Additional topics, selection and preparation, types of joinery, gluing and basic finishing. Gain some knowledge and hands-on practice that will last a lifetime. 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.

Mastering the Skew

Saturday, January 31, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM

In this hands-on workshop, we’ll concentrate on using the skew chisel while turning a two-part mallet. Participants will work with a 1 1/4” Spindle Roughing Gouge and a skew to shape both the mallet head and handle. This engaging project offers a great opportunity to build confidence and skill with the skew. While the mallet may appear simple, working with a skew can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its nuances. However, completing the project often brings a rewarding sense of accomplishment, as many find they’ve overcome their initial hesitation and gained control over this once-intimidating tool. The mallet head features a straightforward, slightly convex design. The handle can be kept simple or enhanced with decorative elements like beads and coves for added complexity. For those seeking an extra challenge, try using the skew to carve a cove near the joint between the handle and mallet head—an excellent exercise in precision and technique.

Learn to Turn

Saturday, February 7, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM

This beginner-friendly class is the perfect starting point for anyone curious about the craft of woodturning. Whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your skills, this class focuses on learning fundamental tool techniques in a supportive, hands-on environment. In the morning, students will turn a Bead & Cove Stick—a foundational exercise that teaches the key shapes used in most turning projects: the bead (convex curve), the cove (concave curve), and the flat (straight line). In the afternoon, you’ll apply those skills by creating a simple, satisfying project to take home. Mastering the Bead & Cove Stick builds the muscle memory and understanding you need to enjoy smoother, more successful turning. It's an essential first step that sets you up for more advanced projects with confidence. If the class is full or the date doesn’t work for you, give us a call to be added to our overflow list. We’ll notify you when a new session becomes available.

Bandsaw Box

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 12 PM - 4 PM

Bandsaw boxes are delightful woodworking projects that can be both functional and artistic. You can get creative and let your imagination run wild when designing your bandsaw box. As you perfect the technique, a unique shape, any number of drawers and thickness are at your discretion. Remember, bandsaw boxes are addictive to make, and they're perfect for storing little trinkets or as unique gifts. Have fun creating your masterpiece!

Spoon Carving

Saturday, February 28, 2026, 12 PM - 4 PM

Have you ever looked at a hand carved spoon and thought it would be fun to give it a try. Here is your chance. Spend the day learning the tools and techniques needed to carve a spoon. It is a project that requires minimal tools and one that can be worked on without a workshop. It might just be the beginning to a new pastime activity. If the class you are interested in is full, or if date does not work for you, please call our store and sign up for the "overflow" list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.

Woodworking Fundamentals

Part 1: Saturday, March 7, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM

Part 2: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 12 PM - 4 PM

Want to try woodworking but not sure where to start? Start right here, where you'll "meet the shop"! We'll show you how to use many of the common hand and power tools in the modern woodworking shop as you put together and finish a project you'll be proud to display in your home. This course will explore the safety and use of, by hands-on practice, the table saw, jointer, planer, band saw, drum sander, drill press and much more. Additional topics, selection and preparation, types of joinery, gluing and basic finishing. Gain some knowledge and hands-on practice that will last a lifetime. 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.

Maximizing Your Bandsaw

Thursday, March 12, 2026, 2 PM - 3 PM

Join Alex Snodgrass, the leading authority on the bandsaw, for an in-depth seminar on unlocking the full potential of your bandsaw. Participants will learn how to fine tune a bandsaw for smoother cuts and greater accuracy. He will also demonstrate how Carter Products accessories extend the tool’s range. Guides, mag fence, blades, inserts and a circle cutter will be highlighted for their role in precise and efficient work. The seminar will also include a brief segment on Titebond® glues, focusing on the optimal types for various woodworking projects. This seminar lays the groundwork for Alex’s box building class, offering students the chance to learn directly from a respected authority in woodworking. Sign up NOW! Seating is limited.

Build A Pin Box and Two-Drawer Wave Box

Friday, March 13, 2026, 9 AM - 5 PM

Renowned bandsaw master Alex Snodgrass will lead a hands-on class devoted to building two striking projects: a four-drawer pin box and a two-drawer wave box. Instruction covers setup, cutting techniques and safe shaping methods while Alex guides participants step by step and answers questions throughout the process. He also reveals the secrets behind his signature designs, including magnetic boxes, push button boxes, the gravity pin box and an articulated snake. Additionally, participants will receive exclusive access to a private video showcasing the completed projects, extending the learning beyond the classroom. By the end of the day, students not only complete two boxes but also gain the rare chance to learn directly from a legend in the craft, leaving with the skills and confidence to create almost any style of bandsaw box. Secure your spot TODAY. Class size is limited to 10.

French Rolling Pin

Saturday, March 14, 2026, 12 PM - 4 PM

In this introductory woodturning course, you’ll learn the art of creating a classic French rolling pin. With its tapered ends and a flat center, the French rolling pin is both a beautiful and practical object—perfect for honing your turning skills. This hands-on class will guide you through the fundamentals of achieving clean, symmetrical curves and flat surfaces, helping you master essential techniques while crafting a functional kitchen tool. Join us for an engaging experience that combines creativity and craftsmanship! 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.

Bowl Turning

Saturday, March 21, 2026, 9 AM - 4 PM

This course is designed to introduce the student to the required safety considerations of woodturning and focus on learning basic bowl turning techniques using traditional bowl gouges. Topics covered in the class include wood selection and preparation, different ways to mount blank onto lathe, proper tool technique, sanding, and finishing the bowl. Tool sharpening will be discussed. At the end of the day you'll be taking home a beautiful bowl turned by you! No experience necessary although completion of Turning 101 class is recommended. If the class you're interested in is full, or date does not work for you, please call our store and sign up for the "overflow" list. We will contact you when that class is scheduled again.