Woodcraft of Raleigh / Durham / Chapel Hill

Bowl Turning

Saturday, December 28, 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 4, 9 AM - 4 PM

The focus of this class is on learning basic tool techniques and introducing students to the wonderful world of wood turning. This class is geared towards beginners but anyone who desires to improve their turning skills is welcome. In the morning we will turn a Bead & Cove Stick and then later in the afternoon we will turn a simple project using what was learned in the morning session. The bead & Cove stick contains all the elements except hollowing that you will need to turn out excellent turned work with very little effort. (The bead or convex curve-the cove or concave curve and the flat or straight line.) This is the place to start on your woodturning journey as it will provide you with the knowledge and skill to that will make your turning more pleasurable and less frustrating. 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.

Woodworking Fundamentals

Saturday, January 11, 9 AM - 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 will be basic wood types, 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.

French Rolling Pin

Sunday, January 12, 1 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.

Turning a Wooden Box

Saturday, January 25, 9 AM - 4 PM

Turning boxes on a lathe is a fascinating woodworking project that combines precision and creativity. The process begins with selecting a suitable wood blank, which is then mounted on the lathe and shaped into a cylinder. The wood is divided into two parts: one for the box body and the other for the lid. Using various tools like gouges and parting tools, the interior of the box is hollowed out, and the exterior is carefully shaped and sanded to a smooth finish. The lid is crafted to fit snugly onto the body, ensuring a seamless look. Finally, both pieces are finished with a polish or oil to enhance the wood’s natural beauty and protect the surface. This project not only hones your turning skills but also results in a beautiful, functional piece that can be used for storage or as a decorative item. 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.

Sharpening Turning Tools

Sunday, January 26, 12 PM - 4 PM

Successful turning projects are made and lost by the sharpness of the tools you use. This course covers the basics of grinders, grinding wheel selection and setup, various jigs and their applications, and techniques for sharpening bowl gouges, scrapers, skew chisels, spindle gouges and more. 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.

French Rolling Pin

Sunday, February 2, 1 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.

From Rough Cut to S4S

Sunday, February 9, 12 PM - 4 PM

Dive into the art of transforming rough lumber into precisely surfaced four-sided (S4S) wood in this hands-on workshop. Learn essential woodworking techniques, including jointing, planing, and edge cutting, to create smooth, uniform lumber ready for your next project. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this class will enhance your skills and understanding of high-quality wood preparation. Join us to unlock the potential of S4S lumber in furniture making, cabinetry, and more! 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

Saturday, February 15, 9 AM - 4 PM

The focus of this class is on learning basic tool techniques and introducing students to the wonderful world of wood turning. This class is geared towards beginners but anyone who desires to improve their turning skills is welcome. In the morning we will turn a Bead & Cove Stick and then later in the afternoon we will turn a simple project using what was learned in the morning session. The bead & Cove stick contains all the elements except hollowing that you will need to turn out excellent turned work with very little effort. (The bead or convex curve-the cove or concave curve and the flat or straight line.) This is the place to start on your woodturning journey as it will provide you with the knowledge and skill to that will make your turning more pleasurable and less frustrating. 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.

Sharpening Turning Tools

Sunday, February 16, 12 PM - 4 PM

Successful turning projects are made and lost by the sharpness of the tools you use. This course covers the basics of grinders, grinding wheel selection and setup, various jigs and their applications, and techniques for sharpening bowl gouges, scrapers, skew chisels, spindle gouges and more. 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 Laser Engraving

Saturday, February 22, 12 PM - 4 PM

Join us for our beginner laser engraving and software class featuring the xTool laser and xTool Creative Space software! In this course you'll learn the essentials of operating your xTool laser engraver and create designs using xTool Creative Space. We’ll begin with fundamental safety protocols and machine setup to ensure a secure and efficient working environment. Next, you'll dive into xTool Creative Space, where you'll discover how to import, edit, and prepare your designs for engraving. Our guided projects will walk you through various techniques, from basic engravings to more complex patterns, allowing you to understand material settings and optimize your workflow. By the end of this class, you'll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to confidently create and take home your own laser engraving project. 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.

Bandsaw Box

Sunday, March 2, 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! 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.

Turn 2 Part Candlestick

Saturday, March 8, 9 AM - 4 PM

The focus of this workshop is on learning and building your turning skills to turn a two part candle stick. We will use a bowl gouge to turn a candle stick base with a relief/mortise to attach the candlestick. We will use a Spindle Roughing Gouge and a 3/8” Spindle Gouge or a Skew to turn the Candlestick spindle with a tenon that fits into the mortise in the base. Prior turning experience would be helpful. This is a fun project that helps to build one’s turning skills.

Turn a Milking Stool

Part 1: Saturday, March 22, 9 AM - 4 PM

Part 2: Sunday, March 23, 12 PM - 4 PM

The focus of this workshop will be on faceplate and spindle skills and techniques with the project being a 17” Tall Three Legged Stool. We will start by turning the seat followed by turning 3 legs and a small button to cover the screw chuck hole in the seat. There may not be enough time to turn all three legs but the drilling of mortises in the seat and the turning of leg tenons will be covered. This is an excellent workshop for anyone wanting to improve their turning skills. The use of a story stick for turning multiple legs will be covered. 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.