Woodcraft of Tucson

Band Saw Basics

Sunday, December 15, 11 AM - 1 PM

A band saw is one of the most versatile tools in a woodworkers shop, but only if it is tuned up correctly. This class will teach you how to do that tune up properly, and how to maintain your band saw for years of reliable service. We will discuss which blade is best for any given situation, and how to use your band saw safely and efficiently when completing various cuts like resawing, cutting curves and compound curves, and when using various jigs.

Hand Planes

Sunday, December 15, 2 PM - 4 PM

Hand tool woodworking is the ultimate in relaxation. No screaming power tools to distract you—just the pleasure of using fine tools to create your masterpiece. A properly tuned hand plane is a key player in that list of tools, but setting one up is a mystery to the uninitiated. In this class we will go over some of the history of hand planes and discuss the various types and their uses. Tips for selection and maintenance are also discussed. From there, you will do a deep dive into the anatomy of a hand plane and learn what each part does and why. A sharp blade is critical to a well performing hand plane and you will be instructed on how to achieve a razor sharp edge that will sing as it slices wispy shavings from the workpiece. Bring your own plane or use one of ours.

Whittle a Wooden Wizard

Saturday, December 21, 1 PM - 5 PM

You'll be a whiz at whittling a wooden Wizard! All materials provided for this class including a high carbon steel carving knife with sharpening strop for all your future projects. Safety and carving techniques will be taught in this hands-on class. We will cover the basic skills needed to accomplish your own fun and rewarding projects.

Turn a "Christmas Tree" Ornament

Sunday, December 22, 9 AM - 11 AM

In this class we will teach you how to turn a "Christmas Tree" ornament on the lathe. You will learn how to chuck and turn a special gift. Learn tricks to getting a perfect finish. Ornaments make great gifts, are fun to turn and don't require big pieces of exotic wood.

Turn A Lidded Box

Sunday, December 22, 12 PM - 5 PM

In this class we will teach you how to turn and hollow a suction-fit lidded box on the lathe. You will learn how to chuck and re-chuck the box and lid on the lathe using jam chucks to remove the tenons used during the process. Learn tricks to getting a perfect suction-fit lid. Lidded boxes make great gifts, are fun to turn and don’t require big pieces of exotic wood.

Band Saw Basics

Saturday, January 4, 10 AM - 12 PM

A band saw is one of the most versatile tools in a woodworkers shop, but only if it is tuned up correctly. This class will teach you how to do that tune up properly, and how to maintain your band saw for years of reliable service. We will discuss which blade is best for any given situation, and how to use your band saw safely and efficiently when completing various cuts like resawing, cutting curves and compound curves, and when using various jigs.

Introduction To Gourd Finishing

Sunday, January 5, 1 PM - 5 PM

Learn from our expert instructor how to work with gourds from start to finish to create a beautiful work of art. Lynne will show you a variety of interesting techniques.

Wood Finishing Techniques Beginning to Advanced

Thursday, January 9, 3 PM - 6 PM

Our finishing instructor, Bob Levey, is recognized nationally for his expertise in decorative painting and finishing. His client list reads like a Who's Who of celebrity elites. We are fortunate to have Bob here to share his wealth of knowledge with you. Information covered will include preparation, choice of wood, different options for coloring wood and different types of finishes. Intermediate techniques include color mixing and matching, methods to change the sheen, and options for surface distressing.

Introduction To The Lathe--Spindle Turning

Saturday, January 11, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

As a beginner or someone who needs a refresher course in woodturning, tool control concepts are extremely important. I will show you why those nasty "catches" happen and how to get good, clean cuts with your tools. Once you grasp these basics, it will be much easier to begin making pens, pepper grinders, bowls, boxes, hollow forms, and any other woodturning project. Instruction will include safety, lathe setup, theory of tool control, sharpening tips, and basic cuts that can be made on spindles. You will have practice creating traditional spindle features with five fundamental turning tools, and each student will work on a project to take home.

Turn A Lidded Box

Sunday, January 12, 12 PM - 5 PM

In this class we will teach you how to turn and hollow a suction-fit lidded box on the lathe. You will learn how to chuck and re-chuck the box and lid on the lathe using jam chucks to remove the tenons used during the process. Learn tricks to getting a perfect suction-fit lid. Lidded boxes make great gifts, are fun to turn and don’t require big pieces of exotic wood.

Beginning Intarsia

Wednesday, January 15, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dan has been woodworking for more than 30 years. He studied intarsia, a decorative, semi-3D wood mosaic technique, with Judy Gale Roberts and Jerry Booher. Dan will teach their methodology for the student to complete a beginning project. Materials will be provided.

Woodworking Series for Beginners

Part 1: Thursday, January 16, 10 AM - 3:30 PM

Part 2: Thursday, January 23, 10 AM - 4 PM

Part 3: Thursday, January 30, 10 AM - 4 PM

Get started in woodworking with this series of classes by building a fine end table. Starting in part 1, you will learn to use hand and power tools, shop safety, selecting wood and preparation. In part 2, you will use cut lists, drawings, measuring, cutting parts to size, panelizing and gluing. In part 3 you will complete final cutting of parts, sanding and prepare for assembly. A discussion of finishing will follow.

Lathe Tool Sharpening

Thursday, January 16, 4 PM - 7 PM

Dull tools prevent you from doing your best work and are dangerous. Let us show you a quick and easy way to sharpen your turning tools using a slow speed grinder and the Wolverine Jig. We'll help you with the steps to setting up the jig and how to get the most out of the jig so you'll be back to your turning project in no time. Just bring your own safety glasses and lathe tools and we will teach you what you need to know to have sharp lathe tools that are a joy to work with.

Introduction To The Table Saw

Saturday, January 18, 10 AM - 12 PM

If you have never used or have little experience with power tools and want to learn, then this class is for you. The Introduction to the Table Saw class will cover safety, tool components, setup and checks, basic cuts including crosscuts, rip cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and special setups for specific cuts. Some hands-on time will be available for you to practice. Build your confidence using this work horse of the wood shop. We will be using the SawStop table saw as our tool of choice.

Hand Planes

Saturday, January 18, 2 PM - 4 PM

Hand tool woodworking is the ultimate in relaxation. No screaming power tools to distract you—just the pleasure of using fine tools to create your masterpiece. A properly tuned hand plane is a key player in that list of tools, but setting one up is a mystery to the uninitiated. In this class we will go over some of the history of hand planes and discuss the various types and their uses. Tips for selection and maintenance are also discussed. From there, you will do a deep dive into the anatomy of a hand plane and learn what each part does and why. A sharp blade is critical to a well performing hand plane and you will be instructed on how to achieve a razor sharp edge that will sing as it slices wispy shavings from the workpiece. Bring your own plane or use one of ours.

Skew Basics

Sunday, January 19, 10 AM - 12 PM

Learn different grinds, sharpening techniques and methods of cutting with the skew, the most dangerous and most useful tool on the lathe.

Introduction to Using the Router

Saturday, January 25, 10 AM - 12 PM

If you have a router and want to start using it or are thinking of getting one, this class is for you. We will cover these topics: Why use a router, types of routers, similarities and differences, components, bits, safe operation, router limits, bit speed, size of cut and some router accessories. You will have time to practice installing bits for edge profiling, dado cuts, rabbet cuts and flush cuts.

Learn Basic Woodcarving Spoon

Saturday, January 25, 1 PM - 5 PM

Carve a beautiful decorative wooden spoon to display or gift with pride. All materials provided for this class including a high carbon steel carving knife and spoon carving knife with sharpening strop for all your future projects. Safety and carving techniques will be taught in this hands-on class. We will teach the basic skills needed to accomplish your own fun and rewarding projects.

Make Your Own Custom Wood Pen Blank

Sunday, January 26, 11 AM - 1 PM

If you're into making pens and want to take them to the next level, take this class and learn how to make custom, unique, one of a kind pen blanks. We'll help you make your own segmented wood pen blank. Once you've learned the techniques there's no telling what your creativity can achieve.

Wood Or Acrylic Pen Turning

Sunday, January 26, 1 PM - 4 PM

This pen turning class is designed for either beginners (turning wooden pens), or more experienced turners (turning acrylic pens) with the help of our expert pen turning instructor. We'll choose the pen kit (Wall Street 2), and you choose the blank (wood or acrylic). Either way, you have a nice pen to take home with you.

Introduction To The Lathe--Spindle Turning

Saturday, February 1, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

As a beginner or someone who needs a refresher course in woodturning, tool control concepts are extremely important. I will show you why those nasty "catches" happen and how to get good, clean cuts with your tools. Once you grasp these basics, it will be much easier to begin making pens, pepper grinders, bowls, boxes, hollow forms, and any other woodturning project. Instruction will include safety, lathe setup, theory of tool control, sharpening tips, and basic cuts that can be made on spindles. You will have practice creating traditional spindle features with five fundamental turning tools, and each student will work on a project to take home.

Band Saw Basics

Tuesday, February 4, 10 AM - 12 PM

A band saw is one of the most versatile tools in a woodworkers shop, but only if it is tuned up correctly. This class will teach you how to do that tune up properly, and how to maintain your band saw for years of reliable service. We will discuss which blade is best for any given situation, and how to use your band saw safely and efficiently when completing various cuts like resawing, cutting curves and compound curves, and when using various jigs.

Bowl Turning Basics

Saturday, February 8, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

This basic bowl class focuses on the craft of making a wooden bowl for everyday practical use. Instruction will include the basics of wood selection, mounting the wood to the lathe, design elements, and the use of bowl gouges and scrapers to turn and shape the bowl. Sanding and finishing techniques will also be discussed.

Introduction To Woodburning

Sunday, February 9, 1 PM - 4 PM

In this class you will learn the basics of woodburning. The various tools and techniques needed will be discussed, as well as any safety concerns. Either bring your own woodburning tool if you'd like, or one will be provided for you to use.

Beginning And Intermediate Intarsia

Wednesday, February 12, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dan has been woodworking for more than 35 years. He studied intarsia, a decorative, semi-3D wood mosaic technique, with Judy Gale Roberts and Jerry Booher. Dan will teach their methodology for the student to complete a beginning or intermediate project. Materials will be provided.

Wood Finishing Techniques Beginning to Advanced

Thursday, February 13, 3 PM - 6 PM

Our finishing instructor, Bob Levey, is recognized nationally for his expertise in decorative painting and finishing. His client list reads like a Who's Who of celebrity elites. We are fortunate to have Bob here to share his wealth of knowledge with you. Information covered will include preparation, choice of wood, different options for coloring wood and different types of finishes. Intermediate techniques include color mixing and matching, methods to change the sheen, and options for surface distressing.

Introduction To The Table Saw

Saturday, February 15, 10 AM - 12 PM

If you have never used or have little experience with power tools and want to learn, then this class is for you. The Introduction to the Table Saw class will cover safety, tool components, setup and checks, basic cuts including crosscuts, rip cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and special setups for specific cuts. Some hands-on time will be available for you to practice. Build your confidence using this work horse of the wood shop. We will be using the SawStop table saw as our tool of choice.

Learn Basic Woodcarving - Comfort Bird

Saturday, February 15, 1 PM - 5 PM

Begin or continue your woodcarving journey by whittling a Comfort Bird, a sweet, smooth carving you can hold in your hand. All materials are provided including a high carbon steel carving knife with sharpening strop to keep and use for all your future projects. Safety and basic carving techniques will be taught in this hands on class. We will teach the basic skills needed to accomplish your own fun and rewarding projects. All levels of carving ability are welcome, ages 14+.

Turn A Lidded Box

Sunday, February 16, 12 PM - 5 PM

In this class we will teach you how to turn and hollow a suction-fit lidded box on the lathe. You will learn how to chuck and re-chuck the box and lid on the lathe using jam chucks to remove the tenons used during the process. Learn tricks to getting a perfect suction-fit lid. Lidded boxes make great gifts, are fun to turn and don’t require big pieces of exotic wood.

Introduction to Using the Router

Saturday, February 22, 10 AM - 12 PM

If you have a router and want to start using it or are thinking of getting one, this class is for you. We will cover these topics: Why use a router, types of routers, similarities and differences, components, bits, safe operation, router limits, bit speed, size of cut and some router accessories. You will have time to practice installing bits for edge profiling, dado cuts, rabbet cuts and flush cuts.

Router Table

Saturday, February 22, 2 PM - 4 PM

A router table enables you to find more and safer ways to use your router including mortise joints, jointing edges, trim work, end grain cuts, veneer joints and cope & stick. Set up and safe router use will be discussed and practiced.

Hollow Form Basics

Sunday, February 23, 9 AM - 5 PM

Have you ever wondered how a deep vase is made? Learn today using basic wood turning techniques and figure out all the ins and outs of an inside hollowing tool and it's a breeze!

Hand Planes

Tuesday, February 25, 10 AM - 12 PM

Hand tool woodworking is the ultimate in relaxation. No screaming power tools to distract you—just the pleasure of using fine tools to create your masterpiece. A properly tuned hand plane is a key player in that list of tools, but setting one up is a mystery to the uninitiated. In this class we will go over some of the history of hand planes and discuss the various types and their uses. Tips for selection and maintenance are also discussed. From there, you will do a deep dive into the anatomy of a hand plane and learn what each part does and why. A sharp blade is critical to a well performing hand plane and you will be instructed on how to achieve a razor sharp edge that will sing as it slices wispy shavings from the workpiece. Bring your own plane or use one of ours.

Introduction To Gourd Finishing

Sunday, March 2, 1 PM - 5 PM

Learn from our expert instructor how to work with gourds from start to finish to create a beautiful work of art. Lynne will show you a variety of interesting techniques.

Lathe Tool Sharpening

Thursday, March 6, 4 PM - 7 PM

Dull tools prevent you from doing your best work and are dangerous. Let us show you a quick and easy way to sharpen your turning tools using a slow speed grinder and the Wolverine Jig. We'll help you with the steps to setting up the jig and how to get the most out of the jig so you'll be back to your turning project in no time. Just bring your own safety glasses and lathe tools and we will teach you what you need to know to have sharp lathe tools that are a joy to work with.

Introduction To The Lathe--Spindle Turning

Saturday, March 8, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

As a beginner or someone who needs a refresher course in woodturning, tool control concepts are extremely important. I will show you why those nasty "catches" happen and how to get good, clean cuts with your tools. Once you grasp these basics, it will be much easier to begin making pens, pepper grinders, bowls, boxes, hollow forms, and any other woodturning project. Instruction will include safety, lathe setup, theory of tool control, sharpening tips, and basic cuts that can be made on spindles. You will have practice creating traditional spindle features with five fundamental turning tools, and each student will work on a project to take home.

Wood Or Acrylic Pen Turning

Sunday, March 9, 9 AM - 12 PM

This pen turning class is designed for either beginners (turning wooden pens), or more experienced turners (turning acrylic pens) with the help of our expert pen turning instructor. We'll choose the pen kit (Wall Street 2), and you choose the blank (wood or acrylic). Either way, you have a nice pen to take home with you.

Beginning And Intermediate Intarsia

Wednesday, March 12, 9 AM - 4 PM

Dan has been woodworking for more than 35 years. He studied intarsia, a decorative, semi-3D wood mosaic technique, with Judy Gale Roberts and Jerry Booher. Dan will teach their methodology for the student to complete a beginning or intermediate project. Materials will be provided.

Wood Finishing Techniques Beginning to Advanced

Thursday, March 13, 3 PM - 6 PM

Our finishing instructor, Bob Levey, is recognized nationally for his expertise in decorative painting and finishing. His client list reads like a Who's Who of celebrity elites. We are fortunate to have Bob here to share his wealth of knowledge with you. Information covered will include preparation, choice of wood, different options for coloring wood and different types of finishes. Intermediate techniques include color mixing and matching, methods to change the sheen, and options for surface distressing.

Introduction To The Table Saw

Saturday, March 15, 10 AM - 12 PM

If you have never used or have little experience with power tools and want to learn, then this class is for you. The Introduction to the Table Saw class will cover safety, tool components, setup and checks, basic cuts including crosscuts, rip cuts, miter cuts, bevel cuts and special setups for specific cuts. Some hands-on time will be available for you to practice. Build your confidence using this work horse of the wood shop. We will be using the SawStop table saw as our tool of choice.

Whittle a Wooden Wizard

Saturday, March 15, 1 PM - 5 PM

You'll be a whiz at whittling a wooden Wizard! All materials provided for this class including a high carbon steel carving knife with sharpening strop for all your future projects. Safety and carving techniques will be taught in this hands-on class. We will cover the basic skills needed to accomplish your own fun and rewarding projects.

Hollow Form Basics

Sunday, March 16, 9 AM - 5 PM

Have you ever wondered how a deep vase is made? Learn today using basic wood turning techniques and figure out all the ins and outs of an inside hollowing tool and it's a breeze!

Woodworking Series for Beginners

Part 1: Thursday, March 20, 10 AM - 4 PM

Part 2: Thursday, March 27, 10 AM - 4 PM

Part 3: Thursday, April 3, 10 AM - 4 PM

Get started in woodworking with this series of classes by building a fine end table. Starting in part 1, you will learn to use hand and power tools, shop safety, selecting wood and preparation. In part 2, you will use cut lists, drawings, measuring, cutting parts to size, panelizing and gluing. In part 3 you will complete final cutting of parts, sanding and prepare for assembly. A discussion of finishing will follow. Eye protection, dust mask, hearing protection required.

Introduction to Using the Router

Saturday, March 22, 10 AM - 12 PM

If you have a router and want to start using it or are thinking of getting one, this class is for you. We will cover these topics: Why use a router, types of routers, similarities and differences, components, bits, safe operation, router limits, bit speed, size of cut and some router accessories. You will have time to practice installing bits for edge profiling, dado cuts, rabbet cuts and flush cuts.

Router Table

Saturday, March 22, 2 PM - 4 PM

A router table enables you to find more and safer ways to use your router including mortise joints, jointing edges, trim work, end grain cuts, veneer joints and cope & stick. Set up and safe router use will be discussed and practiced.

Youth/Beginner Spinning Top Turning

Sunday, March 23, 11 AM - 1 PM

Come make a fun beginning level project on the lathe. A Spinning Top is a great gift for a friend or you can keep it for yourself.

Hand Planes

Saturday, March 29, 10 AM - 12 PM

Hand tool woodworking is the ultimate in relaxation. No screaming power tools to distract you—just the pleasure of using fine tools to create your masterpiece. A properly tuned hand plane is a key player in that list of tools, but setting one up is a mystery to the uninitiated. In this class we will go over some of the history of hand planes and discuss the various types and their uses. Tips for selection and maintenance are also discussed. From there, you will do a deep dive into the anatomy of a hand plane and learn what each part does and why. A sharp blade is critical to a well performing hand plane and you will be instructed on how to achieve a razor sharp edge that will sing as it slices wispy shavings from the workpiece. Bring your own plane or use one of ours.