Woodcraft of Walpole

Introduction to CNC

Wednesday, December 4, 6 PM - 9 PM

This class will help you decide if CNC Routing is right for you. This class will focus on the essential CNC processes and knowledge needed to help you with your decision. Students will learn the basics regarding the CAD/CAM software that drives the CNC routing machines as well as the general operation of a CNC router. The class includes a demonstration of the popular VCarve Pro CAD/CAM software and hands-on time creating toolpaths, setting up a job and operating the Axiom Pro CNC router. Woodcraft will supply all necessary materials.

Getting the Most from Your Tablesaw Without Losing Blood or Tears

Thursday, December 5, 6 PM - 9 PM

The tablesaw is the focal point of any well-equipped workshop. This class is designed primarily for the beginner just starting out in woodworking and to introduce students, through hands-on experience, to the safe and proper way of using the tablesaw. Mickey will demonstrate the basic operations of ripping and crosscutting along with the proper setup and blade selection for each of the operations. In addition, various jigs will be demonstrated and used to augment the tablesaw's versatility in making wood joints safely and efficiently. This class will also be a prerequisite for more advanced courses that involve tablesaw use.

How to Build Flat, Straight, & Square

Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM - 9 PM

To build with clean, tight-fitting joints and properly dimensioned parts, you must be able to accurately flatten, square, and true-up your boards ahead of time. In this class students will learn how to use the jointer and thickness planers along with the tablesaw to help achieve this fundamental, but necessary task. Students will also learn how to edge-join boards.

Date Night - Make a Triple Wine Bottle Cradle

Thursday, December 12, 6 PM - 9 PM

This is another small project in our "Date Night Series" that will surely please all who enjoy a sip of vino from time-to-time. Couples will share in the joy and learning of how to create a simple but elegant display rack for your most favorite bottles of wine. However, if you are like me, the bottles never stay full for very long! Come and share a few laughs and enjoy the fun in making something with your hands. The class fee is for each couple.

Introduction to Bowl Turning

Saturday, December 14, 9:30 AM - 4 PM

This class is intended for beginners and for those who wish to brush up on their bowl turning skills. Steve will begin by a review of safety precautions followed by a discussion and demonstration of the turning tools needed along with methods and proper sharpening techniques. Students will also learn about wood selection and grain orientation and the use of face plates and chucks. Under close supervision, students will be assigned to their own lathe where they will learn to turn one or two small bowls by the end of class. There is an additional materials fee of $25.

Introduction to Sharpening Methods and Techniques

Tuesday, December 17, 6 PM - 9 PM

This class is an overview of the various sharpening methods, techniques, jigs, and abrasives/sharpening stones commonly used to sharpen most woodworking hand tools. The lecture and demonstration by Mickey will also cover the use of power grinding, both wet and dry, with various abrasives along with slower and less efficient methods employed to achieve a sharp edge on chisels, plane blades, turning tools, scrapers, and carving chisels. This class is intended to clear up any confusion or mysteries that beginners or even advanced woodworkers have about tool sharpening. Time permitting, students will be given an opportunity to use some of the available equipment. Students are also encouraged to bring in a dull chisel or plane blade to enhance the discussion.

Introduction to Woodturning and Make a Wooden Pen

Wednesday, December 18, 6 PM - 9 PM

With the combination of lecture, demonstration and hands-on training, students will be introduced to the joys of wood turning by learning how to make a wooden pen on the wood lathe. Students will also be introduced to lathe safety, lathe turning tools and important accessories as they apply to both spindle and bowl turning. By taking this introductory course, students will be better prepared to take further hands-on wood turning classes. Woodcraft will supply all tools and materials.

How to Make Half-Blind Dovetails by Hand

Thursday, December 19, 6 PM - 9 PM

In this demonstration, your instructor will show students how to properly layout and accurately cut and fit half-blind dovetails by using basic hand tools and skills anyone can master. This class is intended to show students what tools and skills are necessary to create this appealing and useful joint. Half-blind dovetails are commonly used to join sides to a drawer front as well as in traditional case construction. Students will be given an opportunity to create this joint with Mickey's assistance.

Box Making for Beginners

Saturday, December 21, 9:30 AM - 4 PM

Join us for a fun and informative class on box making taught by award-winning box maker Don Boudreau. You will design and build a compact keepsake box using a variety of exotic woods. Boxes can be functional as well as decorative and they make wonderful gifts. This class would be a good starter for someone wanting to get into some of the more advanced classes on box making. There is an additional materials fee of $35.

Make a Cutting Board With A Bread Knife

Sunday, December 22, 9:30 AM - 4 PM

In this class, students will make a wooden cutting board made from the lamination of several different species of wood that will be sure to dazzle family and friends. In addition, students will make a small bread knife that can be used along with the cutting board. There is an additional materials fee of $50 that includes all wood and knife hardware. This will also make a wonderful hand-made gift for the holiday season.

Turn a Wooden Pepper Mill

Saturday, December 28, 9:30 AM - 3 PM

This class is primarily intended for students who wish to turn a functional and useful wooden pepper mill while learning and improving their techniques for turning between centers on the wood lathe.

Build a Ridiculously Simple Piece of Furniture

Part 1: Saturday, January 4, 9:30 AM - 4 PM

Part 2: Sunday, January 5, 9:30 AM - 4 PM

This is the first in a series of How To Build "Ridiculously Simple Furniture Projects." This class will provide students the feeling of satisfaction in having built something with your own two hands; something you can point to and tell your friends and grandkids "I built that 40 years ago." To kick off this series, students will be guided over the course of two evening classes in the making of an elegant but useful Arts and Crafts Style side table. So whether you're a woodworker who likes to dabble, a homeowner or apartment dweller looking to furnish a few rooms or a complete rookie that's been tempted to give woodworking a shot, here's your chance. Roll up your sleeves, enjoy the aroma of freshly cut wood and simply enjoy the experience. There is an additional materials fee of $25.

Introduction to the Bandsaw

Thursday, January 9, 6 PM - 9 PM

The bandsaw is capable of many useful operations in the workshop that include re-sawing, cutting curved parts and an efficient backup to cutting wood when a table saw or chop saw are not practical. In this class, Mickey will explain and demonstrate the basic operation and uses of the bandsaw that also include several useful jigs to maximize the bandsaw's efficiency and accuracy. Students will also learn how to setup and align the machine using various blade sizes and teeth configurations along with proper maintenance practices and trouble shooting.

Introduction to Bowl Turning

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

This class is intended for beginners and for those who wish to brush up on their bowl turning skills. Steve will begin by a review of safety precautions followed by a discussion and demonstration of the turning tools needed along with methods and proper sharpening techniques. Students will also learn about wood selection and grain orientation and the use of face plates and chucks. Under close supervision, students will be assigned to their own lathe where they will learn to turn one or two small bowls by the end of class. There is an additional materials fee of $25.

Introduction to Hand Tools

Tuesday, January 14, 6 PM - 9 PM

This class is designed for those woodworkers who are either just getting into the craft or have been exclusively using woodworking machinery in their work and wonder why they can't make wood joints fit properly or have a hard time preparing wood surfaces for a flawless finish. Part of the answer to these problems is in the proper use of hand tools such as hand saws, chisels, planes and scrapers. Mickey will also introduce students to the proper selection and use of layout and measuring tools for consistency and accuracy. By incorporating properly tuned-up hand tools into your work, you are bound to become a better woodworker.

Introduction to Woodturning and Make a Wooden Pen

Wednesday, January 15, 6 PM - 9 PM

With the combination of lecture, demonstration and hands-on training, students will be introduced to the joys of wood turning by learning how to make a wooden pen on the wood lathe. Students will also be introduced to lathe safety, lathe turning tools and important accessories as they apply to both spindle and bowl turning. By taking this introductory course, students will be better prepared to take further hands-on wood turning classes. Woodcraft will supply all tools and materials.

Date Night - Make a Shaker-Style Hat And Coat Rack

Thursday, January 16, 6 PM - 9 PM

Based on our very successful "Date Night" program, we have added a new class in how to make a Shaker-Style hat and coat rack. Not only is this class an opportunity for couples to enjoy making something useful, but also an opportunity to share an enjoyable evening, not only with your partner, but other couples as well. As part of the class, Woodcraft will be providing light refreshments and snacks to enhance the evening. Four couples will be permitted to sign up for the class.

How to Make A Cabriole Leg

Saturday, January 18, 9:30 AM - 4 PM

The cabriole leg represents the essence of Queen Anne & Chippendale furniture that was popular in the 18th Century and is still today, a very pleasing and useful furniture form that can be incorporated into your next furniture project, whether it be a table, chair or case piece. In this hands-on class, Mickey will teach students how to properly design a well proportioned cabriole leg and create a pattern that can be used multiple times. In addition, students will have an opportunity to work along side Mickey as everyone is given the opportunity to make a cabriole leg on their own. Not only will students learn how to make the cabriole leg, but they will also learn new machine and hand tool skills that can be applied in future projects.

Introduction to Sharpening Methods and Techniques

Tuesday, January 21, 6 PM - 9 PM

This class is an overview of the various sharpening methods, techniques, jigs, and abrasives/sharpening stones commonly used to sharpen most woodworking hand tools. The lecture and demonstration by Mickey will also cover the use of power grinding, both wet and dry, with various abrasives along with slower and less efficient methods employed to achieve a sharp edge primarily on chisels and plane blades. This class is intended to clear up any confusion or mysteries that beginners or even advanced woodworkers have about tool sharpening. Time permitting, students will be given an opportunity to use some of the available equipment. Students are also encouraged to bring in a dull chisel or plane blade to enhance the discussion.

Cabinet Scrapers - Use and Care

Thursday, January 23, 6 PM - 9 PM

The cabinet card scraper is one of the most powerful but least understood hand tools. If sharpened and used properly, it can create a wood surface finish far superior to using abrasives and power sanders. In this hands-on class, students will learn the proper sharpening methods and techniques necessary to achieve a consistent sharp edge and results. Mickey will also introduce curved edge scrapers and how you can make your own from discarded tool steel. Learning how to use the basic cabinet scraper will immediately elevate your skill and abilities in fine woodworking.

Scroll Saw 101

Saturday, January 25, 9:30 AM - 3 PM

Cover these items: Overview of scroll saw history, types, parts and uses. Introduction of the four major steps for every cut. Transfer of patterns to wood and completion of simple cuts: straight, wavy, jagged. Cutting of a simple object on the scroll saw. Use of the loop method to create continuous, flowing cuts. Use of a drill bit to start interior cuts and completion of the cuts on the scroll saw. Use of a backing board to cut very small objects.

Woodcarving for Beginners

Sunday, January 26, 10 AM - 3:30 PM

This class is intended to introduce students to woodcarving using several simple exercises designed to teach students about proper chisel selection and how to keep them sharp. In addition, the carving exercises will teach students about basic design principles along with consideration of wood characteristics and how to read the grain in determining the direction of cuts. These simple exercises involve low relief type carving and can be the basis for learning more advanced skills as they apply to carving in the round and other forms of woodcarving. Please contact the store for a list of recommended tools for the class.

Fundamentals of Hand Plane Selection, Setup, and Use

Tuesday, January 28, 6 PM - 9 PM

Hand planes are at the core of the woodworker's tool set, but must be properly tuned to get consistent results. The details of setup, adjustment, and technique can make the difference between frustration and success with the hand plane. This course will equip students with the understanding and skills to directly apply to using hand planes in your workshop. Students are encouraged to bring in a hand plane if available, as this course will be hands-on as well as a lecture and demonstration.

How to Make Through Dovetails by Hand

Thursday, January 30, 6 PM - 9 PM

Making dovetail joints by hand can be a challenge but easily learned through a methodical approach. In this hands-on class, Andrew intends to teach students how to make through dovetails by hand easily and efficiently. With a series of exercises, students will develop the skills and know-how to properly layout and fit the joint using nothing more than hand saws and chisels. This is a skill that will no doubt add eye-appeal and bragging rights to your next woodworking project. In addition, this class will create a firmer foundation for those wishing to learn more challenging hand tool skills used in other types of dovetail joinery such as half-blind and hidden, mitered dovetails.