Woodcraft of Colorado Springs

Applied Finishing

Part 1: Monday, April 27, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM

Part 2: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 10 AM - 1 PM

This is a hands-on applied finishing class in which students will brush or wipe-on an oil or water-based finish to one small unfinished wood project which they will bring to class. Spray system applications will not be covered in this class. Day 1 will begin with a discussion on many common finishing products, including water and oil-based finishes, lacquers, gels, waxes, shellacs, their solvents and thinners, compatibility issues, and wood preparation, sealing, and conditioning to obtain the best overall result. Students will learn the strengths and weaknesses of a wide variety of finishes, how to prep their wood for each, how each is applied, how they differ from each other, and how to choose the best finish for each particular project. We will also discuss water-based, oil-based, and alcohol-based dyes and stains, although students may not have time to dye or stain in class. Epoxies and high odor products (such as lacquers) will not be applied. By the end of Day 1, students will brush or wipe-on their first coat of either an oil-based or water-based clear finish to a small bare wood project which they bring to class. (Discounted pricing will be offered should students wish to purchase supplies during the class.) Projects will dry overnight, ready for second-coat prep on Day 2. Due to time, students will not apply all coats of finish on their project; but rather they will be armed with the knowledge and practical experience to apply their remaining coats of finish at home. This class is open to everyone wishing to gain fundamental knowledge and finishing experience for a hand-rubbed / hand-applied topcoat. It is the perfect follow-up to any of the Woodworking I, II, III, or IV classes, our box-making classes, hand tool mastery, charcuterie board, or any other furniture and small project class or small unfinished project brought from home!

Wood Selection And Stock Preparation

Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM

Wood selection, layout, and stock preparation is key to any successful woodworking project. We will break it down for you in this interactive class. Students will have hands-on practical experience choosing the proper wood, allowing for expansion and contraction, calculating board footage, considering grain direction, knots, and other considerations, and accounting for fundamental characteristics of both lumber and man-made materials such as MDF and plywood. Using a combination of hand and power tools, students will take a board from its rough form to material that is straight, flat, square, and ready for use. Whether you have hand tools or power tools in your shop, we will learn the techniques to prep stock both ways. Students will be exposed to a wide variety of tools and machinery, to include the table saw, bandsaw, planer, jointer, drum sander, and hand planes, and marking tools. Tuition includes all materials. This class is open to any and all students and skill levels. It is a recommended (but not required) companion to many of our other classes, including our fine furniture series (Woodworking I, II, III, and IV), all Small Project Series classes (Charcuterie, box-making, etc.), and any class or project involving solid stock.

Power Tool Fundamentals: Router

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 10 AM - 4 PM

This is a basic instructional class focusing on the ever so versatile router. Students will learn basic router safety, operation and adjustment, various router types, when, why, and how to use each type, router components, set-up, common bits, and when and how to use the router table. Step-by-step, we will walk you through the essentials and how to get the most out of this valuable tool. Students will have hands-on experience in class as they apply the principles learned. Reserve your spot early to ensure your enrollment! All Materials Are Included In The Cost Of Tuition.