Woodcraft of Roanoke

Building a Traditional Pegged Stool

Part 1: Friday, May 15, 2026, 9 AM - 5 PM

Part 2: Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 AM - 5 PM

Join us for an immersive two-day woodworking workshop where we will build a classic low-height pegged stool, an early furniture form that dates back centuries. Traditional stools, commonly found in medieval households and early European homes, are characterized by their robust, mortise-and-tenon construction and simple yet elegant design. Students will gain hands-on experience using traditional hand tools such as hand planes, chisels, handsaws, and marking tools. While also incorporating modern efficiency with table saws, router tables, and tapering jigs. This class also introduces the precursor of chair-making concepts, including resultant angles, splay, and rake—fundamental skills for advancing into Windsor chairs or other post-and-rung furniture styles. At the end of the class, you’ll leave with your own handmade stool and a deeper appreciation for historical woodworking techniques!

Router Essentials - Full Day Workshop

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9 AM - 5 PM

Routers are one of the most versatile and essential tools in woodworking. Whether shaping edges, cutting joinery, or making intricate designs, routers open up a world of creative possibilities. This full-day hands-on workshop will cover everything you need to know about both handheld routers and router tables, from basic operations to important tips and techniques. Students will learn how to safely and efficiently use routers for edge profiling, dadoes, rabbets, mortises, template work, and joinery. We will explore bit selection, feed direction, router setup, and safety protocols. By the end of the class, participants will have hands-on experience with both freehand and routing table. You will work with a variety of samples and small projects to help reinforce your learning.

Antique Peppermill

Sunday, May 17, 2026, 1 PM - 5 PM

Learn how to make an antique peppermill with a lathe turned wooden blank and a peppermill kit. Randy will instruct you on the complete process from wood selection to the final finish. After completing this class you will take home a completed peppermill to show off. Soon you will be designing and making these works of functional art for family and friends.