Woodcraft of Virginia Beach / Norfolk

Intro to Finishing

Wednesday, September 3, 6 PM - 9 PM

Are you just starting woodworking or feel overwhelmed by the wide variety of finishes available? Are you unsure whether to use water-based or oil-based finishes? Does the thought of using a stain terrify you? This class can help. This class addresses the following questions:  Why use a finish on my project?  What different types of finishes are currently on the market?  What is a build finish compared to a penetrating finish?  What preparation is necessary when finishing certain woods?  What happens if you sand too much, or too little?  How does the type of wood affect stain and finish?  What should I consider when using a sanding sealer or pore filler?  Why must you sand between coats on some finishes and not others?  When may one type of finish be preferred over another? The class will include samples of different finishes and quick demonstrations showing the effects of different finishes on different types of wood.

Woodworking Tool Sharpening

Thursday, September 4, 6 PM - 9 PM

Unlock the full potential of your hand tools in this hands-on sharpening class designed for woodworkers of all levels. In this three-hour course, you’ll learn the essential techniques for sharpening chisels, hand planes, and scrapers using a variety of methods and tools. We'll cover the use of water stones, diamond stones, honing guides, and strops to help you achieve razor-sharp edges that make woodworking smoother, safer, and more enjoyable. Whether you're new to sharpening or just looking to refine your technique, this class will give you a strong foundation in maintaining your edge tools. You’ll learn how to evaluate edge condition, flatten and polish backs, establish a proper bevel, and maintain sharpness through regular honing. What to Bring: Please bring a bench chisel, hand plane, and scraper that need sharpening. If you don't have tools to bring, we have plenty available at the shop for you to practice on. Come ready to get hands-on, and leave with sharper tools and sharper skills!

Woodworking Fundamentals

Part 1: Saturday, September 6, 9 AM - 5 PM

Part 2: Sunday, September 7, 9 AM - 5 PM

Let Bret take you one step further with your favorite hobby. During this class you will add to your basic skills by constructing a beautiful Shaker style plant stand. Solid wood table top and tapered legs will be incorporated into this project, teaching you skills needed for furniture making.