Hi there!
I’m hoping someone can tell me if this 5-part-class starting next week would be friendly to someone new to woodworking: https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/28655. Seems it has a great structured schedule with a solid end product. I just took my introduction to woodworking which was great and am looking for a challenging but adequate first project.
It’s okay if the answer is that I should wait a little longer to get the most out of the class, but figured I’d ask! Promise I’m willing to do some studying or practice in the 5-weeks as well. Thank you!
Hi there, thanks for asking and welcome to the woodshop!
Yes, this 5-part class is very friendly for newer woodworkers who have already taken the basic woodshop/intro class. The end product is a book-matched grain cutting board, and we spend about 16–20 hours over the series building it step by step. This gives you plenty of time to learn, practice, and ask questions without feeling rushed.
The class is very hands-on: you’ll be doing the work yourself, with guided instruction the whole way through. During each session there is one-on-one coaching built into the group format, so you’ll get individual help with your measurements, machine setup, and technique. Many first-time woodworkers have taken this class and then gone on to build larger furniture projects like coffee tables, dining tables, and even beds, because they leave with a solid foundation.
Over the five sessions, you’ll learn all the essential skills you need to:
- Joint and glue up boards so they stay flat and tight
- Machine your lumber accurately and safely
- Properly use the tablesaw and the chopsaw
- Plan and execute a project from rough stock to finished piece
- Learn to use the router table and a hand router, which are some of the most intimidating tools in the woodshop even for experience woodworkers
A big part of the class is getting you past the fear of the equipment and into a place of healthy respect and confidence. By the end, you’ll not only have a high-quality book-matched cutting board you made yourself, but also the core skills and shop comfort that will shave years off your learning curve.
Since you’ve already completed your introduction to woodworking and you’re willing to study and practice between sessions, you’re exactly the kind of student this class is designed for.
Best Regards,
HB
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Thank you, HB, for the warm welcome and walkthrough of the project!
I have signed up and completed the venmo payment. Very much appreciated and thank you for getting this class together. Looking forward to it.
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