Step Into Woodworking
In Person, Hands on Projects for the Complete Beginner with Bob Van Dyke

Do you have projects around the house that keep getting put off because you lack the confidence- or the skill, to use tools properly and safely? Or maybe you have wanted to learn about woodworking and just want to get started the “right” way. Check out this new series of classes that CVSW Director Bob Van Dyke has developed.

This series of hands-on classes is designed to use simple, readily available power and handtools utilizing lumber that can be gotten at most home centers. These classes will not be using stationary machines like the tablesaw, Jointer or Thickness planer.

Building these projects will give you the knowledge and confidence to tackle other more complex challenges, whether it is fixing stuff around the house or maybe building some shelves in the closet.

These classes are designed for the absolute (or nearly absolute!) beginner who wants to get into woodworking as a hobby- or someone who just wants to build some simple projects or do some repairs around the house. You can take the classes in this series in any order you want. The first in the series- “A Simple Stylish Bench” will be followed up with other projects such as a simple plant stand, a small wall mounted bookshelf, and a small storage box that could be used just about anywhere. After that-Who knows? The sky is the limit!

Step One:   A Simple Stylish Bench

The focus of this class is on safety and on using tools that don’t cost a fortune and are readily available just about anywhere.

We will discuss which basic tools you will need, simple measuring and marking techniques, how to size parts accurately with a chop saw, how to make a decorative cut out at the base of the legs using a jig saw and a router and using the router table to form the joint between the stretchers and the legs. We will explore strategies used to bevel the top- both with hand tools and power tools. Along the way we will talk about using cut nails as an option for some of the joinery, using a router to shape parts and, before you leave, we will apply a coat of milk paint- a finish that will complement the project nicely and one you will find yourself using on any number of other projects .

 The inspiration for the design of this bench comes from Kentucky Furniture Maker, Daniel Chaffin

Sign up today. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Tuition: $495.00 plus materials ($90.00)

Section 033123A: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, March 31 - April 2. 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Step One:          A Simple Plant Stand

The focus of this class is on safety and on using tools that don’t cost a fortune and are readily available just about anywhere.

We will discuss which basic tools you will need, simple measuring and marking techniques, how to size parts accurately with a chop saw and how to work with a router and bandsaw. Unlike more advanced classes we fully expect that you will have this project finished at the end of the weekend. Plan on getting a coat of milk paint on your stand- so start thinking about what color you would like to go with. The pictured plant stand is similar to what we will be making in class. This is a new project so we do not yet have any photos- but rest assured- This plant stand will look great in your home and building it will teach you plenty about beginning woodworking techniques.

Sign up today. Class size is limited to 8 students.

Tuition: $365.00 plus materials

Section 052023A: Saturday & Sunday, May 20 & 21, 9:30 am – 5:00pm

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Furniture Making I

Beginning Furnituremaking: Walnut Jewelry Box

A hands-on course that covers the basic concepts of woodworking and furniture making. Start building the foundation which is necessary to learning the processes and techniques of making solid wood furniture. This eight-session (or 2 weekend) class is a combination of demonstrations and hands-on practice. General shop safety is emphasized as students learn and practice the process of milling solid hardwoods and the importance of the three stationary tools that form the backbone of any modern furniture making shop- the tablesaw, the jointer and the thickness planer. In addition to learning the safe & effective use of these mainstays, students will also begin to develop their skills with certain handtools and start to appreciate how they complement and finish the job begun with the major shop power tools.  The project in this class is a solid walnut jewelry box which utilizes all the basic tools & skills needed to begin making other furniture projects. Equipped with these basics, students can begin their rewarding journey to taking on more challenging projects in other classes and in their own shops. This class is the required prerequisite for Furniture Making II. Class size is limited to 10 students.  Tuition: $595.00 plus materials ($59.00)

Section 022523A: Saturday & Sundays, February 25, 26 & March 11 & 12, 9:30am—5:00pm   

(This class is a required prerequisite for other classes in the "Fundamentals of Furniture-making" series (Furnituremaking II & III) and has always proven worthwhile to beginner and advanced students alike. IT IS NOT A PREREQUISITE FOR ANY OTHER CLASSES ON THE SCHEDULE)

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General tool list  (will open in a new window)  

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Woodturning

Beginning Woodturning with Rick Angus

This six evening class is designed for the beginning (or frustrated) woodturner and features extensive hands-on practice each night. Woodturning is a skill that requires some basic instruction and lots of practice. Students are turning on their own lathe most of each night of the class. Class starts with basic spindle and includes a few simple projects like a mallet and spinning tops. We then move on to face plate turning which includes some cherry and mahogany bowls and plates. Along the way we spend time learning about tool sharpening and general information about lathes, tools, chucks and various jigs used in woodturning. This is a great way to safely get into woodturning and gives you a good foundation for other more advanced turning classes and projects.  Tuition: $445.00 plus materials ($49.00 +tax)

Section 030623B: Monday evenings, March 6—April 10, 6:00pm—9:30pm                          

Section 042623B: Wednesday evenings, April 26—May 31, 6:00pm—9:30pm                                                                                                 

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One Day Woodturning with Rick Angus

Have you been intrigued with the idea of learning to turn a bowl but are not ready to commit to a 6 week class?. This one day class will get you hooked on turning– Guaranteed! Students will learn some of the basics of woodturning and will come away with a finished shallow cherry bowl and the new found knowledge to turn more. Who knows– you might even jump in head first and find a whole new passion!!

Sharp tools are essential so we will be spending a little time at the grinder learning about sharpening bowl gouges and scrapers. Techniques for sanding and finishing bowls will also be covered. This is a great class –even if you have turned a number of bowls already or have never even thought of turning a bowl. Sign up today. Space is limited to 9!

Tuition: $145.00 plus materials ($26.00 + tax).

Section 050623B: Saturday, May 6, 9:30am - 5:00pm  Note: This class was previously scheduled for March 25

Section 061123B: Sunday, June 11, 9:30am - 5:00pm

Section 061723B: Saturday, June 17, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Woodturning II - The Next Step! - with Rick Angus

Now that you have made a few bowls on a glue block, join us to learn the next level of cross-grain bowl turning techniques.  We will use the fundamental cutting technique taught in the Basic Woodturning class and begin class with a refresher exercise.  We add additional wood mounting techniques including four-jaw chucks, single screw mounting and very accurate rim jam chucking.  These methods add versatility to your repertoire and assure accurate mounting on the same axis each time.  

We will also be doing some spindle turning exercises for those who are interested in turning for furniture projects. 

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Class is limited to those who have completed the Night time Beginning Woodturning or the weekend Basic Woodturning so that we all begin with a consistent experience.  Bring your design ideas, tools and questions and prepare to jump to the next level of woodturning.   Sign up today. Space is limited.

Tuition: $445.00 plus materials.

Section 030823B: Wednesday evenings, March 8—April 12, 6:00pm—9:30pm

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Turn a Bowl from a Log with Rick Angus

Turning "green" wood offers turners opportunities that don't exist when using kiln-dried lumber. You are not limited by stock lumber sizes or species. The wood is actually easier to turn and it is usually free!! BUT- there are some special techniques that must be used to prepare it for turning and to preserve the piece as it dries.  We will be using the "Twice-Turned" technique wherein an oversized bowl is turned from green wood that requires a few months to dry before finishing.  Students will be given a dried rough bowl, previously turned by the instructor and this piece will be turned to completion, dry and ready to finish.    Come spend the weekend with Rick Angus and increase your woodturning experience. Students will turn a series of bowls during this exciting hands-on class. Some turning experience is required. Students are encouraged to bring in some examples of their previous work for discussion. Tuition: $365.00 plus material ($50.00 + tax)

Section 030423B: Saturday & Sunday, March 4 & 5, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Professional Furniture Finishing Techniques

Wood Finishing Weekend – The Basics of Color and Topcoats with Mike Mascelli

This two day class is tailored especially for woodworkers who are uneasy about the finishing process and wish to master the basic knowledge and techniques that will enable professional finishing results using easily available materials. The class is a mixture of lecture, demonstration, and has an emphasis on hands on activities that all students will complete using both sample panels and actual small project pieces.

In the color world, students will learn the critical differences between pigment colors and dye colors and gain an understanding of how to decode the often confusing information found on the many cans and bottles of colorants. With this knowledge we will use both dyes and pigments in a classic finishing schedule including glazing and toning, and practice some simple steps to achieve rich colors, vibrant grain popping, and also to match existing colors. Students will also complete some basic furniture repair techniques using epoxy, colored waxes and both oil and acrylic colors to match missing or damaged grain.

In the world of topcoats, students will learn how to categorize virtually all finishes into one of five basic families, and how to successfully use products from each family by brush, pad and spray.   Students will practice using the proper brushes for each type of finish, including shellac, oil based and water based, and also learn some basic spray techniques using commonly available aerosol products to achieve professional quality results.  

In addition Mike will demonstrate the basics of rubbing out a finish to a perfect sheen and feel, and also show some basic special effect techniques such as creating “age” with common asphaltum, otherwise known as roofing tar !

 Sign up today– space is limited.

Tuition $365.00 plus materials ($45.00 + tax)

 Section 042223B: Saturday & Sunday, April 22 & 23 ,  9:30am—5:00pm

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Five Week Furniture Making Intensive

Speciality & Weekend Classes

Using Wooden Molding Planes with Planemaker Matt Bickford

Stop making compromises with your router. Stop getting “close enough”. Learn how to use some of the most abundant molding planes of the past to get the exact edge you are after. Hollows and rounds do not make specific profiles. They make specific arcs. Learn to transform these few arcs into scores of various profiles. From layout to execution, this weekend class will focus on creating various moldings with these extraordinarily versatile planes.

The class will start off with maintaining the cutting edge, then move to laying out and ultimately sticking (planing) several moldings that will range from simple coves and ovolos through ogees, cymas and various combinations. The class will focus on hollows and rounds sized 6 and 10 along with a rabbet plane. Students will have the opportunity to bring their own performing planes or they can use newly made planes by M. S. Bickford, planemaker. Students will also have the opportunity to use a larger range of planes.

Each student will leave with several picture frames and the ability to transfer moldings he or she sees in person or print into wood and onto their project. Sign up today - this is a great opportunity to learn the use of these versatile planes- and learn a little about how they are made. At the end of the weekend, Matt will make available for sale some of the actual planes you will be using. Tuition $365.00 plus materials ($24.00 plus tax)

 Section  030423A: Saturday & Sunday,  March 4 & 5, 9:30am - 5:00pm

Tool_list_Matt_Bickford_molding_planes

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Mastering those “Oddball” Furniture Joints with Steve Latta

When considering how to move your skills down the road, the projects you choose should offer challenges that make you pause.  In this class, we will look at several traditional forms of joinery that take more than a look or two to sort but, nonetheless, should be a part or your arsenal.   We’ll tackle rule and knuckle joints, breadboard ends and their specific applications, draw-boring and some carcass specific joints such as dovetail and dado joints and how to easily incorporate dust panels.  You will end the weekend with a handful of mock-ups and the knowledge to do them again.  This is a great course that will broaden your work possibilities. Steve Latta is one of the premier furniture makers and instructors in the country. He is a Contributing Editor for Fine Woodworking Magazine and has taught many successful classes here at CVSW. Sign up today! Space  is limited. Tuition: $365.00 plus materials ($30.00 plus tax)

Section  021823A: Saturday & Sunday, February 18 & 19, 9:30am - 5:00pm

General tool list  (will open in a new window)  

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Classical Chinese Furniture– The Roots of Western Furniture– with Andrew Hunter

The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was a bright point in China's long history, where arts and culture reached a pinnacle of taste and style.   The furniture that came out of this era is some of the finest the world has ever known. Yet, to many, in the West traditional Chinese furniture is relatively unknown. Graceful designs, superlative material and fine craftsmanship are defining elements of this style. 

 Professional Furniture maker and educator, Andrew Hunter will spend the day discussing the history of furniture making in China with an emphasis on what made Ming style or Classical Chinese furniture so special.   This lecture-based class will begin with an introduction to furniture making in China and the history that led to it's refinement. We will also investigate the influence classical Chinese furniture has had on modern furniture designs from Queen Anne to Mid-century modern.  And of course, we will examine the intricate joinery that held it together for all these years!  So join us for this unique opportunity to learn something new. Tuition: $145.00 Materials are included

Section 050723A, Sunday, May 7, 9:30am - 5:00pm     

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Learn to cut Houndstooth Dovetails with Frank Strazza

In this two-day class Frank will guide you through the process to create his signature houndstooth dovetails. You may have seen Frank’s dovetails on the cover of a recent Fine Woodworking Magazine, however,  there is no substitute for in-person instruction. Frank will guide you through the subtleties & complexities of creating this unique and distinctive joint. From methods of sawing and chiseling to layout and fitting you will get plenty of hands on practice.

Frank will begin the class with sawing exercises which is really the key to success in any handcut dovetail joinery. Guiding you through the process, from careful layout to sawing, then on to correct chiseling techniques. 

This joint is both beautiful and structural and can be used in everything from bench construction to drawer sides.

Sign up today! Class is limited to 8 students. Tool list will be available in January

Tuition: $425.00 plus materials

Section 060123A: Thursday & Friday, June 1 & 2, 9:30am – 5:00pm  

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Carve the “Green Man” with Mary May

Have you ever seen those faces with the leaves flowing from them?  Pretty cool- aren’t they?? Join professional woodcarver, Mary May, in carving the traditional Greenman. You don't need any carving experience for this class, as Mary will walk you through every step from start to finish. She will show you how to carve challenging facial features and curling, overlapping oak leaves. Bring a mirror so you can carve a self-portrait greenman!

Sign up soon- space is limited to 8 students. Tuition: $525.00 plus materials

Section 042123A: Friday—Sunday, April 21—23, 9:00am—5:00pm

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Introduction to Marquetry with Frank Strazza

Learn to paint with wood

Marquetry involves carefully cutting and piecing together different wood species, creating a beautiful picture, decorative element, or lettering. Dating back to the Italian Renaissance, marquetry has traditionally been used to embellish furniture, church pews, and panels in homes and palaces. Its styles and techniques have evolved over the centuries as the craft spread across the globe. 

In this 2 day introductory class, Frank will teach you some of his favorite techniques and methods, including packet cutting and double-bevel sawing, as you discover that you, too, can create this timeless art.

You will learn how to create your own veneers, which tools to use to create the marquetry. We will do some simple designs including some floral work and lettering. You will leave with the knowledge to go home and delve into this craft and hopefully with the thirst to learn more!

Don’t worry if you are not “artistic”; Frank will guide you through the process, unlocking many possibilities, but if you are an artist, please come prepared to think outside the box! Sign up today! Class is limited to 8 students. Tool list will be available in January.  

Tuition: $425.00 plus materials

Section 060323A: Saturday & Sunday, June 3 & 4, 9:30am – 5:00pm

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Cabinet Wood Identification with Randy Wilkinson- Its not as simple as it seems!

 Did you ever look at a piece of wood and wonder what wood it is? And why it looks the way it does? Were you ever confused about which wood it is: mahogany or walnut, cherry or poplar, especially if you are looking at an antique that has an aged finish on it? Distinguishing mahogany from walnut may be easy in the unfinished state, but it is not that straight forward when looking at an aged surface.

This two-day hands-on workshop will explore all these topics and more. It is designed specifically for curators, collectors, antique dealers, appraisers, and woodworkers.  The goal of this workshop is to familiarize the student with the physical properties of wood and recognize species specific wood cell structures of nineteen different species. It will also discuss the social, political and economic factors that led to the trade in some of our most cherished woods. Case studies will be introduced to show the importance of identifying wood correctly. Not knowing what species of wood you are looking at is sometimes more important than knowing what it is. 

On Saturday, basic wood anatomy will be introduced, including grain, figure, fundamental differences between softwoods and hardwoods, and more. The student will learn to identify common hardwoods that are used in antique furniture using a 10x loupe.

On Sunday, the class will be held at the Webb Dean Stevens house in Wethersfield (about 10 minutes from CVSW). Sunday’s class will run from 11:00am – 4:00pm. Students will get a rare opportunity not only to see one of the finest collections of American furniture, but also to identify woods used in a selection of great objects in an intensive and hands-on inspection.  

No experience is necessary. Tuition $365.00, plus materials which includes a hardwood sample kit, 10x loupe, The “Wood ID Bible”- Identifying Wood by Bruce Hoadley and admission to WDS. Class size is limited to 8 students. Sign up today!

Section 032523A: Saturday & Sunday, March 25 & 26, 9:30am-5:00pm

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Make a Cracked Ice Parquet Tabletop with Tim  Coleman

This new weekend class with well known Furniture maker Tim Coleman encourages students to jump into the exciting world of making dynamic patterns using shop-sawn veneers. We will create a parquet veneer tabletop using your choice of the Cracked Ice pattern or a Ribbon pattern design. The Cracked Ice pattern is seen widely in Chinese design and is a great way to learn parquet veneer techniques. The Ribbon pattern utilizes the natural chatoyence inherent in most figured woods and offers some phenomenal design opportunities. Tim will begin by showing examples of these pattern in his own work and. Due to the logistical constraints of the two day format, Tim will wait until the second day to offer students strategies for creating their own patterns.

Students will work with thick veneer provided by Tim and each will lay out and construct their own cracked ice or ribbon pattern.  Most students will have their panels in the veneer press by the end of the first day so that they are ready for scraping, sanding and edge banding the next. We will endeavor to have students leave with a completed tabletop but please realize you may still have to do some finish work at home before beginning the finish process.   The panel you make in class would make a great top for a table or maybe just a panel ready to hang on the wall. Either way you will learn a whole lot of new & creative skills.

Topics will include:

• Working with thick veneer
• Creating parquet patterns
• Veneer substrates
• Veneer pressing techniques
• Edge banding techniques
• Adhesives for veneer work
• Shooting veneer edges with a hand plane
• Scraper sharpening and use                                                            

Sign up today- Space it limited to 8 students. Tuition: $395.00 plus materials

Section 031823A: Saturday & Sunday, March 18 & 19, 9:30am – 5:00pm

General tool list    (will open in a new window)    

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Basic Upholstery with Mike Mascelli

This class will be a combination lecture, demonstration and hands-on session which will provide an overview of the history, tools, techniques and materials of upholstery . Mike Mascelli has been a professional upholsterer his entire career and brings a lifetime of experience to this hands on class.

Mike will set up a complete working shop including a collection of historic and modern tools, and cover the full range of traditional hand sewn, and modern upholstery methods. Presentations include “A Lively Guide to a Dying Art”, which will be enhanced with demonstrations illustrating the tools and techniques portrayed. “A Tale of Two Chairs” presents step by step photos contrasting traditional work on a period armchair, and modern methods on a 1940’s chair.

Students will complete an open frame slip seat by stretching and tacking webbing, cutting and fitting the foundation, lofting, and show cover materials, and installing a proper dust cover. And then building on these new skills, complete a small-scale sprung footstool, by hand tying springs, and learning basic cutting and folding techniques, then finishing off the corners with proper blind stitches.

The class will also include a complete discussion of tools and machines, as well as tips on common repair techniques such as replacing buttons without having to open up the chair !

Students will receive a booklet containing, excerpts, illustrations, yardage charts, and sources of supply. This class is for anyone with an interest in the tools, terminology and techniques of the upholstery trade.  All of the tools you will need will be provided by Mike but if you shoulld want to bring your own the list is below.

KEY POINTS:

• Students will learn the history of upholstered furniture
• Learn to identify traditional vs modern upholstered pieces
• Basic tools and materials of the upholstery trade
• Complete an open frame slip seat, and a half scale sprung ottoman
• Master the hand tying of springs, and blind stitching
• Learn repairs such as button replacement

Sign up Today! Tuition $365.00 Plus materials ($55.00 + tax)   

Section 021123A: Saturday & Sunday, February 11 & 12,  9:30am—5:00pm

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Tool_list_Mike_Mascelli_Basic_Upholstery_Tool_List.pdf

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Learn to Tune and Use a Japanese Hand Plane with Andrew Hunter

At the end of this three day course, each student will take home a fully operational Japanese hand plane and have the know how to keep is working right. What seems like a simple tool, a blade and a block of wood, the Japanese plane (Kanna) is actually a very complex instrument with many subtle qualities. The first challenge most westerners face when learning to use one is that they don't come ready to use out of the box. You are only supplied with great ingredients, but it is up to the user to get the fit between the blade and the block just right. In this course we will work together through each step of the process to bring your new plane into working order. We will cover sharpening and shaping the blade, fitting the blade to the block and profiling its sole for optimal performance. Of coarse, we will also spend time using your new plane, learning to work with your whole body, not just your arms. The weekend will wrap up by putting our new planes to the test in a friendly planing contest (kezurou-kai). So, sign up today to unlock the mystery of the Japanese hand plane and add one more tool to your woodworking arsenal. Tuition $ 365.00 Plus materials (approximately $200.00)- includes a Japanese plane. If you want to supply your own plane please contact  Bob Van Dyke  - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.)

Section 031823B: Saturday & Sunday, March 18 & 19, 9:30am—5:00pm- Note: This class was originally scheduled to meet 3 days

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Saw Sharpening 101 with Matt Cianci

This class is an introduction for woodworkers interested in learning how to sharpen their own handsaws and backsaws. The curriculum will cover jointing, filing teeth to uniform size and gullet depth, setting, and final sharpening. Topics discussed in depth will include the geometric and functional distinction between rip and crosscut teeth and how fleam and rake are combined to maximize the function of cutting along or across wood fibers. Proper file selection, filing technique, and saw vise requirements will also be discussed. No prior knowledge of saw sharpening is required. The class will be hands on with each student learning to sharpen a rip and crosscut saw.  Students are encouraged to bring one or two saws only. These saws must be in decent shape. This is a sharpening class- not a saw rehab class!  

Matt Cianci is a professional saw doctor. His website and blog are at  http://thesawwright.com  Sign up today- This is always a fun class! Tuition: $145.00 plus materials ($20 paid directly to instructor)

Section 041523B: Saturday, April 15, 9:30am - 5:00pm

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Greene & Greene Details I with Darrell Peart

Greene & Greene furniture represents some of the best work ever done in the Arts & Crafts Style and west coast furniture maker, Darrell Peart indulges his passion by working and teaching primarily in the style of these two California designers who so successfully blended some of the best features of the Arts & Crafts movement with some  of the subtleties of Asian furniture. When building furniture in the Greene & Greene style, it is essential to have a working knowledge of the design details employed by the Greene Brothers.  In the process of assembling the sample piece shown here each student will learn how to produce several G&G details with step –by-step instructions and detailed drawings for all the jigs involved.  Class discussion will also include Darrell’s views on how each of the details relate to the overall design. It's an informal atmosphere with a chance to talk woodworking and Greene and Greene. (two of Darrell’s favorite  subjects) along with learning some great techniques to incorporate into your own furniture making endeavors
The topics that we will cover in class include: blacker brackets, breadboard construction, the G & G signature exposed ebony splines and proud ebony square plugs along with cloud lifts and leg indent details. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from one of this country’s leading authorities on the Greene and Greene style. Tuition $395.00 plus materials ($75.00 plus tax)

Section  051323A:               Saturday & Sunday, May 13 & 14, 9:30am - 5pm

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 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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Build a Tahoma Mirror/Picture Frame with Darrell Peart

In this one-day class, students will route and glue up a 14” X 22” Tahoma frame.   As part of the class each student will take home a CNC template for making the “S” shaped miter joint which can be used for making frames from 12” to 48”.  The “S” shaped miter makes this frame both attractive and exceptionally easy to make. When joined with pinch dogs the miter locks at 90-degress and does not slip. After glue up the “S” joint will be reinforced with an exposed spline.

Greene & Greene ebony pegs will be covered as a part of the class and a discussion on an appropriate G&G finish for the frame will be covered as well.

Tuition:$195.00 plus materials ($50.00 plus tax)

Section: 051523A:Monday, May 15, 9:30am—5:00pm

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General tool list  (will open in a new window)  

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The next step in Basic Upholstery with Mike Mascelli

A Fully Upholstered Side Chair

This class has been specially created for students who want to learn the basics of upholstery while taking home a rewarding and challenging project.  If you are new to upholstery or have taken some of Mike's classes before- you will get more out of this class than you thought possible The class will present and build on skills including the installation of webbing and edge roll and the layering of upholstery foam and Dacron.  In addition, students will utilize zig zag springs ("ziggers") to create a very comfortable seat, and then complete a fully hand sewn outside back using blind stitches, for a finished professional look.

Each class day will feature a short Powerpoint presentation highlighting aspects of the upholstery trade, and demonstrations of all the key skills, including springing, webbing, hand sewing, cutting and installing foam, and a one on one lesson with each student, in the proper techniques for measuring and cutting show cover material.

Each student will be provided with a bare side chair frame (in cherry), and all the necessary materials to completely upholster it, other than the show cover.  Students will be required to bring at least 2 yds (standard 54” material) of their own show cover material to complete the project.  Email me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you have any specific questions about this. Leather show covers are NOT appropriate for this class. Students are encouraged to bring their own tools, but loaner tools will be available for all students who may need them.

For those of you who have taken Mike’s beginning class- you know how complete, organized, knowledgeable and passionate he is. You are guaranteed to learn more than you ever expected- and have a great time in the process! Don’t wait around- this class will fill up and it is strictly limited to 8 students.

Tuition: $365.00 plus materials

Section 062423A: Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25, 9:30am – 5:00pm

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Week-long Classes

Take some time for yourself!

Spend a week with some of this country's best woodworking instructors.

Lunch break is approximately one hour. A refrigerator is available as well as local restaurants and convenience stores. Lodging assistance is available should you need it.

Fundamentals of Furniture-Making with Bob Van Dyke 

This popular six-day intensive hands-on class is an opportunity to concentrate on the basics of woodworking and furniture making. Each student will make a Shaker style cherry hall table, which is a perfect vehicle to practice the machine and hand-tool techniques that we teach in the class. Subjects covered include basic shop safety, machine use (with particular emphasis on the tablesaw, jointer and planer), using handplanes, card scrapers and chisels effectively to surface and hand-fit the mortice and tenon joints, handtool sharpening, making tapered legs and grain matching and gluing up a top. 

This is not an appropriate class for absolute beginners. Some experience is suggested. This class provides a strong foundation for more advanced furniture projects. Tuition: $945.00 plus materials ($250.00 + tax)

Section 061223A: Monday - Saturday, June 12 - 17, 9:00am - 5:00pm 

 Call 860.647.0303 to sign up for any class on this website

 general tool list    (will open in a new window)

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Build a Japanese Inspired Blanket Chest by Hand with Andrew Hunter

This chest is one of Andrew's favorite pieces to build.  The classic six board chest is a great project for developing your hand tool skills.  It's a small enough project not to overwhelm yet is chock full of enjoyable joinery and new skills to learn. This project by Andrew was featured on the cover of Fine Woodworking Magazine in November, 2013 ( issue # 236).

Andrew, who is best known for his use of traditional Japanese hand tools, will take students through every step of the build, including traditional hand cut through dovetails and tapered sliding dovetails.  Andrew will share his methods of work, which include a combination of both Japanese and Western techniques. Don’t worry- You will get plenty of practice in this challenging project and of course the wide Pine boards will get a hand plane finish.  There will be both Japanese and Western hand tools for students to use, but you are encouraged to bring your own, so Andrew can help you get them tuned up.   Don't miss out on the chance to improve your hand tool skills during this fun week of building a great project! 

In addition to the standard tool list, you should plan on bringing the following if you own them. The school has tools to share if you do not have everything on the list.

Dovetail saw (Rip dozuki or Ryoba), Panel saw (Azebiki), router plane, ¼” plow plane   

Sign up today. Space is limited to eight students.

Tuition: $945.00 plus materials

Section 062623A: Monday – Saturday, June 26 – July 1, 9:00am – 5:00pm

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Call 860.647.0303 to sign up for any class on this website

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Making Tablesaw Jigs & Fixtures with Bob Van Dyke

The idea of making jigs and fixtures for the tablesaw is always one that creates a lot of debate. Some people insist that they are not worth it and “just do it by hand” while other people love coming up with intricate fixtures that do a specific job really well. Bob’s approach is somewhere in the middle- will the jig be useful enough to be used over & over again and is it better than one that can be easily purchased? This class is Not a beginning tablesaw class. Participants must have some working experience with Tablesaws & routers. Note: because of the design of the jigs for the table saw you must have a table saw with a Biessemeyer type fence. Bench top, "Job site"  saws and the old Delta Unisaw fence will not work with these jigs. Please specify tablesaw you have when registering for this class. If you have any questions please contact Bob Van Dyke directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In this hands-on class participants will make several different jigs & fixtures for their tablesaw, all of which will become staple tools in their shop.

We will start out the week making a cross-cut sled. The accuracy and extra support this important fixture brings will almost completely replace your tablesaw’ s stock miter gauge. Armed with the knowledge to make the sled you will probably go home and make more- for cutting dados, wide panels and specialized tasks.

The next jig to be made will be a tenoning jig- but this is not just any tenoning jig. This jig is designed for accuracy and versatility. Mass is what it is all about. The mass of this jig means no vibration which translates into complete accuracy. The jig can also be fine tuned to fit your tablesaw’s rip fence exactly. The size of the jig means that you can easily clamp large assemblies to it (think breadboard end table top). Used in conjunction with two rip blades and a precisely made spacer, accurate tenons are a snap.

The next two jigs were developed by Bob and are two of the most valuable tablesaw add on jigs you can imagine! How many times have you clamped a sacrificial scrap of plywood to the fence to cut a rabbet and then had to move the clamps because they were in the way of the cut? And- have you ever heard of pattern cutting on the tablesaw? The fixture we will make is an ingenious and easily used base to fit over the existing tablesaw fence and allows you to quickly bolt on any number of specialty fences- certainly the most valuable being an easily adjusted and versatile “L” fence.    

The next two jigs are pretty simple- but really valuable! A taper jig designed by Steve Latta will make tapers a breeze- and cutting tails on the tablesaw with a dovetail sled lets you cut perfectly straight tails, exactly perpendicular to the face of the board- at any angle and whatever spacing you want. Your dovetails just got a whole lot better!

Any extra time during the class will be devoted to making a series of small fixtures for the tablesaw: drop stops, sliding stops and zero clearence inserts. Throughout the 5 days we will take time to demonstrate the many techniques possible with these tablesaw jigs & fixtures. 

This is a class designed for people with solid experience on the tablesaw who can appreciate the value & importance of the jigs & fixtures you will be making.

Be warned- you will go home with a full vehicle!!

Tuition: $845.00 plus materials ($159.00)

Section 073122A: Monday - Friday, July 31 - August 4, 9:00am - 5:00pm

 general tool list    (will open in a new window

Call 860.647.0303 to sign up for any class on this website

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Decorative Details- Making Inlays, Bandings and Paterae with Steve Latta

Join nationally know inlay expert, Steve Latta as we explore and push the limits of adding distinctive decorative details to your work.  Furniture makers have lots of options for enhancing their work.  Inlay and ornamental veneer work are two of the oldest methods dating back to ancient Egypt. We will spend a full week on learning Steve’s proven methods for creating striking inlays, bandings and sand shaded paterae. We will begin the week with line-and-berry inlay, a technique native to Chester County PA, which is where Steve lives.  After completing a decorative panel, we’ll move on to the Federal period focusing on bandings, ornamental stringing, bell flowers, sand shading and paterae.  We’ll discuss regional motifs and interpretations, both rural and urban, as well as the work of a few standouts. Since all of these techniques have a place in contemporary furniture work, we’ll take a look at a few,modern twists in terms of designs and methods that can really add some spice to your work.  Although a great deal of information will be presented, students will have ample time to practice and gain an understanding of these techniques.  

We will use a variety of tools including handtools, power tools and some tools that we will make in class. You should plan on acquiring a few tools that are basic to this kind of work. A Dremel equiped with a foot switch and the Stew Mac base along with the radius cutter from Lie Nielsen toolworks are strongly suggested. You will gain an understanding and dexterity in manipulating them all in this exciting and unique class. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of this country’s leading experts on the art of decorative inlays. Steve is a frequent instructor here at CVSW and is also a contributing editor for Fine Woodworking magazine. Sign up today! Tuition: $845.00 plus materials ($75.00 plus tax)

Section 061923A: Monday – Friday June 19 - 23, 9:00am – 5:00pm

General Tool list   (will open in a new window)

Tool_List_Steve_Latta_Inlay_Decorativer_Details_2021.pdf

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Build an Arts & Crafts Rocking Chair with Mike Pekovich

Learn the basics of chair making and more while building a classic Arts and Crafts rocker. In this six-day class we'll cover bent lamination techniques, angled tenon joinery and cutting tenons on curved parts, while making a rocking chair guaranteed to be the most comfortable chair in your house. Fine Woodworking magazine Editor & art director, Mike Pekovich, will show you his method for breaking down a complex project into simple steps that you can put to use on any project. The class is also a great lesson in building an original piece using craftsman details for an authentic Arts & Crafts look. We anticipate that participants will have most of the chair completed by the end of the class but do not be surprised if you still have some minor “finishing up” work to complete in your own shops.  

Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from a great instructor and make a great furniture project. Sign up today. Tuition: $945.00 plus materials ($170.00 plus tax)

Section 060523A: Monday - Saturday, June 5 - 10, 9:00am – 5:00pm

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The Joy of Woodcarving – Spend a Week with Mary May

What better way to spend a week than to put a woodcarving gouge in your hand, create something beautiful- and have fun! Mary May, a well-known professional woodcarver and instructor from South Carolina, will walk you through the carving process using a variety of relief carving projects. Starting the week with a floral relief design and then moving onto a scallop shell, the class will cap off the week with that wonderful and traditional acanthus leaf that is seen on so many period furniture pieces. Throughout the week Mary will also demonstrate a variety of tricks and techniques on how to efficiently use the gouges, how to make difficult carving cuts, how to sharpen tools to a razor sharp edge, and how to make the carving appear deeper than it actually is. Students will have the opportunity of working on projects of their own choosing along with projects that Mary has selected for their suitability in teaching the skills being demonstrated.

This is a perfect class for both beginners and experienced carvers. Beginning carvers can learn the basics from Mary, while experienced carvers will have a whole week to pick Mary’s brain, clarify the questions they may have been struggling with over the years and practice the skills she will be showing you. This is a great opportunity to learn both the basics and the advanced techniques under the guidance of one of our country’s best carvers and instructors.

Sign up today- This is a week that you will not want to miss! Tuition: $945.00 plus materials ($28.00 plus tax)

Section 071023A: Monday - Friday, July 10 - 14, 9:00am – 5:00pm

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Tool_list_Mary_May_carving_for_furnituremakers_weeklong_2019.pdf

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Build a Benchtop Tool Chest with Mike Pekovich

Are you starting to gather a hand tool collection but have no place to put it? Here's a great tool chest that's big enough for an essential tool set, but small enough to take along with you to your next woodworking class. A slightly smaller version of Mike’s chest featured in Fine Woodworking magazine, this chest can fit comfortably on the end of your workbench and keep all of your tools within reach. It features a tool well at the top where you can easily access all of your planes, saws and chisels. A pair of drawers below offer even more storage as. Join Mike Pekovich in this unique week-long class where we’ll assemble the case with dovetails and through tenons, and top it off with a frame-and-panel lid. Finally, we'll build dovetailed drawers and outfit the interior with dividers custom-fit for your tools. Your collection of tools need a safe place to be and what better way to bring them to your next class at CVSW! Sign up today. Space is limited. Tuition: $945.00 plus materials ( $249.00 plus tax)

Section 081423A: Monday—Saturday, August 14 - 19, 9:00am—5:00pm  

General tool list (will open in a new window)   

Call 860.647.0303 to sign up for any class on this website

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