Hand Tool Woodworking Lessons
Whether you’re a complete beginner or want to refine your woodworking skills, come to our Mt Horeb workshop to learn the traditional techniques of hand tool woodworking.
Take a look at the courses we’re currently offering, then follow the registration information below.
Looking forward to seeing you in the workshop!
We have structured the coursework so that classes build on each other, with the goal of gaining the knowledge and confidence to work wood using only historic hand tools. *Please note there are prerequisites for some courses, but feel free to contact us if you have previous experience and/or classwork.
For the most part these classes are skill-based, rather than project-based. For example, instead of spending 16-40 hours learning how to make a specific box, you will learn the essentials of dovetailing in 6 hours that can be used on any project. We choose this method because too often schools prioritize finishing “the project” over actual skill development.
To register: The first step is to complete the form below. Once accepted, you will be sent an invoice and further details. You are also welcome to drop in the shop anytime to chat in person.
Menu of Classes
6 students/class
Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking
4 hours, $200
28th Feb & 28th Mar
(14th Mar - overflow date)
We will teach you how to work wood using only historic hand tools (hand saws, chisels and hand planes), which are very easy to learn and use. All tools will be provided, and students will be able to try multiple variations of several tools to help decide which ones are right for them.
Prerequisites: Just a beginner’s mind
Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
2 hours, $100
28th Feb & 25th Apr
(14th Mar - overflow date)
If you’re going to use hand tools (chisels & planes), the very first thing you need to learn is how to sharpen them. Efficient work flow demands proficient sharpening skills; you may need to sharpen multiple times over a few hours of work. But don’t worry, we will teach you how to quickly sharpen so you can get right back at it. You’ll learn all about the process using a honing guide as well as try the different sharpening media (oil, water and diamond stones) used to keep a keen edge on your tools. Students are encouraged to bring in chisels and/or plane irons to practice on.
Prerequisites: Just a beginner’s mind
Advanced Hand Tool Sharpening
3 hours, $150
28th Mar & 25th Apr
You’ve learned how to sharpen your chisels & planes using a honing guide, but now you want to free yourself from the jig. Sharpening without any “training wheels” is how it was done for centuries, it just takes a little practice and concentration at first. Free-hand sharpening helps develop skills that are transferable to your woodworking in general. Additionally, you can use these skills to sharpen tools that don’t fit into a jig (carving gouges and moulding plane irons). Students are encouraged to bring in chisels, plane irons, and/or carving gouges to practice on.
Prerequisites: Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
Joinery 1 - Mortice & Tenons
6 hours, $300
9th May
Thousands of years old, the mortice & tenon (M&T) joint is used in everything from table legs to casework to doors. You will not only learn the standard M&T joint, but you will also learn several variations including pegged and wedged tenons. This proven joint is easily made with hand tools - and the skills learned in this course will help with a variety of other joints.
Prerequisites: Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking and Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
Joinery 2 - Housing/Dado Joints
6 hours, $300
23rd May
Housing joints, otherwise known as dados, are commonly used to join two pieces of wood at an angle, typically in casework. Historically, furniture made with a dado joints was able to take a lot more weight and stress without the use of any nails, screws or other fasteners. Most woodworkers today would use a screaming, dust-spewing power router, but come to this class and we will teach you how to create dados using only hand tools.
Prerequisites: Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking and Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
Joinery 3 - Dovetail Joints
6 hours, $300
6th June
The dovetail is the quintessential woodworking joint, used not only for its strength and durability, but also to advertise the craftsperson’s skill. Creating dovetail joinery with hand tools is a very attainable skill - let us show you how. Come to this class and get a basic course in dovetailing, then use those skills to build boxes, drawers, even complete casework.
Prerequisites: Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking and Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
Class Schedule
Saturday, 28th February
Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking
8:30 - 12:30
$200
Saturday, 28th February
Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
2:00 - 4:00
$100
Saturday, 28th March
Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking
8:30 - 12:30
$200
Saturday, 28th March
Advanced Hand Tool Sharpening
2:00 - 5:00
$150
Saturday, 25th April
Basic Hand Tool Sharpening
10:00 - 12:00
$100
Saturday, 25th April
Advanced Hand Tool Sharpening
1:00 - 4:00
$150
Saturday, 9th May
Joinery 1 - Mortice & Tenons
9:00 - 4:00
$300
Saturday, 23rd May
Joinery 2 - Housing/Dado Joints
9:00 - 4:00
$300
Saturday, 6th June
Joinery 3 - Dovetails Joints
9:00 - 4:00
$300
Registration
After submitting this form we will get back to you to confirm your spot(s) and provide payment instructions
Cancellation Policy:
If you must cancel, please email Dennis@heirloom-craftsman.com as soon as possible.
If a cancellation email is received more than 21 days prior to class, a full refund will be given.
If a cancellation email is received 21 days or less before class, a partial refund will be given, less a $50 cancellation fee.
In any event, credit card fees are not refundable.