“It is often assumed that the chief reason for making things - furniture, clothing, toys, a garden - is to save money. There are other factors that may be of equal or greater importance: making what we need for life is a way of expressing creativity and of gaining greater confidence.”
— Bill Coperthwaite
"A Handmade Life: In Search of Simplicity"
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.
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:
Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking
6 hours, $300
Sat, 12th Sep 2026, 9a - 4p
Sat, 19th Sep 2026, 9a - 4p
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
Hand Tool Sharpening
2 hours, $100
Tue, 22nd Sep 2026, 6p - 8p
Wed, 30th Sep 2026, 6p - 8p
Thu, 8th Oct 2026, 6p - 8p (if needed)
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
*Sharpening supplies provided by our own local:
SharpeningSupplies.com
Joinery 1 - Mortice & Tenons
6 hours, $300
Sat, 10th Oct 2026, 9a - 4p
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 Hand Tool Sharpening
Joinery 2 - Housing/Dado Joints
6 hours, $300
Sat, 24th Oct 2026, 9a - 4p
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 Hand Tool Sharpening
Joinery 3 - Dovetail Joints
6 hours, $300
Sat, 7th Nov 2026, 9a - 4p
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 Hand Tool Sharpening
Sharpening supplies generously provided by our local, Middleton-based,
2026 Fall Class Schedule
Saturday, 12th September
Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking
9a - 4p
$300 (one spot left)
Saturday, 19th September
Intro to Hand Tool Woodworking
9a - 4p
$300
Tuesday, 22nd September
Hand Tool Sharpening
6p - 8p
$100
Wednesday, 30th September
Hand Tool Sharpening
6p - 8p
$100
Thursday, 8th October
Hand Tool Sharpening
6p - 8p
$100 (overflow class, if needed)
Saturday, 10th October
Joinery 1 - Mortice & Tenons
9a - 4p
$300
Saturday, 24th October
Joinery 2 - Housing/Dado Joints
9a - 4p
$300
Saturday, 7th November
Joinery 3 - Dovetails Joints
9a - 4p
$300
Registration
The first step is to send us a registration form for the class(es) you wish to take. Once we receive your registration and confirm there is an opening available, we will send you an invoice. We will hold your spot for one week while you make payment by credit card, check or cash.
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.