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Monthly meeting to discuss all things IT
All members are invited to participate in the It meetings.
The link for the Zoom IT Meeting is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81897494351?pwd=XaWua7Kq2aZxa2hRobW5bMH5vq7Itv.1
Meeting ID/Passcode 818 9749 4351 / 588394
The second session has moved to August 29th, from 5-9 PM due to heat.
Instructor - Mike Sandmann
Assistant - Tom Nelson
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to the Guild (all members) and Getting Started (beginners only)
This class is designed for the member to become certified on the "Core tools" and is required to work in the Guild machine room or to take classes using the “core” power tools.
The class consists of two 4-hour sessions and will certify you on the commonly used "core” power tools: chop saw, bandsaw, jointer, planer, table saw, stationary sanders and the drill press.
The instructor will demonstrate using each tool and discuss safe practices. There will be the opportunity to practice using each tool. By the end of the class, one should feel comfortable operating each tool safely. Upon successful completion, the instructor will certify the member on the 7 core tools.
Materials will be provided.
Do not register for this 2 session class unless you are able to attend both sessions. We cannot reschedule you if you are not able to attend both sessions and no refunds will be given for missed sessions.
Students should bring these items: Personal and required PPE, pencil, and tape measure. Bring a copy of this document, either digitally or printed, Core Tool Handout . Bring a combination square, if you have one. Don't go out and buy a cheap one for the class. We have plenty to borrow and we'll discuss the benefits of investing wisely in a quality square.
Please contact Kimberly Grommes with questions.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarship we offer.
The guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Class Cancellation Policy
The second session has moved to September 6th from 5 - 9 PM due to heat.
Instructor - Stuart Brown, Mike Sandmann
Assistant - Kimberly Grommes
Intro to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required)
Liability Waiver
You must have the following safety equipment:
Project build is currently working on:
Shop Time
Core tool certification (for machine room use)
Members who have not been active shop users in the last year (365 days) are required to complete a brief shop and tool re-certification with a Core Tools instructor prior to participating in Open Shop. These are done on an individual basis; email shop.operations@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org to schedule.
Please review the Material Guide and bring all consumables required for your project. The guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measure
There is a high demand for this event. If you are unable to attend, please cancel your reservation immediately so another member can register and use the shop.
The Shop Attendant will wait 30 minutes after the start of the shift. If nobody shows up, the SA will close the shop and leave, unless notified in advance of a late arrival.
On the following registration form (after you click the Register button) there are two fields for you to enter the time you plan to arrive at the shop and an estimate of how long you will be there. This information will help the SA determine if drop in users can be accommodated.
The Shop Attendant may allow drop in users if there is room.
There are two CNC machines available for use by reservation for the Open Shop Session. When completing the registration form, select the machine you wish to reserve. The user must be certified or have completed the 12 hours of training and have a certified mentor present while they are using the machine. Make arrangements for a mentor before registering to use the CNC machine. The mentor does not need to register for the session.
Introduction to Hand Cut Through Dovetails for Beginners
Instructor: Robert Mack
Assistants: Bill Gemula
Prerequisites: Introduction to Guild Safety
This introductory course on how to hand cut, through, dovetails will emphasize
a) how to mark out dovetails,
b) proper sawing technique, and
c) proper chiseling technique.
This class is not designed to make students experts in hand cutting dovetails—that will require further practice. However, we will teach students the basic skills and tools needed to hand cut dovetails allowing them to improve their results in the future.
Tools and Equipment Needed 1. Sharp pencil 2. Marking gauge 3. Layout tools, jigs/bevels 4. Back saws: Rip and Crosscut 5. Fret or coping saws 6. Chisel and mallet 7. Marking knife
Students are welcome to use their own tools if available. Material and tools will be provided.
Introduction to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required)
Apprentice SA: Jim Garrison 512-740-8941
Art in the Pearl 2025
Sign up HERE
If you prefer not to use SignUpGenius, email Heidi with your preferred shifts: heidi.mcnamee@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org
This is one of the largest fine arts show in the country. Located in the beautiful Portland Parks Block, it is one of Portland’s most popular events. The Guild has a demonstration booth where we promote the art of woodworking to the public with interactive demonstrations and displays. It is also a chance to recruit new members.
Join us Labor Day Weekend (Saturday, Sunday and Monday August 30th, 31st, and September 1st) from 10:00-6:00 and 4:00 on Monday. No special skills needed other than the ability to interact with people, explain the Guild and tell people why you love woodworking.
We need 3 people/shift for the Hand Plane Demo making cedar sachets (and can teach you how to do this). The Oregon Carvers Guild will join us.
Please plan to show up at least 15 minutes early for your shifts if possible to allow for parking and shift transition time. Or come even earlier and explore all that the fair has to offer!
Location: Pearl District - North Park Blocks on NW Flanders between NW 8th and NW Park Ave.
Shop Attendant: Ruth Warbington
Core Tool Certification required if working in the machine room
Women of the Guild! Come join other women for fellowship, conversation, some learning, and making some sawdust if you like.
5:00 -7:00 Open Shop time: this is for using either the bench room or the machine room. Limited number of spaces available. Register for Open Shop. This will include the program time later in the evening.
6:30-7:00 Social time and show and tell in the Bench Room. If just attending this part and/or the Program, please register for Program
7:00-9:00 Program to be determined. If just attending this, please register for Program.
Introduction to Guild Safety
Instructor: Education and Membership Team
Welcome to the Introduction to Guild Safety class. For every Guild member wishing to take Education classes, use the Guild shop for personal projects, or participate in the Community Project sessions, this is a required class, regardless of experience or skill level.
This class is presented by the Education and Membership Team. In addition to important information about shop safety, we will provide an overview of Guild Education, Community Projects and Open Shop programs. You will also learn about how to volunteer because the Guild only succeeds with active volunteers!
Included in the class is a tour of the Guild Shop, introducing the stationary tools and their function. This class is about 3 hours.
Please include your name in the list of attendees so the instructor can track attendance and make name badges. It is only visible to Guild members.
Complete the following before class:
Print out and complete the self-evaluation section (left side) of the New Member Experience Assessment/Shop Certification form. Bring the entire form to class.
Print out and bring assigned Liability Release form.
Read the attached resources and take the Guild Safety Test. Bring your answers to class on paper or a device.
General Safety
Guild Safety Manual
Policy on the Use of Personal Protective Equipment
Material Guidelines
Upon completion of the Intro to the Guild Safety class, you will be directed to:
1. A second beginning class, Getting Started; required for those with little or no experience with portable power tools.
OR
2. Bypass the Getting Started class and start the path to the Shop Certification classes.
For more information on the Shop Certification process: https://guildoforegonwoodworkers.org/Safety-Classes-&-Shop-Certification
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarships we offer.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending guild events when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with COVID-19.
Follow CDC guidelines: If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are expected to follow the current CDC guidelines.
Apprentice SA: Micah Stolowitz 503-312-3648
Apprentice SA: Steve Misner 503-348-3906
Instructor - Jim Meyer
Assistant - Paul Thibodeau
BOX SIG
September Program:
To be determined.
As every month: bring your boxes for show and tell! Afterwards those who wish to continue the conversation will walk up the street for some food & drink.
Guild classes are Member-only classes. Not a member? Visit the Membership webpage and Join Now.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with COVID-19. Follow CDC guidelines: If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you are expected to follow the current CDC guidelines.
Join Us in wishing Shou Good luck on his relocation to California. We will provide pizza and non-alcoholic drinks. BYOB or we can head to the Lucky Lab post meeting.
Please Register for this in advance so I know how much pizza and drinks to get us!
ROUTER AND ROUTER TABLE BASICS AND CERTIFICATION
Instructor - Robert Mack
Class Assistant - TBD
Prerequisites: Core Tool Certification
This class is about safe use of router and router table and is designed to provide you with Certification on these machines.
The router is one of the most versatile tools in the shop. It is commonly used to do routine cutting of slots with a straight bit, but has great flexibility in edge profiling and in use with jigs. The router is a simple motor 1, 2¼ or 3½ horsepower with a changeable collet that can hold thousands of bit styles. It can be mounted in a table for exquisite control or hand held when the project is too large to get onto the table. If you are not confident in your mastery of this machine, then this is the class for you. We will discuss best practice for each operation, you will see it demonstrated, and then you will have the opportunity to perform the procedure yourself, hands on. By the end of the class, you should feel comfortable that you can operate these machines safely. Materials will be provided.
Bring your PPE.
Shop Assistant: Flora Lee
These Shop sessions are dedicated for new members to the guild. These are special Open Shops for new woodworkers on the first and third Sunday afternoons of each month. The goal is to allow new and aspiring woodworkers space to build their confidence and safely use machines under dedicated supervision on their personal projects. Two experienced volunteers will be available to provide guidance as needed that will lead to the successful completion of their project. They will be available to discuss plans, review cut lists, examine proposed steps to complete the project, and assist with set up and safe operation of the machines that were presented in the Core Tools class. Participants will bring their materials (lumber and consumables) and their project plan (e.g., simple drawing and project ideas) to the shop, and will pay standard shop fees. The intent is to create a safe, collaborative environment where beginners can obtain direction on their project and will have the opportunity to learn from mentors and peers attending the session. Over the course of a few sessions, we anticipate that new woodworkers will build the necessary skills and confidence that will allow them to comfortably work in a standard open shop session.
These Shop sessions are dedicated for new members to the guild. These are special Open Shops for new woodworkers on the first and third Sunday afternoons of each month. The goal is to allow new and aspiring woodworkers space to build their confidence and safely use machines under dedicated supervision on their personal projects.
Two experienced volunteers will be available to provide guidance as needed that will lead to the successful completion of their project. They will be available to discuss plans, review cut lists, examine proposed steps to complete the project, and assist with set up and safe operation of the machines that were presented in the Core Tools class.
Participants will bring their materials (lumber and consumables) and their project plan (e.g., simple drawing and project ideas) to the shop, and will pay standard shop fees.
The intent is to create a safe, collaborative environment where beginners can obtain direction on their project and will have the opportunity to learn from mentors and peers attending the session. Over the course of a few sessions, we anticipate that new woodworkers will build the necessary skills and confidence that will allow them to comfortably work in a standard open shop session.
Please review the Material Guide and bring all consumables required for your project.
Hand Tool Mentoring
Mentor: Tim Moore and others
This is an open agenda session. That means participants come with questions or hand tool tasks that you would like some help on and the instructor will be there as a resource. Perhaps it is to sharpen a chisel? Maybe there is a hand tool that you would like some advice on. This is an ‘open-door’ session so you can show up at any time during the session.
Just register, pay $40, and show up during the session. You will leave knowing more than when you came. Tim suggests that you contact him with questions and anticipated arrival time so that he can plan the afternoon.
tim.moore@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Instructor - Dennis Dolph
Assistant - Ed Ferguson
All members are invited to participate in the board meetings but are unable to vote.
The link for the Zoom Board Meeting is:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87906271746?pwd=SbVCExmBZEMI6bkWqbCKASbm6uST8c.1
Multi-Router Certification Class
Instructor: Carol Boyd
Prerequisites: Core Tools Certification and Router/Router Table Certification
Cost: $40
The multi-router is a mortise and tenon machine well suited for cutting repeated mortise and tenon joinery.
The joinery is cut by setting the bounds of the x, y, and z axis and then moving the table and/or the router to cut ortise or tenon. It an also be used for cutting box joints.
This training will focus on the safe use of the machine. Students will perform the operations to cut a mortise to demonstrate their understanding of how to safely operate the machine and receive certification for use of the machine.
Please bring your own PPE - eye, ear and lung protection (dust mask).
Measuring and Marking for Beginners
Instructor: Stu Brown and Mark Mattson
Prerequisite: Core Tool Certification
This is a trial run of a new class. Stay tuned for the official offerings.
Students should bring these items: pencil, combination square, and tape measure.
You must have the following Personal Protection Equipment (PPE):
CNC SIG
CRAIG JONES, SIG LEAD
Craig 503-975-7541
Prerequisites: Completion of Intro to Guild Safety
Number of Participants: 20
If you are interested in learning more about CNC in woodworking join us. Beginner or advanced. CNC is a rapidly developing method of woodworking that is providing new opportunities for woodworkers. The Guild has now begun to develop classes in CNC and the SIG is a great way to informally begin your personal journey.
Register and join us. We are meeting the the second Thursday of every month. Begin your own journey into CNC woodworking.
Hand Plane Skills
Instructors: Ruth Warbington
Class Assistant: none
Students: 4 (if you're directed to the waitlist, class is full)
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety
A hand plane is a powerful tool for woodworking; it complements power tools and other hand tools beautifully. Learn and practice the most common applications of the most-used hand planes: the jack (#5), smoother (#4), and block plane. If you only use power tools, you'll be exposed to the ways hand tools assist and augment machine work. We’ll flatten, joint, smooth, shoot, bevel, and chamfer quietly and effectively with hand planes. You’ll take apart, reassemble and adjust the planes so that they perform well for each task, learning first-hand the importance of sharpness and tool adjustment. We’ll also use workshop standbys such as hand saws, squares, straight edges, winding sticks, and shooting boards, as these are the companions of handplanes. If you are new to hand tools this class will be a good start; if you have a little experience you'll gain more.
We’ll have the planes and accessories which are needed. Bring your own planes if you have them and any of the other items mentioned in the description, but don’t go shopping until after class.
Please try to bring these basic tools, if you already have them: Pencil; 12” combination square; try square or small combo square
Assistant: Erika Lim
Students: 4
Prerequisites: All 3 certifications must be completed prior to class
Learn how to do a simple inlay. You will create an inlay in a box using a template and a router. A precut box kit will be provided to all students and at the end of the session, you will go home with a glued up box with an inlay.
If you prefer, you can bring your own piece for the inlay – it must be able to hold a 2” inlay. Please contact the instructor ahead of time if you want to do this.
Please bring your PPE, small square, and pencil.
All materials will be provided.
Maintenance will occur every third monday of the Month. You do not need to attend the entire duration of the maintenance even
Introduction to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required).
Assistant - Matt Grommes
PantoRouter Certification Class
Instructor: Ken Fairfax
Prerequisites: Core Tool Certification and Router Certification
Cost: $90
The PantoRouter™ is an innovative tools that utlizes a router to create highly precise joinery, including mortise and tenon joints, dovetail joints, box joints, and other specialized joint types.
In this class, students will cover both safety as well as the basics of using the PantoRouter™ to create accurate, reproducible mortise and tenon joints. During the class the 4 students will jointly create a table base using mortise and tenon joinery while learning how to set up, calibrate, and safely operate the PantoRouter™. While completing this class, each student will practice setting up the machine for a cut, aligning work pieces, and safely cutting multiple joints.
After successfully completing the class, students will be certified to use the PantoRouter™ during Open Shop periods. While the class uses mortise and tenon joints for teaching purposes, PantoRouter™ users can consult the manual as well as the extensive online library at PantoRouter.com to learn how to apply their skills to other joints, including dovetail and box joints.
Students should bring personal protective equipment, including safety goggles and hearing protection.
@ The Studio
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Carving SIG - Evenings
This interest list is for those who can attend at least some meetings. Monthly reminders announce upcoming topics.
DESCRIPTION
These monthly carving meetings are a combination of demo, presentation, and hands-on, open to beginners and experienced alike. Topics vary over time. Past programs focused on sharpening, rotary carving tools, knives, Japanese wood blocks, and chip carving. Future topics will be based on what attendees want.
A daytime group meets on the first Wednesday at 1:00, click here to register your interest in this series during the days.
DATES/TIMES - The evening group meets most months on the third Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm but you can arrive 30-45 minutes early if you want to eat a brown bag meal, chat, look around, or work on your project.
PREREQUISITE - None.
LOCATION - Guild of Oregon Woodworkers Studio Classroom
COST - free except for possible material reimbursement. However, the real cost is you sharing your experience, questions, successes, and frustrations so we all can learn from and help each other.
CO-LEADS - Clark Moss (503)707-9305 clark.w.moss@gmail.com and Larry Wade, (503)312-7745, lpwade@gmail.com), but expect others to pitch in over time (this could be you!).
Instructor: Pat Shuff
Class Assistant: TBD
Students: 6 spaces
This is an introductory hands-on class in which students will learn to make a laminated face-grain cutting board. During the two, 3-hour class sessions, students will mill the wood from raw boards, glue up the boards for drying between classes, watch demonstrations of the milling and shaping steps, and then work on their own boards. Students will get hands-on practice with the table saw, planer, router, band saw (optional), disc, belt and spindle sanders, and router table (optional) to shape their cutting board.
The goal is to have a rough cutting board drying overnight and a finished cutting board to take home at the end of class. In some cases, final sanding and application of mineral oil finish will be done at home. In exceptional cases where more shop time is needed for use of power tools, we will try to accommodate students with a shop session when they can use the shop to finish up their board.
Wood will be provided. Remember to bring your Personal Protective Equipment - eyes, ears, and lung protection.
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety and Core Tool Certification
Please register online and remit payment at once. Your registration is not complete without payment.
Assistant - TBD
Instructor - Stuart Brown
Assistant - Paul Fischer
Second Shop Attendant: Bill Gemulla
MAKE A DECORATIVE BOX
Instructors: Jim Meyer & Daniel Shattuck
General Description:
Box-making combines the skills of good woodworking with delightful creativity, in a condensed and useful shape. In this class we'll cover the fundamentals of accurate, repeatable construction. We'll discuss the design options one can explore, with examples. We'll embellish our boxes with contrasting woods and a selection of materials like glass, gilding, paper or cloth, with advice on how to explore your own ideas.
We'll target a 5"x7", 3.5" deep box with 3/8" walls, a useful sturdy shape for many keepsakes and household items.
In this class you'll learn the steps from rough lumber to finished box. You'll learn to measure & mark accurately, track parts and their orientation, cut miter joints on the table saw, using stop blocks for repeatability. You'll cut grooves for a captured, custom-fit top & bottom. And we'll save time to embellish your box with some creative techniques.
Join us to build a wonderful box and practice a set of skills to launch your own creative ideas!
Materials provided
Bring your PPE: hearing protection, eye protection, dust mask.
Instructor: Chip Webster
To get the most out of your 14" bandsaw (or any woodworking bandsaw), you need to become proficient at cutting to the line free-hand and learn when and how to use simple jigs effectively.
These bandsaws are capable of very accurate work, from cutting precise mortise and tenons and resawing the densest wood straight and smooth, to cutting fluid curved shapes.
This hands-on workshop with Chip Webster is based on Michael Fortune's material and experience, and is focused on learning and practicing these skills.
Hand Tool Special Interest Group
Presenter: Ken Hall
Topic for September 2025:
TBD
Note: The Hand Tool SIG does not meet in November or December due to conflicts with holidays.
This SIG is for anyone interested in hand tools no matter your skill or knowledge level. Come and learn or share your knowledge with other Guild members.
For additional information or questions contact: Ken Hall, 503-702-7841, ken@old-scholls.com
All Guild members are welcome at no charge. Please Register.
If you are not on the Hand Tool SIG email list please contact the Handtool SIG Leader to be added to the Hand Tool SIG email list.
A LOCAL PRO WORKSHOP
Local Pro Instructor: CHARLES FREEBORN
Class Assistants: TBD
Students: 6
Prerequisite Minimum: Core Tools, Hand tools. Template Routing/router table recommended. Operations that members are not comfortable with can be handled by Class Assistants.
Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced. More advanced members can explore alternative joinery methods.
Over the course of the 4-5 days, we will build a Mission Style stool. It is a simple design well suited for a first stool project. It is entirely mortise and tenon construction, however it can be traditional M/T, floating M/T or in some areas Domino joinery.
In this class we will cover these skills & information:
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: If students have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. they could bring those.
Students should also bring their Personal Protective Equipment.
Guild will provide pre-milled lumber parts, tenon stock patterns, jigs/templates and project supplies.
If needed, check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarship we offer.
Staying Home When Sick: Members are urged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, especially those associated with COVID-19.
Class Cancellation Policy - full refund when cancelled with 7 days prior notice, or emergency. Please see policy for details.
October Program:
FLOATING SHELF BUILD - a "Local Pro" workshop
Instructor: Austin Heitzman
www.austinheitzmanfurniture.com
Prerequisites:
Minimum: Core Tool Certification.
Recommended: Router certification.
This class will guide each student through the process of building a live edge floating shelf. Shelf size approx. 18” x 24”. Students will learn how to dimension lumber accurately, how to consider, clean up and prep live edge material. They will also learn how to use a router table to cut hanging hardware and cut and assemble a simple bridle joint.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: If students have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. they could bring those.
Students should bring their Personal Protective Equipment.
Guild will provide Pre-milled lumber parts, wire wheels, and project supplies.
Shop Assistant:
Introduction to CNC Routing
Prerequisite: Intro to Guild Safety
Interested in learning about CNC Routing and how you can incorporate this highly versatile tool into your woodworking? This class is for you! It starts at the very beginning, describing what CNC routing is all about and how it can be used in woodworking. You’ll then get experience using the software needed to design, create toolpaths, and cut your work on the Guild’s CNC machine.
This is a hands-on class; you’ll need to bring a laptop with the (free!) design software already installed. You’ll work at your own pace through scripted exercises that will teach you to create a design and toolpaths for a personalized sign. When complete, you’ll cut the sign and take it home!
To help support effective and efficient learning, this class includes one-on-one mentorship for each student. Imagine having a CNC expert at your side to guide you every step of the way through the self-paced exercises and machine operation. Enrollment in this all-day class also includes a follow up one-on-one mentorship session in the shop (or maybe the shop of your mentor) to reinforce your newly learned skills.
After completion of the course and approval of your mentor, you’ll have access to the Guild’s CNC machines when attended to by any CNC mentor. You will also have the skills to create simple CNC projects of your own or access literally thousands of designs available through Vectric or on third party Internet sites.
You may be wondering if you’ve got the “right stuff” for CNC. We can help you decide! Click this link for an introductory document and computer skill self-assessment to see if CNC is right for you.
Students need to bring a Windows desktop (or Macbook with virtualized Windows) and will pre-load the (free) Vectric VCarve design software. There is some additional homework required prior to the class. Detailed instructions provided at this link.
Note: This class includes an introductory Zoom call the Saturday 2 weeks prior to the class date from 9:00-11:00am. Attendance is required. If you do not attend the call, your registration will be cancelled.
Price: $285- Includes 8 hours of One on One Instruction, 2 hours of individual CNC mentoring (scheduled separately), routing materials, and a zip drive with class information. Lunch: We will provide an hour break to obtain lunch in the Village or you are welcome to bring your own lunch.
Scroll Saw Basics
Instructors: Rick Martin
Students: 4 maximum
This class will provide an introduction to the use of the scroll saw.
In this class, the student will learn the basic mechanics of the scroll saw and practice the use of it by making a completed jigsaw puzzle.
Basics of Fine Woodworking
Instructors: Multiple
Assistants: Multiple
This course is designed for beginning woodworkers who have completed Core Tools Certification and:
1. Would like to build confidence using these tools.
2. Desire introductory knowledge on the process of bringing a project from concept through the process of woodworking, to applying a finish.
This class consists of 7 sessions offered on Monday evenings. Students are expected to attend all 7 sessions. There will not be any makeup sessions offered for missed classes. Each session covers specific aspects of woodworking, presented in the typical project order of operations.
Instructors will provide information and hands-on practice on the process of woodworking, through the construction of a simple box that you will work on through each session to completion. The objective is the acquisition of knowledge and skills of the process, rather than the box, though you will have a constructed box in the end to remind you of the process and your abilities.
The session topics are as follows:
Session One: Design and Layout
- Hands-on: drawings, layout, modeling, construction – table saw (cross cutting) and bandsaw (resawing)
Session Two: Understanding Wood
- Hands-on: milling – jointer, tablesaw (ripping), planer
Session Three – Joinery
- Hands-on: tablesaw (crosscutting and cutting grooves), bandsaw, layout
Session Four – Hand Tools
- Hands-on: layout, handsaw, coping/fret saw, chisels, block plane
Session Five – Work Session
- Hands-on: complete box to to point of assembly
Session Six– Assembly and Glue-up
- Hands-on: table saw (cutting a rabbet), surface prep (sanding), hand plane and shooting board, clamps, glue
Session Seven – Finishing
- Hands-on: applying finish on sample boards, shellac finish on box
PPE required: hearing protection, safety glasses, dust mask (as needed), closed-toed shoes.
Students should also bring: a fine point mechanical pencil and a tape measure. If you have your own combination square and marking knife, bring them, however, there are plenty of these in the Studio to use if you do not own one. Also bring your block plane if you have one. Do not buy one for this course.
Please contact Keith Burgess with questions.
Instructor: A. Sogal
Program TBA early October
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96184696029?pwd=MWZOUEZsejJua0pJY2tvbjVSVlFuZz09
Hint: The link never changes for the monthly meeting. It is the same every month.
Topic for October 2025:
Assistants: TBD
Prerequisites: Introduction to Guild Safety; Prior completion of Hand Cut Dovetails for Beginners class is recommended.
This is a follow up to the class “Hand Cut Dovetails for Beginners”. Half blind dovetails are typically used when joining drawer sides to a drawer front. This class will emphasize:
a) how to mark out half-blind dovetails on your stock, b) proper sawing technique and c) proper chiseling technique.
a) how to mark out half-blind dovetails on your stock,
b) proper sawing technique and
This class is not designed to make students experts in cutting half-blind dovetails, however we hope to teach students the basic tools and skills needed to cut blind dovetails, allowing them to improve their skills in the future.
Please include your name as visible when registering so the instructor can email any handouts prior to class.
Instructor: Ruth Warbington
Class Assistant: None
Enjoy a quiet shop and an introduction to kumiko as you build a drink coaster. This asanoha (hemp leaf) pattern is easier than it looks, but does require patience and attention to detail. The only tools used are a small hand saw and a 1" bench chisel. You will improve your skills with both but you don't need any experience to start. Kumiko was developed in Japan for shoji screens but is recently being used for decoration and for contrast in woodworking. You'll use the hand saw to cut pieces to length and then use a beveling jig to carefully shave the necessary angles on each end with a chisel. Bevel jigs, wood strips, chisel and saw will be provided. Bring your own chisel and small saw if you have them.
MAKE A STAKE-LEG STOOL
Instructors: Jim Spitzer & Doug Drake
Students: 5
Prerequisites: Intro To Guild Safety and Core Tool Certification
This stool was developed and designed by Guild member Steve Poland. In this class, we will discuss various design options for your future stake-leg stool projects. The Instructor will describe a range of approaches to forming cylindrical tenons that are used for creating accurate and strong cylindrical mortise and tenon joints without use of a lathe. Then you will create your own simple stool.
You will have the option of finishing with the simple plank style or using a curved track router jig to create the curved seat version. We should have a couple species options, but we won’t know exactly what is available until just prior to the class.
Basic operations will include:
- Use a table saw fixture to create 8 sided legs from square stock.
- Use a router table jig to form precise diameter round tenons.
- Use band saw to slit wedge slot and drill to bore stress relief at bottom of slot.
- Use an angled fixture on drill press to create splayed mortises.
- Use a curved rail router sled jig to carve a radiused seat top.
- Use band saw to cut wedges for locking the tenons in mortise
- Use a flush-cut saw and block plane to trim tenon flush with seat.
- Use a height marking fixture to set up leg length cut with Japanese saw.
- Use block plane to champher edges of seat and bottom of legs.
- Finish sanding with random orbit sander.
Milling and Prep for Seth Rolland Master's class
Students will be contacted prior to milling sessions to determine availability. For questions on prep, contact Carol Boyd.
Instructor: Dick Rohrbaugh
Dick will show the steps to building one of the handiest Tablesaw accessories you can have in your shop - A Crosscut sled! With this sled you will be able to safely crosscut wide pieces with the ease and accuracy.
In this class you will Practice on the Tablesaw cutting sled parts, glue-up the fence, and square up the sled’s fence using the 5-cut test. Each student will go home with a completed sled that they can adapt to their saw.
Please bring your Personal Protective Equipment, a tape measure, a small square, and pencil. Materials will be provided.
November Program:
Setup for Seth Rolland class
Coopering with Seth Rolland
Coopering is a method of joining many pieces of wood into a faceted curve or fully round hollow form and allows you to make an endless variety of sculptural and functional shapes with very little wood. Traditionally used for buckets, barrels and pipes, in this class every student will make a lamp or other project approved by the instructor using this method. Students will learn how to calculate tapers and angles depending on the number of sides and flare of the cone, cut and machine parts and glue up these tricky forms. You will learn how to add decorative elements like piercings, scalloped elements and shaped ends, create variations like a spiral or ellipse and how to cooper curved staves. We will be using the major machines in the Studio plus hand tools. We will provide a list of tools and supplies you should bring to the workshop if you have them. You will be focused on your project while also learning from the variations in each other’s projects through daily group discussions.
Seth Rolland is a furniture maker and sculptor based in Port Townsend, Washington. Growing up with an architect and a landscape architect as parents, he was surrounded early on by conversations about design, function, and the natural world. Working on trail crews, for a boatbuilder, and then a fine furniture maker helped him develop woodworking skills. Combining those experiences with curiosity and a desire to build things he doesn't yet know how to make has led to explorations of form, materials, and structure.
Seth creates both commissioned work and speculative pieces that range from sculptures carved from natural branches to laminated and vacuum-formed furniture. His work has been featured in The New York Times, American Craft, Fine Woodworking Magazine, and on TV’s Modern Masters. He teaches workshops at various craft schools, including the Port Townsend School of Woodworking and the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship. His full portfolio can be seen on the web at www.sethrolland.com.
Prerequisites: Core Tool Certification, and, some skills required. We welcome folks with some woodworking experience and familiarity with hand and/or machine tools to take this class. Please feel free to reach out to us if you are unsure about your fit for this course.
Chip.webster@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org julie.niemeyer@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org
Master Class Cancellation Policy:
~Cancellations more than 30 days before the start date: full refund
~If you cancel your registration for a course less than 30 or equal to 30 days prior to the beginning of class, you forfeit 100% of the course fee. If we are able to fill the class with another person you will be refunded the class fee.
Program TBA early November
A daytime group meets on the first Wednesday at 1:00 but at Rockler, click here to register your interest in this series during the days.
DATES/TIMES - The evening group meets most months on the third Thursday evening from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers Studio classroom, but you can arrive 30-45 minutes early if you want to eat a brown bag meal, chat, look around, or work on your project.
December Program:
Program TBA early December
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