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Monthly meeting to discuss all things IT - second Monday of each month
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
Basics of Fine Woodworking
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety & Core Tool Certification
Instructors: Multiple
Assistants: TBD
Students: 6 maximum
This course is designed for beginning woodworkers who have completed Core Tool 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
Materials will be provided.
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 Pat Shuff (pat.shuff@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org) with questions.
Guild classes are Member-only classes. Not a member? Visit the Membership webpage and Join Now.
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
Instructor - Dennis Dolf
Assistant - David Neff
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 three 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 first two sessions will be instruction and the third session will be a time for you to begin a simple project using the skills you have learned in a closely monitored environment. The third session must be registered for independently and completed within 1 month of completing this session. Look for CORE TOOL CERTIFICATION SHOP TIME to register. You will not be certified on the core tools until the 3rd session is complete.
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.
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 all 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.
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 Flu, RSV or COVID-19.
Instructor - Stuart Brown
Assistant - Micah Stolowitz
NOTE: There is a 2 hour Zoom call November 5th from 6pm-8pm
Questions? Email JJ Hoffman for more information.
Core tool certification (for machine room use)
Liability Waiver
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 at no cost; email recertification@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 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.
You must have the following safety equipment:
ANSI Z87.1 rated safety glasses if using the machine room.
Hearing protection
Dust mask: wearing the mask is optional although the SA may determine it is needed
Staying Home When Sick:
Instructor - Jim Meyer & John Mafrica
Assistant - Matt Grommes
Shop Time
Please review the Material Guide for restrictions on allowable materials and bring all consumables required for your project.
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
President’s Report – Mike Sandmann
New Lease
GOTG Team
Holiday Party
Finance Director’s Report -Tom McCloskey
October Finance Report
Volunteer of the Month - Charlie Meyer
Education – Doug Drake
Membership Report – Pat Wheeler
Shop Operations
Other Business / Reports / Announcements
Member survey results - Adrienne
CHAIR MAKING SIG
Leader: Bruce Schafer
Register for this Free event
Are you interested in making chairs?
Chairmaking is a fascinating branch of woodworking with many special considerations. In addition to aesthetics, a good chair needs to be comfortable and strong enough to withstand the forces and loads to which it will be subjected. Chairmaking topics range from use of templates, angled joinery, curved parts, steam bending and many others.
This forum is dedicated to the building of chairs where we can share ideas, learn new techniques, and help each other with projects and challenges. Whether you are just getting started, already building chairs, or just interested in building chairs, we want this group to support your needs and interests.
If you have questions, please contact Bruce Schafer at blschafer1@gmail.com
Please stay home if you are sick to protect our community from illness. Thank you.
Fundamentals of Veneering
Instructor - Chip Webster
Chip Webster has been restoring fine old furniture for over 20 years, often requiring
repairing or making new veneer panels for doors, cabinet tops and other components.
Class Assistant - Paul Barker
Prerequisites:
Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate
Class Goals: to learn the fundamentals of veneering using a variety of clamping systems and process techniques.
Veneers are often used to apply expensive exotic woods or woods with figure or a beautiful grain pattern to a less expensive board. They are also used to create decorative elements, such as inlaid pictures or banding, in projects.
In this workshop we will make a small panel to take home suitable for use as a lid for a small box. We will explore the use of commercially available veneers and shop sawn veneers, where to use each and how to apply them. Different substrates and adhesives will be discussed and used during the class. Cutting and jointing veneer, and the process of securing and clamping, including a vacuum press, will be practiced. We will also make various edge treatments and discuss the requirements and process to produce a curved panel.
Veneer, tape and other materials will be provided. Students will be provided an Olfa 30 degree utility knife.
Students should also bring, if they have available, a sharp low angled block plane and several 12" F style clamps (Harbor Freight is a great source for the F clamps at a very reasonable cost).
We will be working with a bandsaw, jointer, planer, drum sander, and table saw in this workshop.
Students should plan to bring lunch or visit a local establishment.
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Join us in making projects to benefit our guild and the wider community
Introduction to Guild Safety (Core Tool Certification is not required)
Intro to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required)
Project build is currently working on:
Instructor: Mark Allen
Class Assistant:
Students: 4
Prerequisite: Intro to Guild Safety
This four-hour class is designed to bring your chisels and hand planes up to an acceptable level of sharpening, good enough to get back to woodworking quickly. We will focus on how we sharpen the Guild's own tools, primarily using our Veritas sharpening jig since it is relatively simple and the results are repeatable. We will also briefly cover other approaches, such as sandpaper (Scary Sharp®) and a basic jig, such as the Eclipse and its clones. You are encouraged to bring your own tools in to sharpen and if time permits, we can talk about other sharpening challenges, such as small or skewed blades, scrapers, etc.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarships we offer.
Instructor: Robert Mack
Assistants: Greg Reeves
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
c) proper chiseling technique.
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.
CNC SIG
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 SIG is a great way to develop relationships with other CNC users, share your creative ideas and propose ways to enhance the expertise of Guild's CNC community.
NOTE: The SIG has a "lead." But it is largely a self organized group. This means everyone gets to contribute toward setting topics for discussion, participation and keeping the group active. If you want a discussion on a topic, send your ideas ahead of time to the SIG lead.
Register and join us. For 2026, we meet on the 2nd Thursdays of Jan, Mar, May, July, Spetember and November from 7 - 9 PM at the Guild Studio.
Introduction to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required)
Staying home when sick:
Members are encouraged to prioritize their health and the health of others by refraining from attending Guild events, workshops, or gatherings when experiencing symptoms of contagious illness, especially those associated with flu, RSV, or COVID-19.
Instructor: Ruth Warbington
Class Assistant: TBD
Skill Level: All
Students: 4 maximum
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.
Please register online and remit payment at once. Your registration is not complete without payment.
BUILD A SIMPLE STAKE-LEG STOOL - 2 session class
Instructors: Doug Drake & Carol Boyd
Class Assistant: Linh Tran
Students: 6
Intro To Guild Safety
Core Tool Certification
Router 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.
Students bring: PPE. and if you have them, bring a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, chisels, and block plane.
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 the flu, RSV and COVID-19.
Class Cancellation Policy - full refund when cancelled with 7 days prior notice, or emergency. Please see policy for details.
Master SA: Shane Kim 503-704-3125
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 your Guild shop name badge. It is only visible on the class registration list to other 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.
2.Be sure you have read and then checked the box on your member profile acknowledging that you have read and agreed to the 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
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 RSV, flu or COVID-19.
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.
Volunteers are welcome at any time during that period that fits with your work and home life.
Join us for a daytime maintenance session. Participants do not need special knowledge and skills. We will have a mixture of beginners and experienced members learning more about our power tools while keeping our shop in working order.
Introduction to Guild Safety (core tool certification is not required).
Instructor - Dennis Dolph
Prerequisite: Recent completion of Core Tools 2 week class
This class is the final step necessary to become certified on the Core Tools. This is the third session and is only open to students that will have taken the Core Tools 2 week course in the prior month.
This session will be a time for you to begin a simple project in a closely monitored environment using the skills you have learned in the 2 week Core Tools class.
The instructor and assistant will be there to support you as your complete your chosen project. 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.
Do not register for this class unless you will have completed the 2 week Core Tools class at this time.
Students should bring these items: Personal and required PPE, pencil, and tape measure.
7 PM @ The Studio
Topic: Spalting 101 with Dr. Seri Robinson
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/96184696029?pwd=MWZOUEZsejJua0pJY2tvbjVSVlFuZz09
Hint: The link never changes for the monthly meeting. It is the same every month.
Instructor: Dick Rohrbaugh
Prerequisite: Core Tool Certification
Students - 4 maximum (2 minimum)
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.
Instructor: Tim Moore
Assistants: Michael Heidling
This 4-hour class is for students who want to design and produce durable and attractive leather sheaths for woodworking tools such as draw knives, spoke shaves, small saws and hatchets. This will allow them to store and transport edged tools more safely. Students will also get to try various leatherworking tools, in order to help them buy their own in the future. They should be able to go home with one sheath of their making, sewn and ready to apply a finish.
All basic tools for cutting and shaping leather, using the saddle stitch, will be provided.
Consumables such as leather, thread and needles will also be provided. Students are welcome to bring their own mallets, dividers, cutting mats, etc. Tim will provide a suggested tool list during class.
TheGuild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by adhering to the following measures:
Class Cancellation Policy - except in the case of emergency or illness, requires 7 days prior notice of cancellation for full refund. see policy for details.
Assistant - Micah Stolowitz & Tom Nelson
Instructor: Pat Shuff
Students: 6 spaces
Required: Intro to Guild Safety
Required: Core Tool Certification
Recommended: Router Certification
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.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the scholarships we offer.
Please register online and remit payment within 15 minutes. Your registration is not complete without payment.
Hand Tool Mentoring - Start an Easy Project
Mentor: Ruth Warbington & Tim Moore
CA: Bill Gemulla
Make a box, a 6-board bench, a sawhorse, or ? Learn, practice, and refine your hand tool skills on an easier project with help from us. Bring your own wood and idea or use an idea from our “Idea Box”. We’ll have a small selection of pine boards for practice and to buy for a small project. We’ll consult with you to pick a project appropriate to your interests and skills and help you get underway. There will be demonstrations and shared learning for ALL at the beginning of each session and as individual projects present opportunities. Email the instructors before the session to start the project discussions.
These trial workshops are to get you started. You can continue your projects in additional sessions of the workshop (sign up required for each day) or the Open Studio Hand Tool Mentoring sessions on some Sunday afternoons. If there is interest in additional sessions we will add more dates on the Studio calendar.
Hand tools are available at the Studio or bring your own. Bring some easy to work wood like clear pine, cherry, poplar, basswood. We will be focused on building projects and building skills, not on teaching sharpening or refurbishing your tools. Machines may be used VERY briefly for milling, with approval and participation of instructors/CAs, and with Core Tool Certification.
Limited amounts of pine will be available for purchase as needed. ($15-25 depending on amount needed)
Sample projects:
Assistant -
Intro to Measuring and Marking
Instructors: Bob Mack & Mark Mattson
Class Assistant: Eric Flom
Prerequisite: Introduction to Guild Safety
Skill Level: Beginner
Description:
This is a beginner class to introduce students to the importance of measuring and marking in woodworking, basic tools that everyone should have, and measuring and marking techniques. Instructors will discuss what to look for when buying tools and demonstrate their use. Students will complete exercises to have a better understanding of measuring and marking techniques.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed:
Students should also bring their Personal Protective Equipment and Measuring/Marking Tools they currently use.
Students should bring the following tools to class, if they already own them: tape measure, metal ruler, standard square, combination square, bevel gauge, bevel setting gauge/angle guide, compass, awl/marking knife, marking gauge and calipers. Guild tools can be used to supplement tools that students do not have.
Guild will provide wood to practice exercises with (soft wood like alder or pine).
Instructor - JJ Hoffman
Assistant - TBD
Getting Started – Shop Safety for Beginners
Instructors: Micah Stolowitz
Class Assistant: Ginny Benware
The Getting Started class is a continuation of the safety process in good woodworking practices taught in the Intro to the Guild class.
Getting Started is a required class for those needing experience with the safe and appropriate use of portable power tools, and required before taking Core Tool Certification (for those assigned to Getting Started).
This is a four-hour class, with ~2½ hours of practice with a jig saw, a trim router, a random orbital sander, drill motors (battery), and installing their accessories.
Curriculum includes:
The final section of the class will be using these tools to create a cutting board. Material provided by the Guild.
Please review the Guild’s PPE (personal protection equipment) policy from the Intro to the Guild class.
Have all your PPE for this class. Approved wrap around safety glasses, hearing protection, a dust mask (these tools are not connected to the dust collection system).
Class size is 6 students. Each student will have their own area in the Shop with each tool to be demonstrated. No tool sharing. Safe distancing.
Dress appropriately for working in the Shop. (hair tied back, no dangling sleeves, bracelets, strings etc)
The handouts will be reviewed in class.
These items will be used during class pencil, combination square or similar, razor knife, tape measure, notebook, piece of chalk, blank piece of paper for drawing and a straight edge.
Please bring your own PPE and pencil.
Upon completion of Getting Started, members can sign-up for the Core Tool Certification classes.
For more information on the Shop Certification process:https://guildoforegonwoodworkers.org/Safety-Classes-&-Shop-Certification
Instructor - John Mafrica & Jim Meyer
LUTHERIE SIG
SIG Leads: Janet Starck & Tim Moore
Requirements: Intro to Guild Safety
This SIG is for anyone interested in Lutherie no matter your skill or knowledge level. Come and learn or share your knowledge and love of stringed instruments with other Guild members.
For additional information or to be added to the Lutherie email list contact Tim Moore.
All Guild Members are welcome at no charge. Please Register.
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Not a member? Visit the Membership webpage and Join Now.
Basics of Connecting Wood with Metal
Assistant: TBD
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety
An introduction to nails, screws and other hardware every beginning woodworker needs to know!
Tim Moore will cover the invaluable uses of fasteners and how they can be used to build furniture and many other projects.
So save that fancy joinery and glue for another day, learn the ins and outs of bolts, nails and screws and start building something today!
Please contact Tim Moore with questions.
Assistant - Ed Ferguson
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.
Shop Attendant: Ruth Warbington
Prerequisites: Introduction to Guild Safety
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.
Be sure you have read and then checked the box on your member profile acknowledging that you have read and agreed to the Liability Release form.
Introduction to Hand Tools for Beginners
Instructor: Paul Barker
General Description
This class will introduce students to the most common hand tools focusing primarily on hand saws, chisels and hand planes. Instructor will provide demonstrations on use, set up and anatomy of tools. Students will complete exercises using the tools to have better understanding of their uses.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: Guild will provide Hand saws, hand planes and chisels and wood to practice exercises with (soft wood like alder or pine).
Students should bring their Personal Protective Equipment.
If you have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. you can bring those. They are also available at the Studio.
A Guild Scholarship Program is available for those who meet scholarship criteria.
ROUTER AND ROUTER TABLE BASICS AND CERTIFICATION
Instructors - Jim Meyer
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.
BOX SIG
Bring your boxes for show and tell! Bring your questions for help on solving problems. After the program, those who wish to continue the conversation will walk up the street for some food & drink.
Set up shift on day 1 for the Pop-Up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
There will be sales shifts Friday and on Saturday with a clean up shift on the second day. These are separate sign-ups on the Guild website.
Morning Shift on day 1 for the Pop-Up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
There will be sales shifts Friday and on Saturday with a cleanup shift Saturday evening. These are separate sign-ups on the Guild website.
Afternoon Shift on day 1 for the Pop-Up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
Evening Shift on day 1 for the Pop-Up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
Know Your Material: Wood Science with Dr. Seri Robinson
Wood is the material upon which we base our craft, our hobby and, for some, our profession. But what do you really know about this material we love so much?
This workshop focuses on general wood anatomy. We’ll touch on identification, wood safety in food preparation, and include some wood myth busting. Learning to ID wood can be a fun challenge. Basic macro identification and more in-depth micro identification will take participants through very basic wood anatomy and key identification elements like grain structure, latewood arrangement, parenchyma groupings, rays, and so forth. Dr. Robinson will address the myriad of misconceptions and urban legends in woodworking and set the record straight—with science!
Bring a hand lens (10x or greater, often called a loupe) if you have one. The Guild will provide the necessary lab equipment to have some fun with wood science! We can get as deep into the weeds as participants want.
About Seri Robinson
Dr. Seri Robinson is a professor of wood anatomy at Oregon State University, where they study the interaction of wood decay fungi and wood structure for both artistic (spalting) and scientific purposes. Also known as “Dr. Spalting” for their research and practice of coloring wood objects through the use of fungi. They recently authored an article for Fine Woodworking on food safety with wooden objects – think cutting boards – as well as several books.
Photo credits: Seri Robinson and Mark Lindquist
Morning Shift on day 2 for the Pop-Up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
Afternoon Shift on day 2 for the Pop-Up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
Evening Sales & Clean up Shift on day 2 for the Pop-up Sale at the Multnomah Art Center.
There will be sales shifts Friday and Saturday with a cleanup shift Saturday evening. These are separate sign-ups on the Guild website.
Spalting: Coloring Wood with Fungi with Dr. Seri Robinson
Did you know you can naturally color wood with fungi? The process is called spalting. This is a hands-on workshop where participants make their own pigments and then dye sample boards and even small items they have brought in. We will do some DIY spalting with live cultures on wood, do some extractions and “painting,” etc, and have a much more in-depth discussion on the fungi. If the weather cooperates, we will go on a little fungus foray, too!
Shop Assistant: Erika Lim
Many Guild members recognize that woodworking can be a lonely avocation especially if you work alone in your shop. It’s fun to get together with other wood worker’s to swap stories, share successes and failures, and to ask questions.
So please join us for the GUILD's Monthly luncheon at:
Hopworks Brewery
2944 SE Powell Blvd
Portland
Host: Dennis Brown
We look forward to meeting with fellow members for some lunch and conversation. There may even be some talk about woodworking.
The monthly Meet-Ups are held on the first Monday of the month and we try to visit all parts of Portland. Attendees order off the menu and pay on their separate check. All the Meet-Ups gather at 11:30 am, but late comers are always welcome. Everyone in the Guild is invited.
Join us for an evening maintenance session. Participants do not need special knowledge and skills. We will have a mixture of beginners and experienced members learning more about our power tools while keeping our shop in working order.
Instructor -
Scroll Saw Basics
Instructors: Rick Martin
Class Assistants: Erika Lim & Al Arntsen
Skill Level: all
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.
Instructors: Dave Dixon
Class Assistant: John Augsburger
Getting Started is a required class for those needing experience with the safe and appropriate use of portable power tools, prior to starting the path to the Guild’s Shop Certification classes.
Note - photo is for illustrative purposes only. Final design will differ
Instructor: Pat Shuff & Mark Allen
Students: 4 spaces
Wood and supplies will be provided. Students - bring your own Personal Protective Equipment.
Hand Plane Skills
Instructors: Ruth Warbington
Students: 5 (if you're directed to the waitlist, class is full)
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.
Introduction to CNC Routing
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: $230- Includes 10 hours of One on One Instruction (2 hours online + 8 hours in person), 4 hours of individual CNC mentoring (scheduled separately) and routing materials. Lunch: You have the option to obtain lunch in the Village, but we highly recommend you bring your own lunch so we can "talk shop" while we break for a bite.
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 Flu, RSV or COVID-19.
Instructors: Aiden Allen
Class Assistant: Micah Stolowitz
MARQUETRY SIG
The Marquetry SIG is a time to share what you're doing with marquetry. Bring your pieces for show and tell. These can be either complete or in progress. We'll also discuss the challenges we're having. There may be opportunities to share materials so be thinking about what you have and what you'd like to have.
The SIG will be meeting quarterly. For more information, contact Carol Boyd.
PantoRouter Certification Class
Instructor: Pat Shuff Class Assistant: TBD
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.
Introduction to Joinery for Beginners
This class will introduce students to the most common joints, ways to make the joints, and practice making some of the joints. Discussion of various basic joints and where they can be used, including examples, pros and cons of these basic joints:
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: Guild will provide Hand and power tools as needed for demonstration, hands-on practice. Pre-milled wood for a small frame project will be provided.
Students should bring their own Personal Protective Equipment.
If students have a pocket square, tape measure, 6” rule, speed square, bevel gauge, marking knife, chisels, block plane, etc. they could bring those. They will be available at the studio as well.
Make a Small Hand Cut Dovetails Box
Prerequisites: Required: Introduction to Guild Safety
Recommended: Router certification
Recommended: Experience cutting dovetails
Skill Level - Intermediate
Class Goal - This class is designed as a follow up course to the hand cutting dovetails classes. The goal to expand your dovetail cutting skills by building a small beautiful dovetailed box.
Class Description - In this two four hour session class, students will construct a small mahogany box using hand cut dovetails for the joinery along with a fitted top and bottom. Student will be provided with pre-milled 1/2 inch thick stock. The box will be 3 1/2" tall by 4" by 6". Some machine work, mostly using the router table or table saw, to cut the rabbets to fit the top and the grooves to fit the bottom, will be required.
Class Tools - Sharp pencil, marking gauge, layout tools, jigs/bevels, Back saws: Rip & Crosscut, Fret or coping saws, chisel & mallet, marking knife.
Students are welcome to use their own tools if available. Material and tools will be provided.
Elden's Restaurant and Bar
19121 Willamette Dr
West Linn
Radio Room
1101 NE Alberta St
Standard and Freeform Bent Lamination Techniques with Laura Kishimoto 27-1
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety and Core Tools Certification. Router certification is highly recommended.
Bent lamination represents a dramatic departure from most traditional fine woodworking. Rather than working within rectilinear geometry, we will lean into the materiality of wood and explore its natural strengths through curvature. A reference face is often non-existent, so cutting joinery requires some creative thinking and novel use of machinery and hand tools.
We will explore a variety of methods including cold lamination, mold making, vacuum forming, and freeform bending. Students will design and prototype an individual project that showcases bent lamination aesthetically and structurally.
In preparation for this workshop, each student should prepare 2-3 sketches or a sketch model of a bent lamination form they would like to make. On Wednesday, March 3, 2027 10am - Noon (PST), we will host an online design session with Laura via Zoom. In this session. We will discuss each student's form to provide feedback and set realistic expectations for the workshop. This session is required to prepare each participant for the most effective use of the workshop event. The zoom link will be sent to registered students before the call.
In this 6-day workshop we will:
We will be using all major machine tools in the Studio plus hand tools.
What You'll Learn:
· Essential and practical bent lamination knowledge
· Innovative approaches to integrate organic curves into your projects
· Insider tips and tricks for achieving success in all forms of bent lamination
· Laura’s insight into design and problem-solving approaches
Materials will be provided, however students should plan on supplementing their materials needs based on their individual projects.
Tools, Equipment or Materials needed: PPE (ear, eye and breathing). A list of common tools we will be using will be provided to registrants ahead of the workshop.
Lunch will not be provided. We'll provide a 45 minute lunch break. Students should pack a lunch or consider several options for grabbing something to eat within walking distance.
About Laura Kishimoto:
Laura Kishimoto is a designer and maker based in Denver, Colorado and a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design, where she earned a BFA in Furniture Design in 2013. Her work falls somewhere between sculpture and furniture, distinguished by its spatial complexity and visually striking curves. Central to her practice is a technique known as freeform bent lamination, which allows her to push wood to its material limits and create curiously organic and emotionally evocative forms. Her pieces can be found in the permanent collections of the Denver Art Museum in Colorado and the Mint Museum in North Carolina.
Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for a scholarship if needed.
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by staying home when sick and please follow current CDC guidelines.
Lumber Core and Veneering with Tim Coleman 27-1
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety, Core Tools Certification and Router certification.
This four-day session will be a comprehensive veneer and substrate workshop. Each student will create a sample panel by sawing veneer at the bandsaw, thicknessing the veneer at the drum sander and creating lumber core with edge banding and face veneer. We’ll also cover other veneer substrates including veneering on solid wood. We will also learn marquetry and parquetry using sawn veneer. All major power tools will be used in the studio.
The process of creating lumber core is an age-old technique that takes common, inexpensive material and layers shop sawn veneer on top to create a substrate of any desired thickness. The panel can be face veneered with any species and the resulting panel is more stable and flatter than conventional, plywood or MDF. The cabinet in the photograph was made using this technique.
Lunch will not be provided, however, there will be a 45 minute lunch break. Students should pack a lunch or consider several options for grabbing something to eat within walking distance.
About Tim Coleman:
Tim Coleman has been creating custom furniture in his rural Massachusetts studio since 1989 after a year-long apprenticeship in Seattle and two years of study with James Krenov at the College of the Redwoods. Tim’s technically demanding, sculptural furniture is exhibited in galleries and museums throughout the US. He is renowned for his embellished surfaces featuring patterns and textures using marquetry, low relief carving, embossing with steel stamps and parquetry. Along with creating his award-winning furniture, Tim is a sought-after teacher and writer and is often featured in print and video in Fine Woodworking and other magazines. His most recent project with Fine Woodworking is a sixteen-part video series which documents the creation of one of his signature marquetry cabinets.
The Guild promotes and encourages all members to act responsibly in matters of health and safety by staying home when sick, especially with symptoms of RSV, flu or Covid.
Decorative Details with Tim Coleman 27-2
Prerequisites: Intro to Guild Safety and Core Tools Certification
A way of distinguishing the work we do is to add embellishment in some form. This can involve relief carving, pyrography, gilding and many other techniques. Tim Coleman has developed a signature style involving the use of hand made steel stamps, piercing and V carving tools to enhance his work.
The three-day session will cover a variety of decorative details which students will experiment with on sample boards. These will include using steel stamps and vee carving tools to create patterns and textures, coloring carved and stamped patterns with acrylic paint, grain line carving, carving through veneer to a contrasting substrate, overlay techniques with thick veneer and pierce-carved work.
We will be using hand tools and an occasional major machine tool in the Studio.
· Practical techniques for adding decorative details
· Innovative approaches to integrate embellishment into your projects
· Tim's insight plus tips and tricks into design and problem-solving approaches
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