Spring 2024
April 29-May 3 Summer 2024
July 8-12
September 9-13

This five-day introductory course is intended to build confidence, demystify woodworking through the use of hand tools, and get students excited to work with wood on their own. Each student is provided with a full-size woodworking bench equipped with all of the sharpened tools needed for the class and led through the construction of a benchtop tool tote project designed to further your understanding of fine bench joinery.

School founder, master woodworker, and author Jim Tolpin developed this class while writing The New Traditional Woodworker. This book is encouraged as supplemental reading and reference for students enrolled in this course.

During this five-day Beginning Hand Tool Woodworking course, you will learn an array of joints, layout techniques, and practical tips for crafting successful joinery through your project: a hand tool tote. You will discover the pleasure of working wood with hand tools, and the confidence to properly set up, sharpen, and maintain those same tools to continue this practice on your own time. This project will include the creation of lapped joints, dados, and grooves by hand and will make for a challenging and rewarding end product. Different design and construction elements will be examined with the final design being determined by you, the student!

Throughout the week, you will learn a number of joints and put them to immediate practice through the construction of your projects. You will learn to choose the right tool for the job, how to set the tools up properly, and practice the skills you’ll need to work as efficiently and as enjoyably as possible. These joints and techniques include: 

Tools

PTSW will provide all required woodworking tools, but we suggest bringing personal protective equipment, a pencil, and paper or notepad

Prerequisites

For beginners. This course is designed for students who are brand new to hand tool woodworking.

Class Information and Registration

Class is 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 315 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 12
Cost: $895
Materials Charge: $75