Fall 2025
December 1-5

The goal of this weeklong class is to learn and practice the safe and effective use of machine tools. We will also discuss basic adjustments and simple routine maintenance for these tools. Each student should leave this course feeling confident and competent in their use of woodworking machines. Whether you are new to woodworking and want a supported deep dive into the world of machine tools, or are looking to build larger projects with more efficiency, this class has you covered. 

Why Center on Women and LGBTQ+ Students?

Woodworking spaces are historically and presently male-dominated spaces. Our intention here is to provide training and support for people who, through long-enduring and systemic inequalities, have been excluded due to gender or identity. This class welcomes cis women, trans women and trans men, gay men, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, and any woman-identifying people. This distinction is less about who we do not let in the door and more about who this space is intended for. As such, we ask that you thoughtfully determine your own eligibility. The PFLAG glossary of terms is a helpful resource for the ever-evolving vocabulary around gender.

This five-day beginner course is oriented around the building of a small table. Each student will complete their project by the end of the week, using the table as an entry point into various techniques and practices. 

Through building a small table we will explore the use of wood as a material, and how this informs our machining and assembly decisions. We will use machines to break down and mill rough material into stock that is flat, straight, and square. We’ll learn to taper legs, cut mortise and tenon joinery for legs and apron, build and shape a top, and secure the top. We will also cover accurate layout, glue-ups, edge detailing, and finishing. 

Students should leave the class having practiced and explored all the common machines found in a typical woodshop. You’ll be given time to practice their safe use, ask questions, and explore the intricacies and terminology of each machine. Students should come away from their experience feeling confident in their ability to continue their woodworking practice in other woodshop environments.

Topics covered:

• Wood selection, movement, and material handling 

• Breaking down rough stock

• Milling and 6-squaring

• Cutting, fitting, and cleaning joinery

• Tapering legs

• Gluing up tabletops

Machines covered:

• Chop saw

• Band saw

• Jointer

• Planer

• Table saw

• Drill press

Tools

Required:

• Combination square 

• Tape measure (min 10’)

Recommended:

• Eye, ear and lung protection

• Notepad

Prerequisites

For beginners

Class Information and Registration

Class is 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 10
Cost: $940
Materials Charge: $75