Fall 2023
October 23-28

Many new woodworkers dream of the day when they can gain the skills and confidence to construct their very own chair. Join guest instructor Aspen Golann, who will help to demystify this classic form and guide each student through the process of designing and building this time-tested piece of furniture in this six-day course.

Popular in 1600 and 2021, this ancient chair style is the darling of the contemporary furniture field. In this six-day class we will cover the essential techniques required to build a classic Windsor side chair, but we will also go over the surprisingly simple steps of drafting your own design, creating original patterns, and making a full scale or miniature mockups from a stick drawing. Whether you are new to woodworking or an experienced maker, Windsor chair making will deepen your appreciation for the strength and versatility of wood and the design tools you’ll practice in this class will give you the confidence to fabricate your own designs.

In the process of building a chair, this course will cover:

• Shaping and shaving of parts 

• Precision drilling and boring techniques 

• Seat carving and shaping 

• Stem bending 

• Making patterns 

• Layout techniques and strategies 

• Efficient hand tool and machine techniques 

Also covered in this course: 

• Plans and techniques for building a small kiln, steam box, bending forms, and a shave horse.

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday 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.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 10
Cost: $1,020
Materials Charge: $250