Spring 2025
May 19-23

When it comes to choosing between hand tools and power tools, it’s not an either/or proposition. You can accomplish just about anything in woodworking using hand tools alone, but if your interest is in getting projects done, then introducing power tools into your routine can speed your progress. Understanding the role that tools play, and knowing how to choose the right one for the particular job at hand is a big part of woodworking. Come explore this relationship with Mike Pekovich as you work to build a cabinet with Kumiko panels over the course of a week. 

In this five-day wall cabinet class, Mike Pekovich will cover basic hand tool skills, a foundation for woodworking excellence. You’ll also learn how and when to add some power to the equation for efficient, accurate results. The wall cabinet also offers great lessons in dovetailed case construction and traditional frame-and-panel door construction. You’ll learn to trim the door for a perfect fit and hang it as well. You’ll also finish off the door with a Kumiko latticework panel. This traditional Japanese technique is fun and a good way to spice up your work. We’ll spend some time in class talking about design and how subtle details can have a big effect on a piece. We’ll also address the notion of developing a philosophy that works to connect the person you are with the work you make, and how that philosophy can drive design details and methods of construction as well.

Required Tools

• Paper and writing implements 

• Rectangular .8mm card scraper (we will cover honing a scraper in class)

• Coping saw with medium blades or fret saw with coarse blades

Recommend Tools

• Preferred personal protective equipment

• A 12-inch ruler is nice to have

• Tape measure

• Square (preferably a twelve-inch combination square)

• Bench plane (#4 or #5)

• Block plane

• Shoulder plane 

• Marking gauge

• Marking knife

• Set of bench chisels (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4) and mallet

• Dovetail saw

• Phillips screwdriver

• Japanese pull saw or fine crosscut saw

Prerequisites

Some skills required. Basic woodworking skills and a comfort with using hand tools is helpful. This is a rigorous course and students can expect to go home with a mostly completed cabinet that may require some minor details and finish application to be accomplished at home. All of the necessary information to finish the cabinet will be covered in class. 

Class Information and Registration

Class runs from 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: 10
Cost: $940
Materials Charge: $200