Introduction to Designing and Building Cutting and Charcuterie Boards
This course will take place Nov. 7-8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Hurley High School Woods Classroom and Shop with instructor Tim Lutgen.
Limited enrollment–sign up soon to guarantee a spot!
(Registration fee does not include materials and required personal safety equipment.)
In this class, you will learn how to build and finish your own cutting or charcuterie (serving) board. This is an introductory course for anyone who wishes to learn how to work with hardwoods and has little or no knowledge of the process. This course will give you an opportunity to work with mixed hardwoods, including native species like Oak, Maple, Ash, and Walnut. Alternatively, you can work with Padauk, Purple-Heart, or Wenge for an additional fee. You will learn how to lay out your project, select the best wood, perform all machining under the guidance of an experienced instructor, glue up, add edging and/or handles, and finally finish your custom creation with a protective yet food-safe finish. The best part of this class is that you will be able to show off your own beautiful hardwood creation to family and friends for years to come or gift it to loved ones for the holiday season!
The main difference between a cutting board and a charcuterie board is the type of grain you use. Cutting boards are usually made from edge grain, which makes them extremely durable and resistant to constant chopping. Boards can be made from a single species, or multiple species can be used for a more artistic appearance.
Charcuterie boards are usually made from face grain, which is often the most attractive part of the wood. Boards can be selected for their unique face grain, and multiple species are often used to make them stand out during service, making them highly desirable. Charcuterie boards are not as durable as most cutting boards, but they excel at serving a delightful presentation of fruits, cheeses, meats, and crackers.
This class will be taught over the course of a concentrated weekend in the Woods Shop at Hurley High School by Tim Lutgen, a Fine Woodworking Instructor at the school, and student teaching assistants who have built similar projects.
Prerequisites: None
Requirements:
• All students must provide their own safety glasses.
• Shop clothing and shoes are required. (Sandals are not allowed in the shop.)
• Course information and techniques will be presented in the classroom.
• Hands-on safety demonstrations will be provided for each piece of equipment in the shop
• No food or beverages are allowed in the shop, but these items may be brought into the classroom
• The class will be limited to 12 students
FeU Adult Woodworking Classes:
• Photos will be taken during class for marketing purposes.
• The course fee includes shop incidentals like sandpaper, glue, use of machinery (including blades and bits), custom finishing oil, and instructor and teaching assistant services.
• We will not be using a uniform plan in this course. All students will need to design their own plan and species of wood(s) prior to any construction.
• Fees for the hardwoods in your project are not included. Hurley High School can purchase hardwoods at very competitive prices, or you are welcome to bring your own wood. Costs vary by species of wood. The typical cost of boards made from most domestic species is $40. However, the exotic species are usually sourced from Africa and can cost up to $80 for a high-end cutting board. Tim Lutgen will review each student’s plan and their selected species during our first class, and payment can be made directly to the school.
Recommendations:
• The noise level in the shop can be loud. Therefore, some form of ear protection is recommended.
• The tools we use produce dust and small pieces of wood that can easily embed in clothing. Therefore, shop or work clothes are recommended.
• Solid shoes are recommended.
• The shop can be dry, so water or a beverage is recommended during the day.
• You can bring in food and store it in the classroom. However, several grocery stores and fast-food restaurants are available for your use.
• Bathrooms and water fountains are a short walk down the hall from the shop.
• Bring paper for notes or sketches and plenty of pencils for marking your wood.
This class is limited to 12 students.
Register by Oct. 23 to get a $5 Early Bird discount off the regular registration price of $45!
Instructor: Tim Lutgen
Requirements: Hurley High School policy requires wearing safety glasses at all times while in the shop. Students must supply their own safety glasses, which can be purchased at any hardware store. Students with long hair are required to use hair ties. Food and beverages are permitted in the classroom but not in the shop. Comfortable work clothing and shoes are recommended, but please avoid sandals. Knit fabrics are discouraged.
We recommend signing up at least two weeks ahead of class to ensure class fills and to prevent cancellation.
Online Registration: Scroll down to our Registration form to register online!
– or –
Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.
Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 862-2032 or (715) 476-2881.
Registration Issues/Troubleshooting: If you are registering with one email address for two or more people, please register each person individually (i.e. do not register all at once, but add students one at a time to checkout). If you continue to have difficulty or have another question, please contact us.
Course Cancellations: Students are encouraged to register at least 2 weeks before the beginning of any Fe University course. A course with less than 4 students 2 weeks before the start date may be cancelled at instructor/FeU discretion, with students’ registrations refunded. If you’re interested in a class, please sign up early! Thank you.
Student Cancellations: If a registered student cancels, registration can be refunded if requested 4 or more days before the course’s start date. We’re afraid cancellation requests made 3 or fewer days before the course’s start date are unable to be refunded.