Introduction to Fine Woodworking

This course will be offered in two concurrent classes of four sessions, April 3-6, 9:00AM to Noon, and 1:00 to 4:00, at the Hurley High School woodworking shop. 

Each class is limited to 6 students.

Registration fee includes materials (except for required personal safety equipment).

If you’ve ever wanted to build a project or piece of art out of beautiful hardwoods, but are intimidated by power tools…  If you’d like to learn more about how to use woodworking tools safely…  If you need help in researching projects and determining where to begin….  This course may help you plan, build, and display your own creations made from select Wisconsin hardwoods!

What you will make: Your own trivet made of Cherry, Walnut, Maple, and Oak that is large enough to support a 9” x 13” baking pan or large cast iron fry pan.

Optional additional item: Time permitting, you may use your scraps to build a smaller trivet that will support a large pot.

What you will learn: This course is intended for individuals who have little to no knowledge of woodworking and the safe operation of woodworking tools. You will learn:

• • What each tool is used for and how to operate each of those tools safely
  • How to plan a project to use your time and materials effectively
  • You will work in pairs to create your own beautiful trivet made from Cherry, Walnut, and Maple
  • You will learn how to finish your work, including the formulation of a custom blend of penetrating oils to optimize the appearance of the grain patterns

Overview of class:

Day 1:  Introductions, Review of Syllabus, Introduction to Hardwoods, Introduction to Machine Tools & Safety with demonstrations

Day 2: Project layout including determination of woods to be used, quantities, and sizes, Initial machining of all components using a jointer, table saw, cut-off saw, planer, dado stack, router table, belt sander, band saw, and assorted hand tools.

Day 3: Sanding, fitting, and glue-up

Day 4: Band sawing excess slat ends, final sanding, finishing project using a blend of custom penetrating oils to augment grain and seal the wood, wood burning of students initials/logo on to their finished pieces.

Requirements: Safety is our primary concern.  So, each student will need their own safety glasses, hearing protection (ear muffs preferred over ear plugs), and clothing that is not so loose that it could get caught in the machinery.  Each student will learn how to safely operate and use the following tools under supervision: Jointer, Table Saw, Planer, Cut-off Saw, Router, Band Saw, Belt Sander, and orbital sanders.   The class will be taught entirely in the woodshop and will require students to stand during class.   No textbooks are required but a notebook and pencil might be helpful for taking notes.

Regular class attendance is critical for success in this class because there will not be time for a student to catch up on a missed class.  Cleanup of the workshop at the end of each class is required for all students.

Instructor: Tim Lutgen

Offline Registration: Download PDF Registration Form, complete and mail in with payment.

Registration Questions? Contact us or call (715) 892-3982 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.