Fundamentals of Hand Tool Woodworking

Dates: Week 1: Monday, February 22nd - Friday, February 26th // Week 2: Monday, March 1st - Friday, March 5th (10 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Bob Miller CF ’11

Price: $1,650 is the full cost of the class. A $245 deposit is due at the time of registration. Students will have the option to pay in full or pay over time with a weekly payment plan when registering for the class. The payment plan details will be shared during the registration process. 

This comprehensive class develops the foundational hand tool skills essential to a wide range of fine woodworking projects. It is ideal for beginners looking for an introduction to hand tool woodworking, as well as intermediate and advanced students seeking to refine their skills.

Topics include sharpening, tuning, and using essential hand tools, such as chisels, hand planes, dovetail saws, card scrapers, and marking gauges. Students will also explore wood characteristics and movement in furniture making, along with traditional joinery techniques, including cutting dovetails and mortise-and-tenon joints.

Through hands-on exercises, instructor lectures and demonstrations, students will develop essential techniques such as chopping and paring with a chisel and hand planing. Traditional cabinetmaking practices are explained throughout the class, with an emphasis on how these methods can be applied to a variety of woodworking projects.

Please note this class focuses on handwork at the bench and students will be completing a series of practice exercises with skill development being the priority of the class curriculum. Students interested in learning more about woodworking machinery are encouraged to explore our Fundamentals of Machine Woodworking class.

Tools & Supplies: Please bring the items on this supply list to the first day of class.​ Need an item? Our NBSS Store/Gallery carries dozens of tools and supplies in addition to NBSS branded items and handmade goods. You may make purchases online, in person (Monday-Friday 7:30 am-2:00 pm, Saturday 10:00 am-2:00 pm), or via email at store@nbss.edu. Tool orders must be made via email or over the phone.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions. 

• Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
• No loose clothing
• Long pants suggested
• No loose jewelry
• Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: No previous experience is required. 

Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ by the class start date to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.