The Southwest School of Woodworking is committed to making your woodworking experience excellent and rewarding.
Featured Classes
Your woodworking adventure begins here
Master Teachers
Our teachers are among the foremost modern practitioners of woodworking crafts and they come from Arizona and beyond. Our current faculty includes Michael Fortune, Matt Monaco, Andy Glantz, Randy Gengarelly, Ellen Reynolds, Doug Forsha, and David Fleming. This exquisite table was designed by Michael Fortune.
Dedicated Students
Our students pursue a wide variety of challenges. This unique table was crafted by Scott English under the guidance of Michael Fortune.
Open House on November 6!
Join us for our 2021 Open House on Saturday, November 6.
Stop by anytime from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. for demonstrations of woodworking and other crafts, plus exhibitions, prizes, school tours, and more.
Free for all. Come on over!
Upcoming Classes
Chair Making with Michael Fortune: Dec. 6 – 10
For most woodworkers, chair-making represents a big jump in skills and a fantastic learning opportunity
In designing a chair, the woodworker must balance aesthetics with utility, always considering the interplay between style and strength. The best solutions produce both satisfying proportions and sturdy joints.
But how do you get there?
Master furniture-maker Michael Fortune will lead a special one-week course on chair-making, in which each student will build their own chair based on one of Michael’s tried-and-true designs.
Introduction to Woodworking with Michael Fortune: Dec. 13–17
Internationally recognized furniture designer Michael Fortune has been crafting with wood for more than 45 years.
While he often leads Master classes focused on advanced-level skills, Michael also loves bringing his enthusiasm for the craft to new woodworkers. So he has designed this course to be the class he wishes he had all those years ago!
This one-week course provides a solid introduction to woodworking with an emphasis on hand tools and easy-to-use machines that fit well in the home shop. You’ll progress through the basics and even build a small side table. And you’ll leave with everything you need to know to get started working with wood as a hobby or even a possible career.
