Do you dream of making things with your own hands? Do you want to toss around words like “planer” and “router” and actually know what they mean? Are you curious about the wild world of woodworking?
This is the class for you!
Our Introduction to Woodworking course is a one-week daytime class that covers the key aspects of woodworking, including the properties of wood, safe use of the most common hand and power tools, and fundamental skills like milling lumber, cutting joinery, construction and assembly techniques, gluing, sanding, and finishing.
An excellent starting point for the novice woodworker, this engaging course will familiarize you with the woodworking shop and the basics of the craft so you can decide if woodworking is for you. (It probably is!)
Hands-on demos will help you gain confidence with tools and techniques, and simple projects will help you practice as you go. By the end of the class, you’ll have completed making a beautiful side table of your own.
“Oh, that table? I made it.”
You will learn:
- workshop safety
- the basics of wood and wood movement
- what tools are for and how to use them
- use and sharpening of hand tools
- basic woodworking machines, including: table saw, jointer, planer, band saw, and router
- how to mill lumber
- how to cut joinery by hand and by machine
- construction and assembly techniques
- how to choose and use wood glues
- surface preparation and sanding
- finish application
Prerequisites: None. Beginners welcome.
Tools required: None. Tool kit supplied by the school
Text Provided: Woodworking Basics, Mastering the Essentials of Craftsmanship, by Peter Korn
Safety: Please bring ear and eye protection and a properly-fitting face mask that covers your nose and mouth (valved masks are not allowed).
Please read and understand our Refund and Cancellation policies. By making payment you acknowledge that you have read and understand these policies.
Safety
Eye and hearing protection are required when you in the machine room or operating machines in the bench room.
Long sleeves, loose-fitting clothing, and long hair are not allowed around the power equipment.
Open-toed shoes or sandals are not allowed.
PLEASE NOTE: We are taking additional precautions due to the COVID-19 virus. Masks are required and if you have the Flu,Flu like symptoms or Covid 19, please stay home.
Thank you for your understanding

Meet your Instructor
Doug Forsha and his wife Rhonda established their custom furniture business, De La Madera, in Scottsdale in 1986. In the years since they have built their business into one of the most highly respected woodworking studios in the southwest. Doug is a master woodworker and technician, expert in both traditional and ultra-modern furniture design and construction. his shop excels in the creation of extraordinary furniture and architectural details for homes across Arizona and beyond. For more information, visit www.delamadera.com.