This Foundations of Furniture Making course offers a deep dive into the fundamental techniques and principles of crafting solid wood furniture, guiding students through the entire process from rough material to a finished piece. The class emphasizes a blend of traditional hand tool skills and modern machine processes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the craft.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
Understand Wood as a Material: Develop a deep knowledge of wood science, including its
properties, movement, selection, and the milling process, to make informed design and
fabrication decisions.
Prioritize Safety: Learn and practice essential industrial safety standards for both hand and
power tools in a workshop environment.
Master Tool Usage: Gain confidence and competency in safely using a wide array of tools,
including stationary machinery (table saw, jointer, planer, drill press) and hand tools (chisels,
hand planes, saws).
Execute Joinery Techniques: Learn various fundamental joinery methods, with a strong
focus on mortise and tenon joints, as well as edge-to-edge glue-ups for panels.
Design and Plan Projects: Acquire project management skills, including creating technical
drawings, cut lists, and workflows, while considering design principles, proportion, and
function.
Apply Finishing Touches: Understand and apply appropriate gluing and finishing techniques
to enhance the durability and aesthetic of the final project.
Course Summary
Students begin with rough-sawn lumber and, through hands-on exercises and detailed instruction, transform it into a functional and beautiful piece of furniture (often a small table or stool). The
curriculum is designed to build skills sequentially, ensuring that even absolute beginners gain the knowledge and confidence to continue their woodworking journey, adapting what they've learned to their own future projects and shop environments.
You may also like the following events from MAXT Makerspace:
Also check out other
Workshops in Peterborough,
Arts events in Peterborough,
Fine Arts events in Peterborough.
