Hands-on Symposiums

     

Cutting Dovetails with Hand-Tool Methods
Hand-cut dovetails remain the signature of fine woodworking, yet most woodworkers rely on routers and machines to cut these simple woodworking joints. Learn the intricacies of hand cutting dovetails using traditional hand methods from our master craftsman. We offer this hands-on workshop for students of all skill levels to develop the techniques passed down through the centuries. Our instructors will also demonstrate how to develop more complex dovetail joints such as secret and hounds tooth dovetails. Students will follow a series of exercises developed by the school staff for this symposium, so that each student will master the skills of traditional hand dovetailing as well as layout procedures, sizing, patterns and so on. Using hand methods will not only prove more efficient and rewarding than machine methods, but they will also simplify other aspects of woodworking. Our craftsmen teachers will take you step by step to show you how, through this one-day symposium of short lectures, seminars and hands-on demonstrations, you too can develop the skills of traditional dovetailing. We provide all the materials, tools and related equipment: Students who wish to bring their own tools are welcome to do so.
The Half-Blind Dovetail		The Parts Of The Dovetail

     

		Working with Hand Planes
Learn the intricacies of hand planing from our master woodworkers assisted by our craftsman instructors. We offer this hands-on workshop on tuning, sharpening and using traditional bench planes. Our instructors will also demonstrate the use of a variety of other hand planes used in woodworking, including rabbet planes, shoulder planes, block planes, panel-raising planes and low-angle planes. Though we provide the hand planes and related equipment, we encourage students who want to restore their own hand plane or fine tune their new one to bring them along.Through hands-on exercises developed for this symposium, each student will master the skills of traditional hand planing using bench planes. Most woodworkers rely heavily on machine methods to trim and finish their work, yet despite this increased dependency, the quality of work produced by using hand-planing methods still far exceeds modern machine methods. A vast percentage of power sanding, planing and trimming can be eliminated by simply developing some basic hand-planing skills. We show you how through this one-day symposium of short lectures, seminars and craftsman demonstrations.

     

		Wood Turning Seminar
Many people consider wood turning an interesting and diverse craft yet never have the opportunity to watch a seasoned turner actually demonstrate different aspects of his skill at the lathe. Peter Garrett has designed this series of short lectures and demonstrations for those new to the craft. He discusses a wide range of different wood turning techniques, including how to sharpen the tools, choosing the right wood, finishing techniques and much more. From turning between centers and spindle work to making bowls and hollow vessels, Peter provides insight from both his professional life as a wood turner and also as a teacher here at CFEE’s School of Woodworking.

     

		Wood Finishing Seminar
Many woodworkers find sealing and finishing their projects difficult, and with dozens of different finishing products to choose from, the choices have become even more complex and challenging. In this seminar we discuss the issues that make finishing simple and easy to master. From waterborne polyurethane to Danish oil and beeswax to lacquers, this introduction to creating good finishes that are both attractive and durable on a variety of applications will help you to choose the finish best suited to your projects.

     

		Carpentry Seminar
Most people consider carpentry to be a home-building or construction-industry trade and seldom consider the numerous projects associated with a residence or homestead where basic carpentry skills are needed. Our master craftsmen demonstrate a wide range of skills and techniques that make carpentry for homeowners a useful and enjoyable experience. They discuss finding the balance between safely using small power tools and traditional hand tools, where to buy wood and equipment, which fasteners to use and how to make simple joints that last a lifetime. Many woodworking projects around the home seem daunting to homeowners, yet they become simple tasks with the right equipment, knowledge and application. From building garden gates, patio furniture, and storage sheds to installing an extra closet shelf, this series of short lectures and demonstrations will help you to get started on your next home or homestead projects.

     

		Windsor Chair Seminar
Chair making is considered a specialized area of furniture making. In this one-day seminar, Frank Strazza discusses the art of Windsor chair making, covering a wide range of related topics and key issues as well as discussing and demonstrating the historical perspectives that now influence the Windsor chair in its modern-day forms. He demonstrates how chair makers split and rive the raw oak log, shape the components on the shaving horse using traditional tools and equipment, how to carve the seats using the adze and travisher and how to turn other parts on the lathe. Frank also shows how to steam-bend the oak parts to form, what to look for in the uncut log, how to lay out the complexity of angles for each part and how to finish the chair using a traditional milk paint finish. Enjoy an informative and inspirational day with Frank as he takes you through a series of short lectures and craftsman demonstrations that detail exactly what it takes to make the classic Windsor chair.