The Swenson Woodshop offers classes in both woodturning and woodworking, for beginning and advanced students. Classes are normally limited in size to 1-2 people for woodturning, and 1-4 people for woodworking. Classes are centered around a small project of something useful or artistic, that will introduce the student to a variety of woodworking/woodturning tools and techniques, and how to safely use both power and hand tools. All tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided.
Classes can be structured to fit your schedule, though I recommend scheduling classes on weekends, or whenever you have a full day(s) to immerse yourself in the learning process (Full-day is 6 hours: 9am – 4pm with an hour lunch break). I also offer evening classes if a full-day is not an option (Evening is 3 hours: 6pm – 9pm). I recommend the longer full-day classes for students with limited or no prior experience, as there is a learning curve, and these classes provide more uninterrupted hands-on opportunity.
Classes are billed at $25/hour/participant, plus a materials charge. A $50 deposit is required to schedule a class.
I do welcome interested students to visit my workshop (free of charge), to see first-hand the equipment they will be using, and discuss potential projects, materials, and meet myself. A workshop visit is not a prerequisite to scheduling a class, but it is a great way for individuals considering a class to get comfortable with the process before signing up for a class.
WOODTURNING CLASSES
Beginning Woodturning A – Duration: 1 day This class will familiarize students with the operation of a woodturning lathe, and the basic tools and cutting methods. Students will learn how to mount a spindle blank between centers, and rough turn it into a cylinder. They will then practice a variety of cutting techniques to cut coves, beads, flats, tapers, etc., to learn how different woodturning tools are used. With some practical understanding of how the basic tools are used, they will mount a new spindle blank on the lathe and turn a simple project of their choice.
Beginning Woodturning B – Duration: 1-2 days This class will introduce students to bowl turning. Students will learn how to mount a bowl blank between centers, and rough turn the bowls shape. They will then learn how to cut a mounting tenon, re-mount the bowl blank on a chuck, and hollow and refine the bowl’s shape and thickness. Finally, they will sand and apply a finish to their masterpiece.
Advanced Woodturning – Duration: TBD These classes explore hollow form vessels and segmented turning projects. Specifics of these classes depend on the student’s skills and goals, and are determined in consultation with the instructor.
All woodturning classes will teach basic woodturning fundamentals to include: lathe components, tools, sharpening, cutting techniques, and finishing methods. Each student will work on their own Powermatic lathe, and all tools, and safety equipment are provided.
WOODWORKING CLASSES
Beginning Woodworking – Duration: 1-4 days This class will introduce the student to a variety of tools and techniques used in making furniture, and craft projects. The instruction will include the use of power and hand tools, and emphasize how to choose the best tool to safely and accurately perform each task. Instruction will focus primarily on those tasks the student will need to perform, to build a small project of their choosing.
Advanced Woodworking – Box Building – Duration: 5 days These classes explore advanced joinery techniques and veneering. Students will build a fine decorative box with solid wood sides and a book matched veneered top panel. Additional advanced class content will depend on the students skill level and goals, and will be determined in consultation with the instructor. Advanced content could include 4-way veneer matching, veneered side panels and edge bindings, inlayed banding strips, vacuum pressing, interior fabric or leather linings, construction of interior trays and dividers, and lockset hardware installation.
Advanced Woodworking – Marquetry – Duration: TBD These classes explore decorating fine woodworking projects with inlays and marquetry. Content could include fabricating decorative inlay banding strips, and double bevel and packet cutting marquetry methods, using the scroll saw, fret saw, or laser cutting tools. The specifics of this class will depend on the students skill level and goals, and will be determined in consultation with the instructor.
Interested individuals can contact me to discuss any of the above classes, or to structure a custom class tailored to their experience and woodworking interests, or to just tour the shop and chat about woodturning or woodworking.
Contact Greg Swenson at:
swensonwoodshop@gmail.com or via: montereybaywoodworkers@gmail.com