Woodworking Foundations: Learn Essential Skills in a Project Based Woodworking Class
At Create Makerspace, we’ve reinvented our woodworking class into a project-based, five-week course called Woodworking Foundations.
Why Create Makerspace Redesigned Our Woodworking Program
You might be wondering why we’d change things when the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” That’s a fair point! But at Create Makerspace, we take feedback seriously. We heard from some new woodworkers that after taking Wood Tools 1 and 2, they still faced barriers when using the tools independently, especially compared to those who had taken Wood Tools 1: Cedar Chair or Wood Tools 2: Cutting Board project versions of the classes. We listened, and we redesigned the program. We took all of the best elements from our basic Wood Tools classes and our project-based classes and combined them into one program. (We may have also drawn inspiration from when we turned our pottery classes into a five-week program, and had great success, shh...)
One major upgrade? Woodworking Foundations certifies woodshop users in all areas of the shop, instead of dividing tools into levels based on difficulty.
Participants enrolled in the class also receive a punch pass to practice using the tools they’ve learned up to five times during the program, so learning doesn’t stop when class hours end, which is brand new for us.
What Does Woodworking Foundations Look Like?
Beginner-friendly and hands-on
Project-based learning: build your own wooden toolbox and hardwood cutting board
Covers almost every skill you’ll need for future woodworking projects
This class is designed with your long-term success in mind. We want learners to feel confident tackling future projects, not just finishing one class and stopping their woodworking journey. Our experienced instructors helped shape Woodworking Foundations to ensure it sets you up for success.
What Woodworking Skills You’ll Learn
When you take this woodworking class, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:
Woodshop orientation and safety practices
Layout, measurement, and project planning
Understanding wood grain, movement, and defects
Material break‑out from plywood and rough lumber
Glue-ups and clamping strategies
Safe operation of common woodworking machines
Proper use of hand and power tools
Internally, our staff is most excited about the new Woodworking Foundations because it’s designed to give beginners the skills, knowledge, and confidence to build future projects safely and creatively. We can all relate to that moment you enter a space having no clue what to do and feel completely lost. We want to be sure no one feels that way at Create.
Ideally, our dream is for everyone in this class to become a hobby woodworking enthusiast, or maybe even a carpenter, if we’ve managed to unlock a new passion for woodworking.
What Other Woodworking Projects Can You Make After Woodworking Foundations?
Once you’ve completed the program, your new skills will allow you to confidently tackle projects like:
Small furniture pieces: stools, benches, or side tables
Home storage solutions: shelving units, spice racks, or cubbies
Decorative or functional accessories: picture frames, cutting boards, or wooden toys
See, these skills are meant to be foundational. We want to support our members, and the wider community, in learning something new that they can confidently use to pursue future creations.
We can’t wait to see you there!
FAQs
Do I need prior woodworking experience?
No! Woodworking Foundations is designed for beginners.
How long is the course, and how often does it meet?
Woodworking Foundations is a five-week program. Classes meet once a week, so content and skills are fresh in your mind each session.
What tools and materials will I use?
You’ll use a full range of hand and power tools in our woodshop, including saws (table, mitre, band), drills, planers, and sanders. Materials include plywood and hardwoods for your projects.
What projects will I complete in the class?
Students will build a wooden toolbox and a hardwood cutting board, both designed to teach essential woodworking skills you can apply to future projects.
Will I get to practice the tools outside of class?
Yes! Enrolled students receive a five visit punch pass to practice using the tools they’ve learned during the program. This ensures you can reinforce your skills in a real shop environment.
Is safety training included?
Yes, woodshop orientation and safety practices are a core part of the course. You’ll learn how to use each tool safely.
What can I make after completing Woodworking Foundations?
You’ll have the skills to build small furniture pieces like stools, benches, or side tables, and shelving units. The only limit will be your own imagination.
Can I take this course if I want to advance to more complex woodworking classes?
Yes! Woodworking Foundations is designed to give you the skills needed for more complex woodworking programs at Create Makerspace, like Table Saw Skills and Woodturning: Lathe Skills..
What is the maximum class size?
6 people. Classes are kept small to better facilitate learning.
Do I need to bring anything?
All tools, materials, and safety equipment are provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own safety equipment if they choose.
Can I gift this class to someone else?
Yes! Classes can be purchased as a gift for friends or family interested in woodworking.
Ready to get started on your own woodworking journey? Check out the Woodworking Foundations class page.
