Class Overview

Woodworking Foundations is a 5‑week, project‑based course designed for beginners and those looking to formalize their skills. Through guided instruction and hands‑on practice, participants will learn how to safely operate a wide range of woodshop tools while completing two functional projects: a wooden toolbox and a hardwood cutting board.

The program also includes a five‑punch pass for extra woodshop practice. Successfully completing the course certifies students for independent use of the Create Makerspace Woodshop.

Projects You’ll Make

• Wooden Toolbox (Weeks 1–2)

  • A durable shop toolbox designed to introduce foundational tools and processes. This project focuses on layout, material break‑out, joinery basics, and assembly.

• Hardwood Cutting Board (Weeks 3–5)

  • A hardwood cutting board that introduces milling rough lumber, glue‑ups, surfacing, templating, and shaping techniques.

Both projects are designed to reinforce safe tool use while building skills you’ll carry into future woodworking projects. All materials included in course registration cost.

What You’ll Learn

• 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

Tools Covered

Participants will receive hands‑on training with a wide range of woodshop equipment, including:

• Compound Mitre Saw

• Drill Press

• Bandsaw

• Table Saw & Table Router

• Hand Router

• Bench Sander

• Circular Saw

• Brad Nailer

• Jointer & Thickness Planer

• Biscuit Jointer

• Wide‑Belt Drum Sander

Tool use is always supervised and taught within the scope of this course’s certification.

Weekly Structure (At a Glance)

• Week 1: Woodshop orientation, safety training, and introduction to core tools. Begin toolbox project.

• Week 2: Continue tool training and complete the wooden toolbox.

• Week 3: Introduction to milling solid lumber. Begin cutting board project and glue‑ups.

• Week 4: Surfacing, shaping, and templating techniques for the cutting board.

• Week 5: Final shaping, sanding, and finishing processes.

Certification & Shop Access

Upon successful completion of Intro to Woodworking, participants are certified for independent use of the Create Makerspace Woodshop, within the scope of the tools covered in this course. Some specialty tools (such as the wood lathe) require additional certification.

Who This Class Is For

• Beginners with little to no prior woodworking experience

• Makers looking to build confidence using shop machinery

• Anyone seeking woodshop certification at Create Makerspace

No previous experience required.

What to bring + Personal Safety

• Closed-toe shoes are required

• Avoid loose clothing and tie back long hair

• Safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks are provided (bring your own if preferred, available for purchase at the front desk)

• Notebook & pencil (optional for notes)