Saratoga Joinery

Come as a beginner, leave as a woodworker! Learn the proper usage of five essential woodworking tools while creating a gorgeous, handcrafted cutting board. This class will take place over two sessions. Registration covers both sessions. All tools and materials will be provided to each attendee. This class is entry level; no prior experience necessary!

What You'll Learn

This introductory woodworking project will teach you the basics of working with hardwoods.

• The difference between face grain, edge grain and end grain cutting boards
• How to mill rough wood to finishing techniques
• How to use each shop tool safely and precisely

Once completed, you will have the skill set and confidence to create more elaborate and distinctive pieces.

Tools Used

Our top of the line collection of power tools will make your woodworking goals surprisedly easy and fun.

• Jointer
• Planer
• Table saw
• Oscillating Belt Sander
• Miter saw

Your comfort level is our primary concern. We will introduce and demonstrate the tool use each step of the way. You decide your comfort level and proceed at your own pace. We are always happy to step in and help with a specific cut on any of the tools

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner to Intermediate

Beginners will find this class to be a fantastic basic introduction to both woodworking, and to some of the more common tools used in the wood shop. While experienced woodworkers will be very impressed with the high tech equipment we have available to us, for use in the shop.

No prior knowledge or experience necessary.

Ages 14+; minors are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule

Two, 2 1/2 hour sessions

Safety

PPE: We provide safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks if requested. Safety glasses are required in the shop at all times.

Dress: We’re probably going to get a little dusty! Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry. Anything that may get caught in machinery, like long hair, must be tied back and secured.

Accommodations: While we’ll be moving about the shop for most of our time together, we aim to make the craft as accessible as possible for everyone. Please reach out if you have any questions about our space or may need accommodations of any kind.

What to Bring

If you have a favorite tape measure or pencil, bring it along. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll be on our feet for most of the class, so it might be good to bring something to drink and a light snack. Don’t worry, we’ll take some breaks!

Instructor Bio

Dave has been with the Joinery since its inception in March of 2024. As a retired 1st grade teacher, he has had many decades of experience as a teacher, before arriving here at the Joinery. When not in the classroom, he spent a great deal of time on various woodworking projects over the past 30 years at his home, built in 1784, on the Great Sacandaga Lake. He has built an entire sunroom addition, cabinets, countertops, refurbished molding, replaced window frames, etc.

And, now, as a member of the Joinery community, he has worked with hundreds of woodworkers as an instructor. He has conducted one-on-one weekly training sessions with new members, and has lead a variety of group classes focused on cutting boards, charcuterie boards, Adirondack Chairs, and Halloween themed projects.

Aside from woodworking, other activities that Dave enjoys throughout the year is golfing, snowboarding, biking, researching local history, and property maintenance.