Saratoga Joinery

Curious about hand tools? Want to work in a quieter space and make less sawdust? Whether you want to get rid of the table saw or just want to learn a new skill, making a mortise and tenon joint by hand is a foundational hand tool skill in woodworking and a great way to put furniture together!

What You’ll Learn

In this class, participants will learn a traditional English method of creating the versatile mortise and tenon joint and a few variants (as time allows) using hand tools. We will also discuss the pertinent tools, key terminology, and how the joint is generally used in woodworking.

Take the skills learned in this class for a jump start on our other hand tool classes and/or a start to the skills needed to build furniture by hand!

Tools Used

We’ve got a shop full of great tools we’re excited to share with you. You’ll learn to safely use the following tools during our class together:

• 1/2” and 1” bench chisels (regular bevel edge)
• Dual pin or dual wheel marking gauge
• Mallet of choice
• Back/tenon/dovetail saw (8” to 14”)
• No.4 smoothing plane
• Marking knife
• Combo square

Optional Tools: block plane, rabbet plane, router plane, ½”mortise chisel.

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner to Intermediate

Whether you’re new to woodworking with hand tools or just getting started, this is a great class to introduce you to hand tool woodworking with a couple of pro tips thrown in along the way for more seasoned hand tool woodworkers. No prior knowledge or experience necessary.

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

Schedule

One, 3-hour session

Safety

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

Dress: We’re probably going to get a little dusty! Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry.

Accommodations: While we’ll be moving a bit about the bench room for 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 measuring device or pencil, bring it along. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered.

If you'd like to bring some of your own chisels or other hand tools, they must be sharpened and ready for use in the class. Contact us if you are unsure if your tools are ready for the class.

Hungry? It might be good to bring something to drink and a light snack if you'd like one.

Instructor Bio

My name is Logan Simms. For my 18^th birthday, my father and I took a hand tool woodworking course from master artisan Paul Sellers. I was instantly hooked! I spent several years honing my craft, woodworking professionally in my hometown of Greenwich, NY, and subsequently teaching with Master Sellers and on my own at the Maplewood Center for Common Craft. While I have since moved into another realm of professional work, I continue my passion in an amateur status, teaching and doing what I love whenever I get the opportunity.