Class Description

In this weekend class, you will learn the fundamentals of furniture making through the process of making a small side table. We will mill lumber, practice making mortise and tenon joints using a domino cutter, and learn about other hand tools and machines along the way. We will also discuss various finishes, including milk paints, that can make your tables fun and unique.

Day One

Basic overview of wood selection and wood movement.
Begin milling lumber, starting with jointer and planer, then moving on to the table saw for ripping and crosscutting. Will also discuss the bandsaw if boards are too wide for the jointer.
Once pieces are square and cut to length, students will learn about mortise and tenon joinery, and will be shown how to use the domino cutter and/or the square chisel mortiser.

Day Two

Shaping: Students will be shown a variety of tools and machines for shaping the table parts (bandsaw, table router and router bits, etc.). Some carving tools may also be discussed.
Sanding: Students will learn about various sanding methods and complete sanding their table.
Various finishes will be discussed, and Sophie will show students how to mix and use milk paints if time permits.

Materials

All materials needed to build the table will be provided including a selection of maple, poplar, or cherry to build your table, sandpaper, glue, and hardware to secure the top. If students have favorite tools they would like to bring, please do so.

Eye protection is required and provided as needed. Ear protection is recommended and provided. If you'd like to wear a dusk mask during any of the operations, please bring your own as we do not provide those.

About Sophie

Sophie received her MFA in Furniture Design and Woodworking from San Diego State University, and BFA in Sculpture and Drawing from SUNY Purchase College. She has exhibited her work across the country, including Blue Spiral 1 Gallery (NC), the Center for Art in Wood (PA), and the Metal Museum (TN), and has been fortunate to receive several grants, fellowships, and residencies to help advance her career, including the John D. Mineck Fellowship in 2022. Sophie currently teaches at Kutztown University, and has taught workshops at A Workshop of Our Own, Penland School of Craft, Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts, the Appalachian Center for Craft, and Haystack Mountain School of Crafts.

Small Side Table