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Our Classes
Fundamentals of Machine Woodworking
with Dan Weissman CF '20
Dates: Sundays, May 3 - 31 (5 meetings)
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Dan Weissman CF '20
Teaching Assistant: Stephen Thrasher
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the safety, setup, and use of some of the most common woodworking machines. This class is suitable for both beginners looking to jump-start a hobby in woodworking and intermediate/advanced students looking to refresh their skills. Students learn to perform basic machine procedures while gaining the confidence to undertake more complicated operations. We cover the use of the planer, jointer, table saw, radial arm saw, bandsaw, and additional machines as time allows. Each student is given the chance to install and set blades on each machine, along with the necessary fences, guides, and fixtures. Proper techniques for operating each machine safely and for recognizing potentially dangerous situations are emphasized. Each student completes a box with a sliding lid, beginning with milling rough lumber. This course focuses on machine work. Check out our Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking class if you are looking to work at the bench and improve your hand skills. Many students take both classes. If you are just looking to get your feet wet in the shop, check out our Woodworking 101 class.
Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Shaker Tripod Table
with Steve Brown CF '90
Dates: Monday, May 4th - Friday, May 8th (5 meetings)
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Steve Brown CF'90
Teaching Assistant: Alana Schwartz CF'25
Often referred to as a “Candle-stand,” this Shaker design is one of the simplest versions of the classic tripod table form. Students will turn the column on the lathe and join the graceful S-curved legs to the column’s base. The circular top is attached by tenoning the column into a batten, which is screwed to the top. The top’s edge will be molded with a subtle profile, created with a router. Students will be using both hand and power tool techniques.
Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Bookbinding 101
with Amy Lapidow BB '95
Dates: Saturday, May 9th & Sunday, May 10th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Amy Lapidow BB '95
In this two-day workshop, students will get a quick introduction to various bookbinding techniques by exploring three different book structures. The class will begin with a simple pamphlet and continue with constructing two multi-signature books, known as flatback case binding and link stitch binding. Finally, students will construct a box to house all of their creations. Bookbinding 101 is a great way to familiarize yourself with bookbinding and is perfect for those who are curious about the craft. All levels of experience are welcome to register.
Tools & Supplies: Please bring a notebook and a pencil. All other tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Introduction to SketchUp
with Kolin Schmidt CF '21
Dates: Saturday, May 9th & Sunday, May 10th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Kolin Schmidt CF '21
SketchUp is a program for creating 3D models for construction, woodworking, jewelry, and craft projects. Some 3D Modeling software can be complicated, expensive, and impractical for many makers. SketchUp is a great way to learn about 3D modeling and get to work quickly without wasting time or money on advanced software you don’t need. In this class, students will learn the basics of navigating a 3D space, creating objects, and organizing a 3D model. Time permitting, students will work through some more complex projects, as well.
Tools & Supplies: Please bring the following required supplies to the first day of class.
Required:
- Any version of SketchUp
- A laptop or Chromebook that meets the minimum requirements to run SketchUp
- Your laptop or Chromebook’s power cord
Recommended:
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- A 3-button mouse (left, right, and a clickable scroll wheel) is highly recommended.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Jewelry Making 101
with Colleen Matthews JM '12
Dates: Tuesday, May 12th & Thursday, May 14th (2 meetings)
Hours: 6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Instructor: Colleen Matthews JM'12
Learn the basics of jewelry making and get to know your way around the bench. Move through a series of beginner-level projects to gain an understanding of basic fabrication and insight into more complex techniques.
Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Printing Historical Endpapers
with Mitchel Gundrum BB '21
Date: Friday, May 15 - Sunday, May 17 (3 meetings)
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructors: Mitchel Gundrum BB '21 & Martha Kearsley BB '95
This workshop is dedicated to creating reproductions of historical endpapers using linoleum blocks and printing on a press, as well as exploring options for printing without a press. Students will learn to draw and transfer patterns to linoleum blocks, carve the patterns into the blocks, and print the designs, both individually and as a group. No printing experience is necessary. The class will be printing multiple colors for each of the endpaper designs, so emphasis will be placed on planning and organization, color separation, and the fundamentals of carving and relief printing.
Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Introduction to Dovetails
with Rachel Prentki CF '18
Dates: Saturday May 16th & Sunday May 17th (2 meetings)
Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Instructor: Rachel Prentki CF '18
Learn to cut crisp and accurate dovetails. Dovetails are one of the strongest and oldest types of joinery; they are useful for building boxes and furniture. Students will learn to cut both through and Half-Blind Dovetails by hand. They will learn to use chisels, marking gauges, saws, and mallets to cut the joinery. It's helpful for students to have some woodworking experience, but not necessary. Good dexterity and a good eye will help those without much woodworking experience.
Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: None
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Introduction to Copper Enameling
with Heather Wang
Date: Sunday, May 17th
Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Instructor: Heather Wang
Enameling is the art of fusing colorful glass onto metal. In this class, we'll cover the basics of kiln firing unleaded enamel onto copper. We'll stick to jewelry scale pieces for this workshop (no large bowls or vessels).
Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies are provided for this class.
Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.
- Closed-toe, comfortable, and protective footwear (sneakers or boots)
- No loose clothing
- Long pants suggested
- No loose jewelry
- Long hair must be tied back
Prerequisite: Jewelry Making 101 or equivalent experience. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu
Age Requirement: Students must be 18+ to attend adult CE classes. No one under 18 years old is permitted to register for an adult class, even if accompanied by a parent or guardian.