Forgot password?
Staff Log In

Your browser is not optimized for viewing this website.

More information »

North Bennet Street School

Filter by Category



Carpentry

Layout for SketchUp: Creating Documents from your SketchUp Models

$175

with Kolin Schmidt CF '21

Calendar Apr 26, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Date: Saturday, April 26th

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Kolin Schmidt CF '21

In this class, students will learn how to start incorporating Layout into their CAD/SketchUp workflow. Layout is an included extension with the purchase of the modeling software SketchUp. Layouts' purpose is to enable making documentation from your models. These documents can be used for building, client presentation, and work collaboration.  From full home blueprints to simple project organization; builders, makers, and hobbyists of all skill levels can benefit from producing clear and precise project plans.

Tools & Supplies: Please bring the following required supplies to the first day of class. 

Required:

  • SketchUp Pro - Layout is included in the purchase of SU Pro. Students can use the 30-day free trial, but just want to make sure they don’t begin their free trial period too early before the class start date.  
  • 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 clickable scroll wheel) is highly recommended.

Prerequisite: None

Historic Timber Framing

$1,200

with Sophie Linnell PC '21

Calendar Jun 10, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Tuesday, June 10 - Saturday, June 13 (5 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Sophie Linnell PC '21

Teaching Assistant: TBA

Construct a timber frame structure using traditional mortise and tenon joints, learning the layout and construction of historic New England timber framed structures, including barns and dwellings. Construction methods cover the use of traditional tools including framing chisels, hand saws, and marking gauges.

Location: Please note that this class will be held at the Topsfield Historical Society, 1 Howlett St, Topsfield, Massachusetts. 

  • The class will be held in the Gould Barn while utilizing the lawn and grounds for portions of the classwork.
  • The Gould Barn is wheelchair accessible with two single occupancy restrooms and a kitchenette available to students. 
  • Parking is available in the Topsfield Historical Society's gravel lot. No parking is allowed in the church parking lot next door. 

Tools & Supplies: Please bring the items on this supply list to the first day of class. Need an item? Our NBSS Store/Gallery carries dozens of tools and supplies, in addition to NBSS branded items and handmade goods. You may make purchases online, in person (Monday-Thursday 7:30 am - 2:00 pm), or via email at store@nbss.edu.Tool orders must be made via email or over the phone.

Attire: This is a general list of how to dress for the shop environment, please contact ce@nbss.edu if you have any questions.

  • Steel-toed or composite work boots (NO SNEAKERS OR SANDALS)
  • No loose clothing
  • Long pants suggested
  • No loose jewelry
  • Long hair must be tied back

Prerequisite: None

Mitered & Coped Interior Trim

$250

with Brock Leiendecker PC '16

Calendar Jun 20, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Date: Friday, June 20th 

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Brock Leiendecker PC '16

Teaching Assistant: TBA

This class will be an introduction to the practice of mitering and coping molding profiles for interior trim. Mitering will focus on the outside corner and coping will be the method utilized for the inside corner. Mitered corners will be taught using miter saws while coped inside corners will be achieved through the use of hand coping and coping with grinder, jig saw, and table saw. This class will also cover how to identify corner angles and the installation of moldings on interior walls.

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

Introduction to Decks & Stairs

$1,075

with Brock Leiendecker PC '16

Calendar Jun 23, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27 (5 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Instructor: Brock Leiendecker PC '16

Teaching Assistant: TBA

This course will cover the basic practices of building attached decks, including ledgers, flashing, framing, posts, railings and decking. The course will also cover building exterior deck stairs onto the deck including how to calculate code compliant stairs. The curriculum will include code compliance, concrete connection, material choice, and general deck design.

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

Introduction to Cabinets

$1,300

with Andy Draper CA '23

Calendar Jun 23, 2025 at 9 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, June 23 - Friday, June 27 (5 meetings)

Hours: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Instructor: Andy Draper CA '23

Teaching Assistant: TBA

The cabinet class will cover the planning, designing, building, and installation of standard kitchen inset style cabinets. This course will provide the understanding needed to build various other types of cabinets. Students will break down and mill the plywood needed to assemble the cabinet boxes. Using pre-milled stock, students will assemble the face frame and doors and install door and drawer hardware for these lower cabinets before scribing and installation.

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: A previous woodworking or carpentry class at NBSS or equivalent experience with permission from the instructor. If you have questions about your experience, please contact ce@nbss.edu. 

Window Sash Restoration

$465

with Tom Eldridge PC '20

Calendar Jul 19, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 2 weeks

Dates: Saturdays, July 19-26 (2 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Instructor: Tom Eldridge PC '20

This two-day course provides information and instruction appropriate for homeowners on the simple repair and restoration of wooden windows. An overview of professional preservation and restoration will also be provided. Day 1 reviews the anatomy and mechanics of wooden sash windows, the process of removing sash from their openings, paint removal and repairs to the wood frame. Day 2 includes the practice of deglazing glass, glass replacement, glazing, and painting. The methods taught in this class will be based on regularly available tools and materials for easy replication at home.

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be 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

Introduction to Platform Framing

$925

with Nick Fernandes CF '20, CA '21

Calendar Jul 21, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Monday, July 21 - Friday, July 25 (5 meetings)

Hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Instructor: Nick Fernandes CF '20, CA '21

Teaching Assistant: TBA

This course is a framing intensive, covering the basics of floor and wall framing. Students will learn the terms, techniques, and tips applicable to residential stick framing. The curriculum will include code compliance, building science, and the cutting and assembling of wall and floor framing. 

Tools & Supplies: All tools and supplies will be 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

Introduction to SketchUp

$300

with Kolin Schmidt CF '21

Calendar Jul 26, 2025 at 8:30 am, runs for 1 week

Dates: Saturday, July 26th & Sunday, July 27th (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 clickable scroll wheel) is highly recommended.

 Prerequisite: None