Fine Woodworking

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to woodworking tools and equipment by examining the safe and skillful use of both hand and power tools, including their selection, purpose and maintenance. Techniques for small production runs, including jig and fixture design are also examined.

You will study the principles of joinery as applied to furniture and cabinet construction. As this is primarily a practical course, you will experience joint selection, joinery by both hand and machine tool processes, and the organization of the process while engaged in construction of furniture pieces, preferably to your own design.

The utilization of specialized woodworking techniques enables you to enhance both the design and execution of your product. Wood bending (steam and lamination), curved panels, veneering, turning, carving and inlay work all provide an opportunity to design and create objects that stand apart in the market place.

This in-depth look at wood, and how and why it behaves in the manner it does, provides the necessary background to understand the principles of joinery.

A comprehensive study of the methods and materials used to finish wood. This course includes both a technical explanation of, and practical experience in, the applications of stains and dyes, fillers, penetrating finishes and top coats.

An examination of basic design theory provides the foundation for successful furniture design. A review of the history of furniture creates an awareness of the design continuum, while practical experience in sketching, drafting, model-making and mock-up prepares your ideas for construction.

This course is a comprehensive experience in the drafting of furniture. After an introduction to the drafting process the student is expected to produce detailed construction drawings of each of their projects prior to construction. The first project will be drawn using pencil and drafting boards. Student's will learn CAD drafting early in the year so they will be able to draft their remaining projects on the computer.

How one functions within a kitchen, the space requirements and space utilization are discussed. The use of the 32 mm cabinet construction system is examined, with particular emphasis on methods appropriate to the small shop. A set of kitchen cabinets is constructed in this course.