Woodworking Classes

Pleasant Hill Education Center Wood Shop

Winter 2025 Woodworking Classes
Enrollment Begins: December 11, 8:01 AM
Classes Begin: January 6

Woodworking - Introduction to Woodworking Part I*

Designed for those with little or limited woodworking experience. Learn the safe and effective use of critical woodworking equipment to build the step stool project. This class is a mandatory prerequisite for other MDAE woodworking classes.

Woodworking - Introduction to Woodworking Part II*

Further develop skills in Woodworking I and gain new skills while working on a Shaker-style bedside table. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking I at PHEC, no exceptions.

Woodworking - Box Making - Decorative Box Making*

Box making provides a great vehicle for a small project in exotic woods. Learn box making joinery while building two decorative boxes. *Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking Parts I and II at PHEC.

You will be guided through the hand and machine tool processes necessary to build quality furniture reproductions. Lumber to be supplied by the student. You May register for the full 3 hours of class, which includes 2 hours of access to the machinery and teacher support, or register for only the first hour of class, lecture, demonstrations, and discussions. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking I and II at PHEC, no exceptions.

Design and draw working drawings within set parameters and follow step-by-step instructions to build an inlaid charcuterie/cutting board. Learn to create inlays using different tools and techniques. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking I and II at PHEC, no exceptions.

Woodworking – Hand Tool Skills - Dovetails*

Consider our Woodworking Part III class - Learn to use common hand tools to prepare dovetails and mortise & tenon joints while building a beautiful Shaker tray or tool tote with dovetails saws, bench planes, and chisels. Returning students may choose from several more challenging projects or bring their own project ideas to discuss with the instructor.
Students must bring a ≥ 8’ (long) x 7” (wide) x 1⁄2”-3⁄4” (thick) board to the first class. Poplar, Sugar Pine, or Cherry recommended. A longer board will provide an extra piece or two, just in case! Plans will be provided before classes begin so students with smaller vehicles can choose to have longer boards cut to appropriate lengths. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking I and II at PHEC, no exceptions.

Woodworking – Sharpening Woodworking Planes and Chisels*

Learn to bring your dull plane blades and chisels to life in two sessions. Sharpening media will be discussed. Through demonstration and hands-on practice, you will learn simple procedures for flattening the backs of chisels and plane irons, grinding primary bevels suitable for each tool, adding a secondary bevel, then honing and polishing your tools using the “scary sharp” system. *No Prerequisites.

Woodworking – Independent Project Open Shop*

Our well-equipped shop, complete with a wide selection of tools and accessories, allows you to undertake most projects with the expert assistant of woodworking staff. Prerequisite: Introduction to Woodworking I and II at PHEC, no exceptions.

Woodworking – Master Series Projects*

The instructor critiques student-developed designs and discusses and demonstrates critical techniques required to successfully execute the designs. Prerequisite: Master Series Tools and Techniques.

Learn power tool safety while using the scroll saw to create beautiful projects such as decorative clocks, trivets, compound ornaments, custom signs, fretwork music boxes, etc. Attach patterns to wood and make intricate cut projects. Students will correctly color and finish projects. No Prerequisites.

Learn the appropriate uses, advantages and disadvantages of wax, oil, milk paint, shellac, varnish, and lacquer for finishing, refinishing, and restoration of traditional furniture finishes. Appropriate for the new and experienced finisher. One hour lunch break.

Woodworking - Diablo Woodworkers

Join other woodworkers for a monthly exchange of ideas and information. Guest speakers often demonstrate unique aspects of woodworking. Class alternates between meeting in person and online using Zoom; monthly meet-up locations will be sent prior to meeting. Email David Lipscomb for information: davidlipscombii@comcast.net.