This Foundations of Furniture Making course offers a deep dive into the fundamental techniques and principles of crafting solid wood furniture, guiding students through the entire process from rough material to a finished piece. The class emphasizes a blend of traditional hand tool skills and modern machine processes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the craft.

Key Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:

•  Understand Wood as a Material: Develop a deep knowledge of wood science, including its

  properties, movement, selection, and the milling process, to make informed design and

  fabrication decisions.

•  Prioritize Safety: Learn and practice essential industrial safety standards for both hand and

  power tools in a workshop environment.

•  Master Tool Usage: Gain confidence and competency in safely using a wide array of tools,

  including stationary machinery (table saw, jointer, planer, drill press) and hand tools (chisels,

  hand planes, saws).

•  Execute Joinery Techniques: Learn various fundamental joinery methods, with a strong

  focus on mortise and tenon joints, as well as edge-to-edge glue-ups for panels.

•  Design and Plan Projects: Acquire project management skills, including creating technical drawings, cut lists, and workflows, while considering design principles, proportion, and function.

•  Apply Finishing Touches: Understand and apply appropriate gluing and finishing techniques

  to enhance the durability and aesthetic of the final project.

Course Summary

Students begin with rough-sawn lumber and, through hands-on exercises and detailed instruction,

transform it into a functional and beautiful piece of furniture (often a small table or stool). The

curriculum is designed to build skills sequentially, ensuring that even absolute beginners gain the

knowledge and confidence to continue their woodworking journey, adapting what they’ve learned to their own future projects and shop environments.