Furniture School #3: The first class.

Well… last Wednesday night was my first class. I was not sure what to expect since I was in high school the last time I was formally instructed in woodworking. The course is being held at the Living Arts Center here in Mississauga, Ontario. We are 10 students with a wide variety of experience and different background. A great bunch of people and the atmosphere was relaxed. I had already decided to leave my past knowledge in my shop and walk in with an open mind. It is a good thing because the first few hours were pretty basic. We went over shop safety and used most of the tools to cut and dress a 6×12 board. It was fun and I did learn something about thickness planners.

We are provided with enough rough lumber to make a small table or something with 4 legs, aprons and a top. I have decided to make a piano bench. I made one about 3 years ago out of pine and with pocket holes and screws ,it still is fine but I am not happy with the construction and all the mistakes I made. I finish the design and drawings yesterday and my conundrum right now is should I bring in my own wood. I should mention that the lumber provided is poplar. (It is free) I know poplar takes stain well and this piece needs to be dark brown to match the antic piano it will be used with.

The instructors are both skilled craftsmen’s with great designs in their portfolio. I know I am going to learn lots and get to work in a” really well equipped shop” for 10 weeks what more can a lumberjock wants. I will take photos and post the progress. Thanks for reading comments always welcomed.

-- All bleeding will eventually stop.