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From a single piece of wood, carve a pair of pliers with handles and jaws that actually move. Or carve a ball that's inside a cage with openings so small that your friends will wonder how you squeezed the ball inside. Or make a chain with links of solid wood — just how is that done?
In this three-session class, you'll learn tricky carving techniques like these from master carver Jeff Iller. This class is open to hose who already have some carving experience. BARN offers Beginning Carving classes every other month, and Iller is also happy to help you learn at the weekly meetings of the North Kitsap Woodcarver's Guild, which meets from 6 to 9 pm. each Thursday at the Sons of Norway Hall, 18891 Front St. NE in Poulsbo.
Details:
Instructor: As a third-generation woodworker, Jeff Iller learned about woodworking tools and knives early on. By high school, he was winning ribbons with his wood carvings at his hometown fair. Around 1996 Jeff found room for a shop and he has carved ever since. He’ll carve most anything, but prefers to innovate with the working tools to carve multiple parts inside one piece of wood and to make physically detailed and accurate carvings of women's faces. Carvings on the entry sign to the BARN Woodworking Studio shows the quality of his work.
Iller says he was taught early on that he could make anything from wood. He is still trying to prove that statement wrong.
Learn how to use hand tools skillfully in this four-week component of BARN's Beginning Woodworking series.
You will build a two-compartment tote, handy for storing or carrying silverware, garden tools or other items. The project was specifically designed to give you experience with the most common hand tools. You will learn to use:
Instructor: Todd Butler, assisted by Dick Culp. Both grew up in woodworking families and have studied hand tool use at the Port Townsend School of Woodworking. Todd is a furniture-maker through his part-time business, The Butler Did It, and uses hand tools regularly. Dick is on the board of directors at the Port Townsend school and has taught hand tool classes at BARN.
Join others who are learning to use Fusion 360, a program that BARN participants can use to design projects for the new CNC router in the Woodworking Studio, the CNC milling machine or plasma cutter in Metal Arts, or the 3D printers in Electronic & Technical Arts.
The users group meets from noon to 2 p.m. on the first and third Sundays of each month to give people a time and place to work on their Fusion projects or simply to develop their Fusion skills. With many people meeting and working together, we’ll be able to share knowledge and increase all of our skillsets. The group is intended as a followup to BARN’s introductory Fusion classes, but people who are learning Fusion on their own are also welcome.
This is a free event for members. For non-members, it's $20. Bring cash or check. Or purchase a punch card at BARN or from our website under the tab "About BARN." No need to register. Just drop by!
Instructor: Ted Newman studied woodworking and assisted in classes at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. He is active in BARN's woodworker group and volunteers as a safety monitor.
Effective and enjoyable woodturning is dependent on sharp tools that have quality profiles. Learn to sharpen the tools you need to turn spindles, bowls and other projects on the wood lathe.
This class is strongly recommended for students enrolled in Introduction to Woodturning and is required for any turners who wish to use BARN turning tools on an ongoing basis. You will receive hands-on training for sharpening gouges (spindle and bowl), and a brief overview of sharpening other tools such as parting tools, skews and scrapers.
Instructor: Jamie Straw has been turning wood for about three years, working on both spindle and bowl projects, and has taught woodturning at BARN since July 2017. She is currently Vice President for Education and Training for the local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners. Her focus is on helping students, especially new turners, build skills progressively as they design and create fun woodturning projects.
Suitable for beginners, this one-session class will give you hands-on experience with the miter saw, band saw, hand saw, portable drill/screw driver and nail gun. And best of all you get to go home with a tuteur about 5 feet tall.
You will learn how to use a bowl gouge while designing and turning tthe two bowls. In the first session, you will learn the basics about selecting green wood and creating proper bowl blanks, preserving the blanks for future turning, mounting a bowl safely on the lathe, and using bowl gouges to create the bowls. In the second session, you will turn a seasoned bowl blank as you practice and improve your gouge skills and learn the basics of sanding and finishing.
By successfully completing these two sessions, and turning two bowls, you will have a good understanding of the process and techniques, and be able to turn bowls of this size independently during Open Studio time in the BARN Woodworking Studio.
Photograph by Joy McCallister Photography.
This class has been canceled.
Build a tenor ukulele in this six-week class — a great first luthier project or an ideal opportunity to sharpen luthier skills you already have.
This class will meet two evenings a week. At the first session, you will practice hand tool skills needed for making instruments. Then you and your fellow students will spend one session making jigs and cam clamps for use by this and later luthier classes at BARN. The remaining five weeks will be devoted to building the instruments. The instructor will guide you through fabricating the parts, bending the sides, cutting the sound hole, adding stringing, and assembling and finishing your ukulele. The class will use pre-made neck and fretboards, and a BARN member will cut the bridges on a CNC router.
Instructors: Mike Morgan, a member of the Woodworking Studio's steering committee, will teach the first two sessions. Alan Simcoe will teach the remaining sessions. Simcoe is a maker of guitars, ukuleles and other stringed instruments. He and his wife, Debby, own Village Music on Bainbridge Island. Besides showcasing his custom instruments, the shop offers music lessons and instrument repairs. Simcoe also performs with his Latin jazz band, The Cuban Heels. He was named an Island Treasure in 2009.
Designed as a user's guide to BARN's Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio, this free orientation session is required for all who wish to work in the Woodworking Studio. It will cover everything from shop etiquette to specifics of how to use the shop's dust collection and compressed air systems. Overall BARN policies, as well as shop-specific ones, will also be covered.
Participants will also learn about the leadership structure within the shop and about opportunities to participate in helping everything run smoothly. Volunteer jobs range from serving as safety monitors to helping on Maintenance Mondays.
This class is free, but please register so we know how many to expect.
You will build a sturdy, two-step stepstool of solid wood and plywood. The project was specifically designed to give you experience with the most common stationary and portable tools in the woodshop:
This woodturning class will begin by using 3 pieces of kiln dried wood. When making boxes it is critical that the wood is dried so that a perfect fit can be made.
The first piece to turn will be the base using a 4 jaw scroll chuck. A bowl gouge will be used to turn the outside and a hollowing tool will be used to form the inside shape that echoes the outside form.
The second piece will be a top that fits into the base. You will use a combination of bowl gouges and scrapers to complete the top.
Before the top is complete the finial will start between centers and turned using spindle gouges. You will then press fit the finial into the top and the top and finial will be turned as a complete piece using a 4 jaw scroll chuck. You will go home with a completed lidded box.
Details and Prerequisites:
Instructor: Brad Stave began working with wood at the age of 5 when he received his first toolbox. After graduating from college he remained true to his heart. Brad realized that working with wood was not enough and wanted to share his love through teaching. Brad taught Graphic Arts in Mukilteo, WA and then moved to Wyoming, where he taught woodworking to Arapaho and Shoshone Native American Children (grades 3-8).
This class is required if you want to take studio-specific classes in how to run computer-controled tools at BARN including the plasma cutter in the Welding Studio, the milling machine in the Metal Machining Studio, or the CNC router in the Woodworking Studio. You can also use Fusion 360 to design objects for BARN's 3-D printers.
Instructor: Chris Stanley is a fourth-generation artist/ craftsman who works in a variety of media. After working for many years as a professional model maker in both architectural and design fields, he went into education. He taught computer-aided design and other classes for the Art Institute of Seattle for 19 years.
The first step in designing and making any object is translating the idea into a two-dimensional plan, and that starts with a drawing. In this class, you will learn how to add shading to sketches so that they look more realistic and allow you to see different layers and angles of your design.
This class is for beginners and people who want to revisit their drawing skills. While offered through the Woodworking Studio, this class will be useful to you whatever your discipline.
He thinks of himself as a person who solves visual problems. He proposes a situation and looks to openly create a visual answer, whether it be paint, wood or combinations of media. He is not political in his work - not even angry. He's looking for the fun and the whacky.
Get started on your woodturning adventure with this two-session beginner's class, where you’ll learn how to create the basic shapes involved in both spindle and bowl turning and make two or three spindle projects. By successfully completing this class, you will be cleared to use the wood lathes in Open Studio at BARN, and be eligible to take a bowl-turning class.
In Session 1, you will turn basic spindle shapes as you learn about woodturning safety, technique and how to use the tools with good body mechanics — all important to building a foundation to launch your turning skills. Tools you will use: spindle roughing gouge, spindle gouge and parting tool. You will make one basic spindle project such as a wand or a spinning top.
In Session 2, you will learn more about spindle turning as you make a bottle stopper or opener. You will learn about design elements and balance, how to use a mandrel system for securing material, and the use of a template and calipers.. Additional tools used will be a negative rake scraper and skew. All of these skills will prepare you for other turning efforts such as turning bowls and boxes.
Instructor: Jamie Straw has been turning wood for about four years, working on both spindle and bowl projects, and has taught woodturning at BARN since July 2017. She is Vice President for Education and Training for the local chapter of the American Association of Woodturners. Her focus is on helping students, especially new turners, build skills progressively as they design and create fun woodturning projects.
If you build or repair guitars, ukuleles, or other stringed instruments — or want to — you are invited to our free weekly gathering for luthiers. Ask questions, share tips, and use BARN's growing collection of luthier tools as you work alongside others on your instruments.
This special interest group meets each Friday from 6-9 pm in the bench room unless a class is scheduled there, in which case it will move to a nearby space.
If you have questions or comments for the group leader, Doug Salot, please use this form to contact him.
NOTE: These sessions may need to be canceled occasionally. Check the woodworking calendar for any updates.
This class has been postponed for later in the Fall.
Short-sleeve or tight-cuff tops and close-toe comfortable shoes are required. No jewelry other than "button-type" earrings for women is allowed, so no rings, bracelets, necklaces. Long hair must be tied back.
No experience necessary. We will be on hand to help as needed.
Start a project, finish a project, or just play with wood and see what happens. We will have some extra wood available or bring in your own.
Your child must 8 or older.
Learn basic safety principles of key woodworking power tools with the goal of being checked out to use them during the BARN Woodshop's 30 hours a week of Open Studio time. This is a hands-on course and students will be given a piece of wood to cut and shape according to specific measurements.
To use the shop, you will also need to attend our free one-hour Orientation to the Woodshop class.
Woodshop Tool Safety 1 will qualify you to use the following tools during Open Studio time and in classes that require certification in these tools:
Instructor: Joe Dunstan has been a woodworker for 20 years and has built his own house. He manages the safety monitor program for the shop.
Get a good foundation in carving techniques, including push, stop and draw cuts. In this three-session class, you will learn the basics of safe handling and use of carving knives the first night, then go on to learn how to deal with changes in wood grain, hollowing techniques, and other concepts as you make a spoon and carve a figure during second and third sessions.
This class is open to both beginning carvers and those who already have some carving experience. Each time BARN schedules this class, the carving projects are new.
Build a unique slab bench or small table in this six-session class.
Create a piece that highlights the natural beauty in a slab's swirling grain or intriguing color known as spalting. Preserve a live edge, rip a straight-line edge or combine the two styles into your design.
At the first session, the instructor will discuss design considerations, suitable wood and several options of styles for top and base. The instructor will walk you through the process of drawing up your design ideas into working plans.
The next sessions will be devoted to building your project and preparing it for final finish. You will work at your own pace, but you should be prepared to spend additional time during Open Studio times between class sessions, if necessary to complete your project.
The final session will cover finish options and application techniques. You will go home with enough finish to apply multiple coats to your completed project.
Instructor: Carol Fiedler Kawaguchi is a professional woodworker who specializes in restoration of antique furniture through her business, C-Saw, on Bainbridge Island. She also makes custom furniture, including the slab coffee table in the Commons at BARN. Marvin Crosland will assist.
As a student at the University of Washington, Weaver was part of the composites team working on a Formula SAE racecar. He worked full-time building surfboards for five years, then went to work for Fiberglass Supply in 2002. Two years later, his family bought the business, which he now runs. Besides selling supplies for epoxies and fiberglass work, the company sells boat kits, surfboard blanks and other products. It also calls itself a "composite materials superstore," and does research and development work for industrial manufacturers and companies in the aerospace business. These monthly meetings always offer an informative presentation on some aspect of woodworking, plus a short business meeting. It's a good opportunity to meet other woodworkers of all skill levels, learn what's new in the shop, and share your thoughts on class offerings and shop operations.
Help launch BARN's new Japanese woodworking program as you learn to set up Japanese-style chisels and planes. These tools never arrive ready to use; they always require fine-tuning, and this class will teach you the steps.
The class will work on tools that BARN is buying for use in beginning Japanese woodworking classes. But once you get hooked on this style of woodworking, you are likely to buy your own tools and will need the information covered in this class.
To set up the wooden-body planes used in Japanese woodworking, you will learn how to flatten the back of the blade, shapen the bevel edge on water stones, and fit the chipper blade. You will fine-tune the wooden block and condition its base with a scraper plane. Then you will learn to set and adjust the blade.
Turning to the chisels, you will learn how to fit the handle ring, and how to prepare the back of the blade and sharpen the bevel edge.
Instructor: Gary Bella grew up in western Pennsylvania. After college and art school, he moved to the Bay Area in California and began working in Marin County with several firms in residential construction. Later, he specialized in finish carpentry while developing a design/build business. He took classes with traditional Japanese teahouse carpenter Makoto Imai and later worked primarily with Makoto building traditional houses and tea houses in California, New York and Washington. After he moved to Bainbridge in 2003, he continued to build Japanese-inspired projects for private clients. He was among the master craftsmen who restored the Japanese guest house at the Bloedel Reserve.
Get checked out on the Woodworking Studio’s major power tools not covered in the Tools 1 safety class. Provided you have also attended our free Orientation to the Woodshop class, completing Woodshop Tool Safety 2 will qualify you to use the following tools during Open Studio time or in classes that have this as a prerequisite:
Make your own pizza peel in this 2 session class!
In this multi-studio class you will cut and deburr the aluminum paddle and handle tube; form the tube and attach it to the paddle. You will then go to the Wood Shop on Wednesday, October 24 (2:00 PM to 5:00 PM) and use the wood lathe to shape the handle that will then be attached to the peel assembly. Watch the Kitchen Arts Studio calendar for upcoming "Make Your Own Pizza" classes where you can use your new pizza peel! There will be an additional $20 materials fee for wood and metal added to the cost of class when you register. Instructors:
Linda Sohlberg wyldwooddogs@gmail.com Linda Sohlberg. Linda is a registered architect. She is also active in the woodworking studio at BARN.
Peter Moseley metal.lead@bainbridgebarn.org Peter and Stan are retired mechanical engineers who have had or have their own metal machining work shops.
Whether you are making a toy for your grandchild, son or daughter — or sibling, if you are a teen at least 14 years old — this class is for you. Push or pull toy animals thrill and excite toddlers with their animated movement. You will make a child smile while improving your woodworking skills.
You will be offered a choice of different wooden toys to build, such as galloping horses, toucan, hippo or duck. You will learn shop safety, template making, band saw techniques, sander operations, and drilling. After choosing a design, you will cut it out, add the movable parts, such as wheels, legs, jaws, arms and tail. Then you will decorate the toy to give it the unique look and feel that you desire.
Instructors will assist you in laying out and cutting the parts and in figuring out the simple engineering needed to bring your toy to life. After completing this class you will be able to build any of a dozen other animals in this series.
Instructor: Bruce Glover has worked with wood for most of his life, primarily simple projects around the house. After taking courses at his local Woodcraft store, he started making more woodworking projects with an emphasis on lathe work. Not long ago, a friend suggested toy making and Bruce has added those to his shop undertakings. Sam Bardelson, Tom Leurguin, Jeff Williams and Michael Gunderson, all experienced woodworkers, will assist Bruce.
Photo credits: Galloping horses by Rick Mayotte. Grasshopper by Cristiana Felgueiras. Toucan by David Wakefield.
Instructor: TBD
The table saw is a cornerstone of every woodworking shop, and in this class you'll learn the fundamentals of how this powerful and versatile machine works. Beginners are welcome, but before the first session you need to have taken BARN's Woodshop Tool Safety 1 class (see details below).
We'll start with the anatomy of a table saw and how to calibrate it to achieve precise cuts every time, then move on to skills like ripping wood, crosscutting, making angled cuts, and cutting rabbets and dadoes. The second session will focus on techniques useful when you need to make repetitive cuts, including use of jigs and stop blocks. You will also learn how to use a tapering jig. And if your cuts don't come out as perfect as you wish they were, you will learn how to figure out what you need to do differently so they come out better.
If you're just starting out using tools and don't know where to begin with home repairs, BARN's Home Repair series of classes is for you.
In this session, we will help you figure out the best starter tools and explain why you would select one type over another. We will have an example of a well-equipped starter tool box.
You will see some of the many kinds of hammers out there and learn how to pick out and use one that will work well for the projects you plan to do in your home. You will learn which types of screwdrivers to use, and why, and you will be able to test different types to see what works best for you. You will also learn the difference between pliers and wrenches and will leave the class knowing which kind to use for a project. We will show you what to look for in a tape measure, and how to select safety glasses and ear protection.
You will receive a list of suggested tools for a home toolbox — also useful as a gift for a graduate or someone just starting out on their own. You will also get a list of other tools you might consider purchasing after you have the key tools in your toolbox.
Instructor: Denise Baker-Kircher put herself through college by running her own remodeling business in Chicago in the 1970s. While working a full-time job, she worked with Seattle Habitat for Humanity for several years as part of the volunteer crew, then on the electrical team, and finally as head of the speaker’s bureau. Denise has gutted, remodeled, completely rewired, insulated, drywalled and finished two of her previous homes in the Seattle area. She is currently a BARN woodshop monitor and is happily designing and building new cabinetry for the home she shares with her husband, Dave, on Bainbridge Island.
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