Woodworking Basics: Prepping Lumber for Projects

Learn how to choose the right wood, use tools to prepare it, and how to “read a board” for successful woodworking projects.

Meeting Times

Tue, 11/14/2023 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Wed, 11/15/2023 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Tue, 11/14/2023 - Wed, 11/15/2023

Closed

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About

In fine woodworking, everything starts with the wood. Before you can focus on joinery or fancy details, you need to make a board foursquare, with surfaces that are flat, straight, parallel, and square. And then you need to cut the lengths, widths, and thicknesses you need, in a way that positions the pieces where the grain direction makes the most sense.

In this class, learn:

Why wood cups, twists, and bows, and what to pay attention to when you are selecting the wood.
How to use the jointer, planer, and table saw to get a board to the point where it can be used in furniture making.
How to read a board when you are laying out parts, so that you use the wood efficiently and wind up with grain directions that are pleasing to the eye, functional, and structurally sound.

This class is a component of BARN's Woodworking Basics Certificate program, which includes 14 classes and a mentored final project. Learn more »

You do not need to be a certificate student to take this class.

Prerequisites

Before the class begins, you must have completed Orientation to the Woodshop, Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 1 and Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 2.

Class Policies

Ages 14 and up are welcome.

You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

BARN Policies

View BARN's Cancellation and Refund Policy
View BARN's current COVID-19 health and safety protocols.
BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available. Fill out the application before registering.
Makerspaces like BARN can be noisy and cluttered, smell strongly, and have bright or flickering lights. We try to make accommodations when requested; the earlier you contact us, the more likely we can help. Please email accessibility@bainbridgebarn.org to find out more or request an accommodation.
For those who might need physical assistance, learn more about BARN's Companion Program.

Instructors or Guides

Ted Newman

Ted studied woodworking and has taught classes at the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Rockport, Maine. He is active in BARN's woodworker group and volunteers as a safety monitor.