FURNITURE MAKING PROGRAMS

OBJECTIVE: The Furniture Making Program at FIM is dedicated to excellence in the art of classical woodworking techniques and functional contemporary furniture design and construction. The Furniture Institute strives to provide a creative, intensive, and highly personalized environment in which students can explore the rich traditions of furniture making and prepare for a career in furniture making and related fields.

Students choose the furniture making program at the Furniture Institute because of its commitment to teaching traditional woodworking techniques that have for centuries proven successful in building the world’s masterpieces. An emphasis on both hand work and machine work ensures high quality craftsmanship and provides the experience and knowledge necessary for success in woodworking trades. In addition, the low student to teacher ratio, the rich historic and artistic heritage of New England, and its connections to the local community make the Furniture Institute an ideal place to learn and create. Whether as a means of preserving the art or mastering advanced techniques, the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts is a learning environment dedicated to "Training Tomorrow’s Craftsperson."

PROGRAMS & DESCRIPTIONS:

During each semester, the student’s time is dedicated to the making of tables, casework, beds, and chairs of the student’s choosing, with guidance from the instructor. Each piece is designed, ornamentation incorporated, hardware selected, and a materials list generated.  Wood selection, lumber milling, construction, and assembly follow, leading to the staining and finishing process. Simultaneously, students learn safety in machine operation as well as the upkeep and maintenance of the machines and the shop facility. Because time is such an important factor in the business world, students must record the time spent on each project, facilitating a true understanding of the costs of the piece being fabricated.

Students also spend time outside of the shop learning about the history of furniture making at local and nationally recognized museums housing superior collections. All programs culminate with a yearly open house, showcasing the students’ work, which is open to the public.

The programs at the Furniture Institute of Massachusetts consist of Furniture Making 1 “Apprentice Program”, Furniture Making 2 “Journeyman Program” and Furniture Making 3 “Mastery Program” .

Furniture Making 1 “Apprentice Program” Study of Fundamentals  

Students are introduced to the shop and immediately begin learning the various elements of sound and proper construction through a series of practicums, observations, and hands on experiences. Students are first introduced to orthographic and isometric drawing techniques of basic wood joint construction and then begin by drawing and designing their own. This is followed by the design and drawing of full size furniture layouts. Next, they begin working in the shop and acquiring rudimentary woodworking skills such as the sharpening of tools and making of simple wood joints. Machinery is then introduced through the construction of a pair of saw horses. This is followed by two assigned projects: a simple table and the construction of a tool chest. As part of the curriculum, the students are required to travel to various lumber yards to purchase materials for their projects.

Furniture Making 2 “Journeyman Program” Independent Study

The second year is dedicated to intermediate furniture making skills. Each project is approved by the instructor to insure skill development in design, construction, ornamentation and finishing. The photographing of each completed piece is a requirement and photo documentation of the piece in progress is strongly encouraged, but not a requirement.   As part of the program, each student writes descriptions of their pieces, stating dimensions, woods, finishes, and historical precedences.  Upon completion the student will be awarded a “Journeyman Certificate.”

Furniture Making 3 “Mastery Program” Advanced Independent Study   

The third year is dedicated to advanced furniture making and business skill development. The program continues with the designing and making of complex tables, casework, beds and chairs of the student’s choosing, with guidance from the instructor. The student’s goals are advanced construction techniques, making multiples, designing tooling and jigs to accomplish production techniques. The design of jigs plays an important part of this year’s body of work. Wood selection, lumber milling, jig making, construction and assembly follow, leading to the staining and finishing process. Simultaneously, students will focus on the development of a logo, business cards, photography of pieces and writing advertisements. With each project time and cost estimates will be calculated as well as writing customer cost proposals and making design presentations. The students will also set up a bookkeeping company with income and expense accounts and learn the software to write checks, produce invoices, pay bills, receive payments and make deposits. Upon completion the student will be awarded a “Mastery Certificate.”

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