FURNITURE MAKING FULL TIME PROGRAM

OBJECTIVE
The Furniture Making Program at FIM is dedicated to excellence in the art of classical and functional contemporary furniture making. The intent is to prepare participants for a career in furniture making and/or related fields. Mastering machine skills as well as hand tools not only ensures the existence of high quality workmanship but also provides the experience necessary for success in such a field. A thorough study of classical furniture will allow the student to engage in the design of furniture suited for the lifestyles and components of today, and for years to come.

Course Description
This 20-month program starts with a design phase, which brings the student through orthographic and isometric drawing techniques of basic wood joint construction, followed by full size furniture layouts. Students then begin shop work acquiring rudimentary woodworking skills such as the sharpening of tools and making of simple wood joints. This is followed by construction of a tool chest. The course continues with the making of tables, casework, beds and chairs. Under the guidance of the instructors each piece will be designed, ornamentation incorporated, hardware selected and a materials list generated. The tasks of wood selection, lumber milling, construction and assembly follow, which collectively leads to the staining and finish process. Simultaneously students learn safety in machine operation as well as the up keep and maintenance of the machines and the shop facility. As time is such an important factor in the business world students will be obliged to record the time spent on each project, facilitating a true understanding of the costs of the piece being fabricated.