The Furniture Institute of Massachusetts

Build a Sturdy Workbench - Learn to build a sturdy professional workbench. Any woodworker knows that it is absolutely necessary to have a work surface that is safe, functional, and custom built to suit the needs of its user. Level ~ Beginner / Intermediate Course Length – 12 Week Nights Wednesdays 6:00PM ~ 9:00PM


This class is perfect for the beginner as well as for the intermediate furniture maker. Students will learn the proper procedure to grind, hone, and strop gouges, back bends and v tools. Carving exercises commence with rudimentary tasks, enabling each student to gain an understanding of how to read the grain and how, subsequently, to cut it properly. Through carving exercises, each student will learn the importance of laying out patterns in a clear and concise fashion. Techniques to hold the wood throughout the carving procedure will be taught. A systematic approach to the physical aspect of carving is paramount. Students will learn the order and placement of cuts essential to detailed ornamentation. This approach enables the carver to produce a decisive piece of ornamentation in an efficient amount of time. Through the study of carved moldings, fans, rosettes, reeds, flutes, volutes, and acanthus leaves, the students will leave with a firm foundation for the execution of ornamental carving and an understanding of how to embellish their future works. Level ~ Beginner / Intermediate Course Length ~ Twelve Weeknights 6:00PM ~ 9:00AM once a week

This class is for those who have had instruction in basic machine use and hand tools and would like instruction in building a project of there own liking. The class is limited to six students. Hand tools as well as projects must be removed from the building each class. Large projects are not encouraged. This is a great opportunity to learn from one of the leading furniture makers in the country. Students that have taken past classes may have need for assistance in completing a project. Call with your ideas. Level: intermediate Course Length: Twelve Weeknights Thursdays 6:00PM ~ 9:00PM once a week

This is the opportunity to design and build your own ideas with the guidance of a master furniture maker. Arrive with the idea and a stack of material and we will create a full size layout and stock list, from there, mill stock, joint cutting and assembly. This class is designed for those with beginning / intermediate skills in machine and hand tool use. Don’t miss this chance to be able to build under the guidance of the Award Winning instructor John Cameron. Level ~ Beginner / Intermediate Course Length ~ 12 Week Nights Mondays ~ Friday 6:00PM ~ 9:00PM