Classes are held at my workshop in Durham, NC and can be tailored to suit individual requirements. They are available either on a one-to-one basis or a maximum of two students for the project-based classes. These are hands on classes intended to help develop the feel and technique of working with hand tools. Classes can be anywhere from three hours to five days depending on the student and skill level.

Sharpening

Sharp tools are key to achieving the best results in woodworking. This class demonstrates that with just a little practice it is easy to achieve a razor sharp edge in minutes. The class will cover how to sharpen hand plane blades, chisels and card scrapers as well as the correct use and care of your sharpening equipment. You will have the opportunity to use various sharpening jigs and fixtures. Students are welcome to bring their own sharpening medium and blades.

Call to schedule a three hour private class. $180.00

An Introduction to Hand Planes

This class is for anyone who wants to learn how to set up and use hand planes for use in furniture making . The class will cover the techniques required for the proper use of block, smoothing, jointing and shooting planes, as well as methods of work. Students are welcome to bring their own hand planes to set up and use.

Call to schedule a three hour private class. $180.00

Build Your Own Piece of Furniture - THIS CLASS IS NOT CURRENTLY BEING OFFERED

Build your own piece of furniture in my Durham, NC workshop, if you have an idea for a project you would like to build please let me know. We can discuss what would be suitable for a students given skill level. These classes will usually include a combination of hand and power tool woodworking and can be anywhere from one to five days depending on the project. The cost of the Build Your Own Piece of Furniture class varies depending of the project. Please call or email for further information.

John Parkinson uses and recommends high quality tools from Lie-Nielsen Toolworks and Glen Drake Toolworks.