For all of you waiting to get into a course here’s the info you need.
DECEMBER 9, 2020 at 9am is REGISTRATION DATE FOR LOWER LONSDALE.
We had some crazy long waitlists this last season and to try and help more of you get registered we have added a few more Level 1 courses. Please take a look at Saturday evenings and Sunday mornings where we have added new Woodworking Level 1 Basics courses.
We have also discussed a third Level 2 Joinery Foundations Course for Saturday afternoons. We may offer this every other season to satisfy a growing demand for our more advanced courses.
If you are not sure what course is for you I have again included a breakdown of the courses at the end of this post.
ROUNDHOUSE REMAINS CLOSED
COVID – The impact on our courses and our procedures.
- Many email asking if we are still open for courses and I am pleased to confirm that we are however I don’t want to assume it will remain so. In class we are diligent to maintain adherence to our COVID protocols and procedures and I am pleased to report that most people attending courses accept these measures without issue.
- In short everyone is responsible for cleaning and wipe down of tools that they have used. There are supplies in the studio for this purpose. Since we restarted after the lock-down we have maintained these procedures and have found them to be easy to handle.
- If you get into a course please always come with a mask (we dont supply them).
- If you know that you have been at risk don’t take a chance at the expense of others in the course.
- If you are sick do not come to class for the same reason as above.
- We have not increased pricing due to COVID and we will do our best not to, even though we allow less registrations per course. (our Level 1 Basics has increased by $20 but due to increase in Lumber pricing).
Hand Made Gifts
I often suggest to new woodworkers to consider making gifts for the next Christmas or other event where gifts are given. Its been good to see this happening in Drop-ins where some people have been planning exactly that for this Christmas season. A hand made gift is always well appreciated.
SLOW DOWN
At the risk of sounding overly philosophical its seems we are bombarded daily with stuff that requires our immediate attention. I have had a number of people over the years that come to a regular drop-in every week or sign up for a Level 2 course every season as a way of getting away from the hamster wheel of demands. It’s like a little “me time” every week, where we work on a project, have fun, learn new stuff and get to truly wind down.
The courses
We offer courses separated loosely between Power Tools and Hand Tools. While the Hand Tool Woodworking courses are pretty much hand tools only the Level 1 Basics (Power Tools course) does include a small intro into hand tools. This results in many people liking working with Hand Tools so much that they choose a Hand Tool Woodworking course for their next course.
So while you decide on what times are most convenient for you consider any level 1 course that has space for you – whether Hand Tools or Power Tools – as a beginner you will find rewarding and enlightening.
Level 1 Basics – A power tools course, and possibly the most popular, is a great course for beginners or an amateur with a long absence from woodworking. The course is a beginners course but NOT an unsophisticated course. You will learn the use of the major large machines in the milling process and basic techniques for true furniture grade joinery. The ideal choice for someone wanting to see if woodworking is for them.
Hand Tools Demystified Level 1 – These courses are also for beginners and even professionals who wish to introduce hand tool skills to their repertoire. Also ideal for those who want to see if woodworking is for them.
Woodworking Hand Tools Japanese Inspired Level 1/2 and Japanese Inspired Level 2/3. These are advanced courses best attended by experienced amateurs the who have completed another of our Level 1’s. These courses are challenging but super rewarding.
Spoon Carving – Essentially an introduction to wood grain direction and sculpture. Probably fair to say one of the most fun filled courses. Spoon Carving is NOT always offered so look out for it when it is.
Level 2 Joinery Foundations – The obvious choice for someone who has completed Level 1 Basics taking you deeper into sophisticated processes in joinery. Come to the first session and receive an intro into purchasing rough lumber from a commercial timber supplier and design your own project. Bring your lumber to session 2. Many new woodworkers who want to go further take another Level 2 and some continue to register for Level 2 every season – slowly adding to their skills and enjoying a little “me time” on a regular basis.
Fundamentals Intensive – A week long full time course ideal for those who are from out of town and those who wish to take time off for their learning. Materials included for a small but demanding project. This course covers Level 1 Basics and Level 1 Hand Tools and more. Rewarding yes, but not a walk in the park.