Have you ever wanted to unlock the secrets of a razor-sharp edge? Join SBWI Alumni and Instructor Carolyn Racine for a one day workshop on sharpening hand planes and chisels. The key to using hand tools correctly is a sharp edge - learn how the masters make it look so easy. Learn several techniques to make your hand plane and chisel edge “shaving sharp”.

We’ll get that old dusty hand plane back into action in this one day workshop! We will polish, sharpen, and tune up the body of your hand plane to get it into user ready condition. The key to using hand tools correctly is a sharp edge and proper setup - learn how the masters make it look so easy.

Spend a full day at the lathe with woodturner Matt Harber and dive into the art of creating elegant finial perfect toppers for ornaments, lidded boxes, or display turnings. You’ll turn three classic styles: Conical / Tapered Finial, Spiral Ribbon Finial, and Topper Finial.

Begin your upholstery journey with this entry level and versatile project - a wrapped and stapled seat cushion. Whether you want to reupholster old furniture or add upholstery to furniture you build, this class will teach you the basic tools and techniques. The wrap and staple upholstery method can be used on a variety of furniture pieces such as dining chairs, bar stools, ottomans, head boards and more.

This class is comprised of two separate projects: Basic Bowl and Round Box. Each project will reinforce basic bowl turning skills and introduce new techniques.

Learn all about the most common power tools and make your own tool caddy! Using woodworking machines without proper training can be dangerous. This course will teach you to use tools safely so you can focus on enjoying your time in the shop.

Join us at the SBWI for an exclusive one-day Lumber Grading course led by industry veteran Bob Vogel, former CEO of Hardwoods of Michigan. In 2010, Bob was named as one of North Americas 50 most influential people in the hardwood lumber Industry.

Cutting boards are the perfect project for people at the front end of their woodworking journey. They are made from beautiful hardwoods and they will add a lot of character to anyone's kitchen.

Do you have a nearly complete project at home that’s ready for that perfect finishing touch? (Or two? We all do!) Let’s tackle one together in this hands-on finishing workshop. We will demystify the many different wood finishes on the market and how to choose the right finish for your project. You will learn best practices for surface preparation, application methods, and achieving your desired aesthetics. 

Spend a day mastering the Shakers’ timeless method for bending thin wood into elegant oval boxes. Through live demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice, you’ll discover how heat and moisture make wood flexible, then learn the precise steps for shaping, fastening, and finishing a matched set of three nesting boxes. No prior experience or tools are required—all materials and equipment are provided.

Learn scroll saw basics while creating a unique, handcrafted ornament - the perfect gift to loved ones or a little slice of holiday cheer. In this class, students will learn scroll saw safety with proper blade selection, installation, and tension. You will also learn how to transfer a pattern, proper techniques with cutting, blade-entry holes, and table squaring. Students can choose from a variety of ornament designs and will be able to create multiple pieces to take home. We will also have milk paint available to add embellishment to your ornament.

With the guidance of an experienced instructor, you’ll get hands-on with real tools and machines—yes, you will be running a table saw, miter saw, band saw, and more (safely, of course). You’ll learn the same safety standards used in professional shops, and by the end of the day, you’ll walk away with serious skills and a certification to prove it.