Beginner to Expert
At Benchmark Fine Woodworking, we're excited to offer classes designed to inspire creativity, build skills, and bring the art of woodworking back to life. From hands-on classes for beginners to focused sessions for experienced makers, our workshops will cover a wide range of topics including furniture making, joinery techniques, finishing methods, tool sharpening, and more.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your craft, these classes will be led by skilled artisans and guest instructors in a welcoming, well-equipped environment. We can't wait to learn and build with you.
Current Classes
10-5, Mon-Fri
Bowl Turning- 1 Day (beginner)
The course will include the complete process of taking a solid wood block and turning it into a nice wooden bowl. Student will take home a finished bowl.
Instructor: Bob Amarant
Class Length: 3 to 4 hours
When: Bob is retired and is flexible with his availability. Once tuition is paid, he will contact you to set up a mutually agreeable day and time. Evening and weekends hours available.
Cost: $250 plus $25 for supplies
What to Bring: Smock and face shield are supplied, bring a N-95 mask for the sanding process.
Course Description
Students will learn and practice the following.
Safety stressed throughout the entire session.
The various parts of a lathe and each part’s functionality.
The various tools we will be using, including bowl gouges, parting tools and scrapers. Plus using sharpening systems.
Proper techniques to Safely and Efficiently using the various tools. Plus demonstrating common improper “Newbee” techniques as to avoid “Catches”
Popular design elements. All about Beads and Coves.
Wood selection, what to look for. Wood types, defects, cracks and voids.
Various ways to mount a bowl onto the lathe
Turning the bottom of the bowl and foot.
Embellishing the bottom of the bowl.
Turning the bowl around, mounting it onto a scroll chuck to prepare to scoop out the top of the bowl.
Sanding the bowl.
Finishing the bowl with food grade oil.
Beer Tote Class: 1-day (Beginner)
Students will produce a fully finished, assembled, drink tote while learning safe tool operation (planer, jointer, sander, table saw, band saw and apply proper measuring, cutting, and nailing techniques.
Class size: 1-4 People
Instructor: Mike Scasserra
Class Length: 3 to 4 hours
When: Schedule at your availability Mondays-Saturdays
Cost: $225 per person
What to Bring: Excitement and proper clothing (closed toed shoes, no overly loose clothing or anything that could get caught in machines.
Long-Grain Cutting Board:
2-Day(beginner)
Students will produce a fully finished, smooth, long-grain cutting board while learning safe tool operation (planer, jointer, sander, table saw) amd applying proper measuring, cutting, and glue-up techniques.
Class size: 1-2 People
Instructor: Mike Scasserra
Class Length: 4 to 6 hours
When: Schedule at your availability Mondays-Saturdays
Cost: $450 per person
What to Bring: Excitement and proper clothing (closed toed shoes, no overly loose clothing or anything that could get caught in machines.
Materials: Can be bought at Benchmark or brought. Materials brought should be notified ahead of time so Benchmark can approve correct materials.
end-Grain Cutting Board:
3-Day (intermediate)
Students will produce a fully finished, smooth, end-grain cutting board while learning safe tool operation (planer, jointer, sander, table saw) amd applying proper measuring, cutting, and glue-up techniques.
Class size: 1-2 People
Instructor: Mike Scasserra
Class Length: 6 to 8 hours
When: Schedule at your availability Mondays-Saturdays
Cost: $600 per person
What to Bring: Excitement and proper clothing (closed toed shoes, no overly loose clothing or anything that could get caught in machines.
Materials: Can be bought at Benchmark or brought. Materials brought should be notified ahead of time so Benchmark can approve correct materials.
Jewelry Box Class: 3-Day Lesson Plan (advanced)
Students will produce a fully finished hinged box while learning safe tool operation (planer, jointer, sander, table saw, router) and applying proper measuring, cutting, and glue-up techniques.
Class size: 1-2 People
Instructor: Bill Stowe
Class Length: 8 to 10 hours
When: Schedule at your availability Mondays-Saturdays
Cost: $700 per person
What to Bring: Excitement and proper clothing (closed toed shoes, no overly loose clothing or anything that could get caught in machines.
Materials: Can be bought at Benchmark or brought. Materials brought should be notified ahead of time so Benchmark can approve correct materials.
Ready to get started?
Fill out the form below with which class you'd like to take, how many people, and if you're bringing or buying materials here. Please add dates and times for each session (if more than 1 day.) We'll be in touch to confirm dates, confirm your material preferences, and send a payment link. Excited to see you get making!
Have your own project idea?