Saturday Intro Lectures: Wedges, Hammers, and Rule

handtoolkit

So many tools to buy. Where to start? This lecture on Saturday, Jan. 31 from 10am to 12pm will discuss the tools we use in the shop and which are essential and which are just fun to own and hang on the wall. I seem to have a lot of both. But any tool we have will fit into one of these categories: wedge shaped tools, striking tools, and our measuring tools. We will discuss the most important tools to have in each category. Learn which tools to buy and how to tune up used tools. Discover when to buy top of the line and when to go low priced. There is a load of information to share with the beginning and the more advanced woodworker.

When you enroll, you’ll get a Zoom link to join us for class online. Be sure to have a camera set up and ready. It’s easy and surprisingly workable to get this information online. 

Register

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Do you have a woodworking question that you would like Gary Rogowski to answer in an upcoming podcast?

Questions can be about tools, wood movement issues, milling lumber, wood finishing, joinery or other relevant topics.

Email it to us at questions@highlandwoodworking.com

or

studio@northwestwoodworking.com

In the Age of Manufacturing, Why Choose Handmade. A Craftsmanship.net conversation with Gary Rogowski.

Fine Woodworking Shop Talk Live Podcast

The Craftmanship Initative Podcast – Craft and the Art of Change with Gary Rogowski

In today’s automated world, why bother toiling with hand tools and sawdust? In his new book, Gary Rogowski—a master furniture maker in Portland, Oregon—ruminates about lessons he’s learned “at the bench,” and the quest for mastery and creative focus, no matter what your calling.

Online Mastery Program

Online Mastery Program

Invest in your education

Rogowski Stool project in clamps

White oak with pipe clamp. 

What if you joined the Online Mastery Program?

This project is one that our third year students tackled this fall. 

Furniture making is a craft and a skill and an antidote to the insanity of the world. What if you took the time to learn how to design and build great furniture? It would be something done for you but also for the others in your life. Learning a craft is life changing.

The OMP is a two year program that teaches woodworking and design skills. We do this by building nine Design pieces over this time as well as six Bench projects. We start with a focus on hand tools in Year One. We even make some hand tools as we learn to tune and use them. We continue in Year Two with challenging techniques like coopering, steam bending, chair making, and drawer systems.

Do you have the time and drive for this program but don’t have the money? Here’s a thought: get investors. Contact Gary at  Studio@NorthwestWoodworking.com for information about the innovative Investors Program.

What would happen if you gathered 5 or 10 of your friends/ family and asked them to invest in your future? It has already worked for others. Find out more. Drop Gary a note before class starts again in October 2025.

 

Note to all the OMP grads:

Another OMP3 class is going to run this October 2025. Class will be called: Sit Yourself Down. The chair is everyone’s favorite piece to design and build in the program. Why not give it another try? For more info: please contact Gary. 

 

 

                           Cabinet. Brian Granvall, OMP #6 student.

                            Sapele with Baltic Birch panels.

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