Building a Shaker Bench - 5 Week Class

3119 East 26th Street,Minneapolis MN 55406

08 February, 2022

Description

This class is intended for people with little or no woodworking experience. Students will learn skills necessary to build a Shaker Bench. This class is being offered at Twin Cities Maker by instructor Kenneth Speed. It is intended for people with little or no woodworking experience. Students will learn skills necessary to build a Shaker Bench. You must register ahead of time if you would like to attend! Please Note: This class will be held every Tuesday from February 8th to March 8th from 6:30pm to 9:30pm (5 total classes). Why a Shaker Bench? The Shaker bench is a testament to the wisdom and teachings of the Shakers. One of their sayings is, " Do your work as if you had a thousand years to live, and as if you were going to die tomorrow. It originated at the Hancock Shaker community in the 1800s. It's cleverly constructed in a way that should allow it to last for decades. Building one of these benches is an excellent introduction to many basic woodworking operations. The bench is a handy piece of furniture and while it is primarily for seating it can be useful for all kinds of other things around the house. What You'll Need to Bring to Class: In terms of materials, everything will be provided to you with the exception of sandpaper. During the class the instructor will give you suggestions on what sandpaper you will need. In terms of dress, please know that the shop floors are concrete. Please make sure to wear comfortable closed-toe shoes as well clothing that you don't mind getting glue on. About the InstructorKenneth Speed I never really looked at it this way before, but I have about fifty years of woodworking experience. I sometimes jokingly tell people that I've made just about everything there is out of wood other than coffins and boats. That's an exaggeration, but not a huge one. I've worn just about every hat there is in woodworking, plant foreman, plant manager, estimator, purchaser, project manager, teacher. I know how to use hand tools, but most of my professional woodworking experience involves machinery. I read blueprints and shop drawings and can generate cut lists and layout materials for the best yield. Some of the more satisfying things I've made are executive desks, bookcases, fireplace mantles, conference tables, and pencil posts beds. I've taught classes designed to prepare people for a career in architectural woodworking, and I've taught recreational woodworking classes. Both have been fun. Twin Cities Maker is a workshop community in Minneapolis where you can Make, Share and Learn. Our classes are open to members and non-members alike.   For more information about Twin Cities Maker, including how to become a member, check out our main website.