Sharpening Chisels & Plane Blades: 19-Century & Modern Tools

Saturday May 3, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Learn proper techniques for sharpening bench and paring chisels and plane blades Contemporary grinders and stones, glass and sandpaper will be used to put a fine edge on cutting tools, making them a pleasure to use. Class participants are encouraged to bring a chisel and/or plane in reasonable good shape to sharpen. If students have a modern metal plane them can't seem to get to work correctly, they are encouraged to bring it for a "tune-up."

Instructor: Jim Altemus
Fee: $40/$25 members
Materials fee: $10 due to instructor at class
Location: Thomson Barn Activity Center

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Hand-Tool Dovetailing and Joinery

Saturday May 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Using traditional woodworking hand tools, we will focus on laying out and cutting basic dovetail joinery as done in drawers of early 19th-century case pieces and other functional boxes. You'll be supplied with the pieces necessary to make a small candle box, and you will cut the dovetails in class. All necessary tools will be available for use (including our cabinet shop tools), but if you have a good coping saw and/or a sharp ½” chisel, you're invited to bring them to the class. Some experience in hand sawing and using chisels will be helpful, but the class is open to any skill level. Age 16 to adult.

Instructor: Jim Altemus
Fee: $40/$25 members
Materials fee: $10 due to instructor at class
Location: Cabinetmaker Shop

Blacksmith Experience

Dates to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the student and instructor.
Blacksmiths of the 19 century supplied goods and services that everyone needed. They made hardware and repaired everything of iron that the villager or farmer couldn't fix alone. We will supply you with period clothing as you work in the Blacksmith Shop for two days to learn the basic techniques of this all-important trade. Please contact Maria Neale at (585) 538-6822 ext. 216 to discuss details.

Instructor: Jim Nicoll
Fee: $110/$70 members
Materials fee: $10 due to instructor at class
Location: Blacksmith Shop

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Coopering Experience

Dates to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the student and instructor.
Work as an apprentice to our cooper and make a bucket using tools of the 19th century. We will supply you with period clothing as you work in the Cooper Shop for up to two days to complete your bucket. Please contact Maria Neale at (585) 538-6822 ext. 216 to discuss details..

Instructor: Gerry Walter
Fee: $110/$70 members
Materials fee: $10 due to instructor at class
Location: Cooper Shop

Tinsmithing Experience

Dates to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the student and instructor.
Learn how to cut, fold, shape and solder tin plate. We will supply you with period clothing as you work in the Tinsmith Shop for one day as you work on your project. Please contact Maria Neale at (585) 538-6822 ext. 216 to discuss details..

Instructor: Jim Nicoll
Fee: $55/$35 members
Materials fee: $10 due to instructor at class
Location: Tinsmith Shop

Download catalog & registration form