This class is open to both beginners and those with woodworking experience. If you are a returning student to this class, or someone with experience, you may choose to build a custom furniture piece. There may be time later in the week for other projects. If you are a beginning student, you will build a small hall or bedside table from wood of your choice. Maple, cherry, ash, oak, walnut and birch are among the options. You’ll work from a basic design but will have input to make the piece “your own.” Emphasis throughout the class will focus on the safe use of equipment, including table saw, jointer, planer and other power tools. Project design, creating cut lists, edge-gluing boards, table leg to apron joinery techniques, case piece construction, sanding, finishing and many other details will be discussed.

Please bring appropriate clothing for woodworking with power tools, along with eye and ear protection. Also bring a tape measure, pencils, paper and, if you like, magazine or catalog pictures for design ideas. If you have a home shop, you may start a piece at The Clearing and finish it at home. Curt or Gene will contact students prior to class.

Curt Wessel builds custom furniture and cabinetry in Ellison Bay, Wisconsin and has taught a variety of woodworking classes at The Clearing. His work is found throughout Door County and is well represented at The Clearing. 

Gene Kenny retired from the University of Wisconsin as a Physician Assistant in pediatric cardiac surgery in 2016 after 32 years. He is an avid woodworker and has helped with woodworking classes at The Clearing in previous years. Gene also volunteers regularly at The Clearing with woodworking projects, has built homes with Habitat for Humanity and currently is the project manager for an 1,800-foot boardwalk at Newport State Park.

Levels: All Levels