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It seems that more than a few people have asked me recently how to get started with classes and where to go next. And while I know I've done this before, with spring (so gradually) approaching, I thought I’d take the opportunity to provide a definitive and detailed overview of all the class offerings that Joe, myself and our local colleagues have been organizing and generating for woodworkers at any level.
BUILD YOUR TOOLBOX
Since Joe and I launched the Build Your Toolbox class back in Late 2023, we’ve had around 60 students start their journey with us… with nearly 20 of those in these first few months of 2025. I think we both feel that the class has proven effective in helping people start their woodworking journey, kanna in hand.
For the uninitiated, Build Your Toolbox is designed as both a literal and figurative experience. While participants do construct an actual toolbox, our in-class time primarily focuses on building foundational woodworking knowledge, your “mental toolbox”—filled with knowledge of tool maintenance, safe usage, and versatile techniques that make accessible the gifts of a hobby in woodworking with Japanese hand-tools. The physical toolbox we then make provides the practical exercise to help that knowledge take hold.
And then, once the participants have begun that journey, they might wonder what’s next. To help with that, I’m introducing some additional classes that build upon the skills learned in Build Your Toolbox.
JOINERY CLASSES
Mortise and Tenon – A foundational furniture-making skill, and a building block of more complex Japanese joinery.
Dovetails – A beautiful and strong joinery technique used commonly in box-making, but applicable in many project types.
Staked Joinery – Western-style round-tenon joinery, excellent for quickly creating stools, benches, and small furniture. It requires fewer tools, though somewhat specialized ones, and is especially satisfying for beginners.
DESIGN CLASSES
Beyond basic joinery skills, I offer design-focused classes to empower students to create original pieces tailored to their specific needs and spaces. Instead of replicating existing projects, students learn fundamental design principles, enabling them to craft items such as:
Accessory Tables – Coffee tables, nightstands, and side tables suitable for smaller living spaces.
Stools and Benches – Designing structurally sound furniture to support weight safely and reliably.
Bookshelves and Bookcases – Ensuring shelves are sturdy enough to handle heavy loads and resist destabilizing forces.
Boxes – Exploring various design styles and joinery methods appropriate for smaller woodworking projects.
Each student leaves the design class with a personalized design, detailed measured drawings, and a cut list of required parts. Additionally, I’m available to help source, price, and mill materials if students need assistance getting things started.
SPECIAL PROJECT CLASSES (with Nolan Hatfield)
Nihonsan Tools is also excited to offer new, project-oriented classes led by our friend, colleague, and highly-skilled woodworker, Nolan Hatfield. These classes are designed to be accessible to woodworkers at any level, and you don't need to bring your own tools.
Hinoki Shower Stool – Made from Hinoki cypress, a beloved Japanese material uniquely available in North America through our community partner, Hinoki NYC, operated by Greg Layne.
Shoji Lantern – A beautiful tabletop lamp featuring a simple Kumiko grid, paper backing and lots of fine and carefully-cut joinery.
Nolan’s classes are such a great opportunity to dive into a beautiful ready-to-make project, no matter what your skill or experience level may be.
OTHER CLASSES
Intro to Kumiko – this class is a step into the art of fitting tiny wood pieces into a grid, traditionally used to decorate shoji screens and panels. It's a great exercise in careful work and uses a methodical process. Very rewarding and accessible to people at any level of experience.
Kintsugi Repair – the traditional Japanese art of pottery repair. No, not necessarily woodworking, but kintsugi uses urushi lacquer as a binder, and urushi is a fascinating finish, and beloved in Japan as a lustrous and durable coating for small wood projects.
BUILDING ON COMMUNITY
Lastly, I want to highlight the value of our woodworking community. By supporting and encouraging each other through our projects and challenges, we create an enriching environment for everyone involved. While woodworking can be challenging, it’s certainly not beyond anyone’s grasp. Together, we make it manageable, enjoyable, and deeply rewarding.
Please feel free to share these offerings with anyone who might be interested, curious, or ready to explore woodworking further. We’d love to have you join us—there’s always a space for you here.
–Will |
