Consultation
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Michael McDunn currently offers woodworking and furniture consultation for clients ranging from individual hobbyists to interior
decorators. With thirty years of professional experience and frequent teaching and seminar engagements, Michael is a preferred source for expert and practical guidance. Michael may be contacted at the studio for woodworking consultation service: Phone: (864) 242-0311 mpmcdunn@bellsouth.net $125 per hour $60 minimum charge If you would like to book Michael McDunn for a seminar or speaking engagement, please contact the studio for rates and availability. |
Woodworking Classes
We would love for you to attend one of our upcoming sessions. See below for our 2019 class schedule and pictures of students working on past projects.
WOODWORKING CLASS SCHEDULE 2019
Basic Woodworking Series - Woodworking Fundamentals
Evening (I) or Day (II) Sessions
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (no skill required)
Instructional handouts will be provided for each of these classes.
The Basic Woodworking series will give you a solid base to start having fun woodworking and for more advanced woodworkers and beginners alike will debunk many practices you may have seen on the internet, television shows and in some books. You will also have the opportunity to draw on Michael’s 40+ years of woodworking knowledge.
I. Evening Sessions – Time: 6-9pm, Cost $150 each or $575 for all four sessions, Enrollment limited to 7
Session 1- Wood and Wood Movement
March 12 & 13
Description: This session is on wood movement, proper gluing techniques, glues, and hammer veneering (a process of veneering without the use of clamps). This class is 75% lecture and 25% hands-on instruction. Personal tools required: safety glasses.
Session 2- Sharpening
March 19 & 20
Description: All aspects of hand tool sharpening will be covered in this class. Bring all the knives, hand planes, chisels, drill bits, carving tools, and any kitchen knives you would like to sharpen. If you currently use sharpening stones and/or honing guides, bring them with you. Diamond sharpening plates will be available for sale; please let me know as soon as possible if you plan on buying one. Personal tools required: safety glasses, honing guide, sharpening stone, leather strop.
Session 3- Joinery
March 26 & 27
Description: Participants will learn how to cut “through” dovetails and “half-blind” dovetails. Demonstrations will be given on splining, “mock” dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints and anything else you would like to see. Please feel free to photograph jigs and fixtures during this session, if desired. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet, combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, and a marking knife or bench knife.
Session 4- Finishing
April 2 & 3
Description: Oil, pigment, and dye stains, as well as oil finishes, shellac, and lacquer will be discussed and demonstrated. We will practice French polishing and surface preparation. Personal tools required: safety glasses, card scraper.
II. Day Sessions - Time: 9am-4pm, Cost $150 each or $575 for all four sessions, Enrollment limited to 7
Session 1- Wood and Wood Movement
April 8
Description: This session is on wood movement, proper gluing techniques, glues, and hammer veneering (a process of veneering without the use of clamps). This class is 75% lecture and 25% hands-on instruction. Personal tools required: safety glasses
Session 2- Sharpening
April 9
Description: All aspects of hand tool sharpening will be covered in this class. Bring all the knives, hand planes, chisels, drill bits, carving tools, and any kitchen knives you would like to sharpen. If you currently use sharpening stones and/or honing guides, bring them with you. Diamond sharpening plates will be available for sale; please let me know as soon as possible if you plan on buying one. Personal tools required: safety glasses, honing guide, sharpening stone, leather strop.
Session 3- Joinery
April 10
Description: Participants will learn how to cut “through” dovetails and “half-blind” dovetails. Demonstrations will be given on splining, “mock” dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints and anything else you would like to see. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet, combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, and a marking knife or bench knife.
Please feel free to photograph jigs and fixtures during this session, if desired.
Session 4- Finishing
April 11
Description: Oil, pigment, and dye stains, as well as oil finishes, shellac, and lacquer will be discussed and demonstrated. We will practice French polishing and surface preparation. Personal tools required: safety glasses.
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Make a Cutting Board
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Saturday, March 9 - Time: 8am-5pm
Cost: $215 (includes materials) - Limit 7
Description: This is a great opportunity to build your own cherry natural-edge cutting board that can also be used for serving bread, cheese and meats. It is approximately 16” long x 10” wide x 7/8” thick with a mineral oil finish. Michael will give instructions to make your cutting board look good and safe to use for years to come. From this class you will understand the difference between flat and smooth and the proper use of a band saw, rasp file, chisel, and sandpaper. Personal tools required: half-round rasp, half-round file, #5 15mm carving gouge, carving mallet.
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Make a Wooden Hand Plane
Evening or Saturday Sessions
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Cost: $275 (includes wood & finishing materials, blade kit with adjustment mechanism) – Limit 7
Description: In this class, you will build your own wooden hand plane. Over the years, Michael has made several hand planes which he still uses in his work. You will find it very satisfying to use tools you have made yourself. Things we will be doing and discussing include: proper selection of wood, precision layout, drilling, gluing up, dealing with glue squeeze-out, sharpening the blade for different applications, band saw use, some carving, filing and sanding. Personal tools required: bench knife, combination square, #5 mechanical pencil, tape measure, half-round file, half-round rasp, #8x10mm carving gouge, carving mallet.
I. Evening Sessions to Make a Hand Plane
March 18, 25, and April 1 (dates inclusive) - Time: 6-8:30pm
II. Saturday Sessions to Make a Hand Plane
March 23 & 30 (dates inclusive) - Time: 9am-1pm
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Hand Plane Use
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (If you are not able to sharpen your blade to a razor edge, please sign up for our Sharpening session in the Basic Woodworking series).
Saturday, April 13 - Time: 8:30am-5pm
Cost: $190 (includes materials) - Limit 7
Description: The class will go over all the parts of a hand plane and their function, things to consider when your hand plane is not operating properly, and different ways to adjust the blade for various cuts. We will discuss low-angle hand planes, scrub planes, and the proper method for dimensioning lumber. This will include flattening one side, making the other side flat and parallel, planing the edges of the board, planing end grain, and ways to eliminate tear-out.
This is a hands-on workshop that will increase your knowledge and use of your hand plane. You will experience a special kind of enjoyment when your shavings peel off your board and you hear the sound of a finely-tuned plane. Personal tools required: a regular hand plane #3, 4, 4.5, or 5 (you are not required to bring all of these planes but may do so if you want), and a low-angle hand plane. Note: If you would like to make your regular hand plane into a scrub plane bring an extra blade with you and Michael will show you how to grind it to make it into a very aggressive scrub plane. A #4 or #5 hand plane is recommended for making a scrub. If you need an extra blade for your plane and want us to order it for you, please let Michael know at least two weeks before the class starts.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Basic Woodworking Series - Woodworking Fundamentals
Evening (I) or Day (II) Sessions
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (no skill required)
Instructional handouts will be provided for each of these classes.
The Basic Woodworking series will give you a solid base to start having fun woodworking and for more advanced woodworkers and beginners alike will debunk many practices you may have seen on the internet, television shows and in some books. You will also have the opportunity to draw on Michael’s 40+ years of woodworking knowledge.
I. Evening Sessions – Time: 6-9pm, Cost $150 each or $575 for all four sessions, Enrollment limited to 7
Session 1- Wood and Wood Movement
March 12 & 13
Description: This session is on wood movement, proper gluing techniques, glues, and hammer veneering (a process of veneering without the use of clamps). This class is 75% lecture and 25% hands-on instruction. Personal tools required: safety glasses.
Session 2- Sharpening
March 19 & 20
Description: All aspects of hand tool sharpening will be covered in this class. Bring all the knives, hand planes, chisels, drill bits, carving tools, and any kitchen knives you would like to sharpen. If you currently use sharpening stones and/or honing guides, bring them with you. Diamond sharpening plates will be available for sale; please let me know as soon as possible if you plan on buying one. Personal tools required: safety glasses, honing guide, sharpening stone, leather strop.
Session 3- Joinery
March 26 & 27
Description: Participants will learn how to cut “through” dovetails and “half-blind” dovetails. Demonstrations will be given on splining, “mock” dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints and anything else you would like to see. Please feel free to photograph jigs and fixtures during this session, if desired. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet, combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, and a marking knife or bench knife.
Session 4- Finishing
April 2 & 3
Description: Oil, pigment, and dye stains, as well as oil finishes, shellac, and lacquer will be discussed and demonstrated. We will practice French polishing and surface preparation. Personal tools required: safety glasses, card scraper.
II. Day Sessions - Time: 9am-4pm, Cost $150 each or $575 for all four sessions, Enrollment limited to 7
Session 1- Wood and Wood Movement
April 8
Description: This session is on wood movement, proper gluing techniques, glues, and hammer veneering (a process of veneering without the use of clamps). This class is 75% lecture and 25% hands-on instruction. Personal tools required: safety glasses
Session 2- Sharpening
April 9
Description: All aspects of hand tool sharpening will be covered in this class. Bring all the knives, hand planes, chisels, drill bits, carving tools, and any kitchen knives you would like to sharpen. If you currently use sharpening stones and/or honing guides, bring them with you. Diamond sharpening plates will be available for sale; please let me know as soon as possible if you plan on buying one. Personal tools required: safety glasses, honing guide, sharpening stone, leather strop.
Session 3- Joinery
April 10
Description: Participants will learn how to cut “through” dovetails and “half-blind” dovetails. Demonstrations will be given on splining, “mock” dovetails, mortise-and-tenon joints and anything else you would like to see. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet, combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, and a marking knife or bench knife.
Please feel free to photograph jigs and fixtures during this session, if desired.
Session 4- Finishing
April 11
Description: Oil, pigment, and dye stains, as well as oil finishes, shellac, and lacquer will be discussed and demonstrated. We will practice French polishing and surface preparation. Personal tools required: safety glasses.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make a Cutting Board
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Saturday, March 9 - Time: 8am-5pm
Cost: $215 (includes materials) - Limit 7
Description: This is a great opportunity to build your own cherry natural-edge cutting board that can also be used for serving bread, cheese and meats. It is approximately 16” long x 10” wide x 7/8” thick with a mineral oil finish. Michael will give instructions to make your cutting board look good and safe to use for years to come. From this class you will understand the difference between flat and smooth and the proper use of a band saw, rasp file, chisel, and sandpaper. Personal tools required: half-round rasp, half-round file, #5 15mm carving gouge, carving mallet.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make a Wooden Hand Plane
Evening or Saturday Sessions
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced
Cost: $275 (includes wood & finishing materials, blade kit with adjustment mechanism) – Limit 7
Description: In this class, you will build your own wooden hand plane. Over the years, Michael has made several hand planes which he still uses in his work. You will find it very satisfying to use tools you have made yourself. Things we will be doing and discussing include: proper selection of wood, precision layout, drilling, gluing up, dealing with glue squeeze-out, sharpening the blade for different applications, band saw use, some carving, filing and sanding. Personal tools required: bench knife, combination square, #5 mechanical pencil, tape measure, half-round file, half-round rasp, #8x10mm carving gouge, carving mallet.
I. Evening Sessions to Make a Hand Plane
March 18, 25, and April 1 (dates inclusive) - Time: 6-8:30pm
II. Saturday Sessions to Make a Hand Plane
March 23 & 30 (dates inclusive) - Time: 9am-1pm
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hand Plane Use
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (If you are not able to sharpen your blade to a razor edge, please sign up for our Sharpening session in the Basic Woodworking series).
Saturday, April 13 - Time: 8:30am-5pm
Cost: $190 (includes materials) - Limit 7
Description: The class will go over all the parts of a hand plane and their function, things to consider when your hand plane is not operating properly, and different ways to adjust the blade for various cuts. We will discuss low-angle hand planes, scrub planes, and the proper method for dimensioning lumber. This will include flattening one side, making the other side flat and parallel, planing the edges of the board, planing end grain, and ways to eliminate tear-out.
This is a hands-on workshop that will increase your knowledge and use of your hand plane. You will experience a special kind of enjoyment when your shavings peel off your board and you hear the sound of a finely-tuned plane. Personal tools required: a regular hand plane #3, 4, 4.5, or 5 (you are not required to bring all of these planes but may do so if you want), and a low-angle hand plane. Note: If you would like to make your regular hand plane into a scrub plane bring an extra blade with you and Michael will show you how to grind it to make it into a very aggressive scrub plane. A #4 or #5 hand plane is recommended for making a scrub. If you need an extra blade for your plane and want us to order it for you, please let Michael know at least two weeks before the class starts.
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Build a Blanket Chest
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (The Basic Woodworking series, or equivalent skill, is required for this class. You must be able to sharpen your chisels to a razor edge).
April 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 (dates inclusive) – Time: 8:30am-5pm
Cost: $2655 (includes materials) – Limit 7
Description: Each participant will construct a blanket chest similar to the one shown in the photo. It is 44” length x 17.25” depth x 20.5” height. Wood type will be cherry or walnut and it will have a cedar bottom inside. The corners will be dovetailed together, the box will be attached to a separate base section, and it will have a solid top. It is recommended we hand-dovetail this project but the layout will be adaptable to a Leigh dovetail jig for use if time becomes an issue. This is a very popular class. The chest makes a great gift, and it can also be used as a coffee table.
Personal tools required: sliding t-bevel, mallet, bench chisels, combination square, saw appropriate for dovetailing (a Japanese saw or English-style backsaw), marking gauge, bench or marking knife, scraper, sharpening stone and strop.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (The Basic Woodworking series, or equivalent skill, is required for this class. You must be able to sharpen your chisels to a razor edge).
April 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 29 (dates inclusive) – Time: 8:30am-5pm
Cost: $2655 (includes materials) – Limit 7
Description: Each participant will construct a blanket chest similar to the one shown in the photo. It is 44” length x 17.25” depth x 20.5” height. Wood type will be cherry or walnut and it will have a cedar bottom inside. The corners will be dovetailed together, the box will be attached to a separate base section, and it will have a solid top. It is recommended we hand-dovetail this project but the layout will be adaptable to a Leigh dovetail jig for use if time becomes an issue. This is a very popular class. The chest makes a great gift, and it can also be used as a coffee table.
Personal tools required: sliding t-bevel, mallet, bench chisels, combination square, saw appropriate for dovetailing (a Japanese saw or English-style backsaw), marking gauge, bench or marking knife, scraper, sharpening stone and strop.
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Build a Four- or Five-Drawer Dresser
Your choice of 18th Century style or Michael’s design
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (The Basic Woodworking series, or equivalent skill, is required for this class. You must be able to sharpen your chisels to a razor edge).
The dimensions are 40” length x 21” depth x 38” height, constructed of solid wood and a frame and panel back. The 18th Century-style piece will be constructed of walnut and walnut burl veneer with black string inlay. Michael’s design will be constructed of your choice of cherry or walnut. All drawers will be dovetailed together with solid wood bottoms. For those who do not want to cut your dovetails by hand, Leigh dovetail jigs will be available for use. The finish will be Waterlox or shellac, applied with the French polishing technique. This class will give everyone involved a thorough understanding of carcass and drawer construction. Please note: If you choose the option of a five-drawer dresser, the top drawer section will have two small drawers, one on the left and one on the right.
Michael is offering the Dresser class in two parts.
Part One of Dresser
The following dates are inclusive for Part One:
Evenings, 6pm-8:30pm: May, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, July 9, 10
Saturdays, 8:30am-5:30pm: May 18, June 8, 22, July 13
Cost: $3895 (includes materials) – Limit 7
Description Part One: This part involves cutting out and assembling the main carcass, the base and top. Participants will cut out and assemble the drawers and drawer bottoms. At this point, you may take your dresser home for completion or continue with Part Two of the Dresser. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet, combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, a marking knife or bench knife, and a low-angle plane #60-1/2 or equivalent.
Part Two of Dresser
For Part Two:
Work Days as Needed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting July 16, 6pm-8:30pm, and two Saturdays, August 10 and 24, 8:30am-5:30pm
Cost: $22/hour, minimum 3 persons per session
Description Part Two: In Part Two, participants may continue working on their dressers as needed.
Your choice of 18th Century style or Michael’s design
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced (The Basic Woodworking series, or equivalent skill, is required for this class. You must be able to sharpen your chisels to a razor edge).
The dimensions are 40” length x 21” depth x 38” height, constructed of solid wood and a frame and panel back. The 18th Century-style piece will be constructed of walnut and walnut burl veneer with black string inlay. Michael’s design will be constructed of your choice of cherry or walnut. All drawers will be dovetailed together with solid wood bottoms. For those who do not want to cut your dovetails by hand, Leigh dovetail jigs will be available for use. The finish will be Waterlox or shellac, applied with the French polishing technique. This class will give everyone involved a thorough understanding of carcass and drawer construction. Please note: If you choose the option of a five-drawer dresser, the top drawer section will have two small drawers, one on the left and one on the right.
Michael is offering the Dresser class in two parts.
Part One of Dresser
The following dates are inclusive for Part One:
Evenings, 6pm-8:30pm: May, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, June 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, July 9, 10
Saturdays, 8:30am-5:30pm: May 18, June 8, 22, July 13
Cost: $3895 (includes materials) – Limit 7
Description Part One: This part involves cutting out and assembling the main carcass, the base and top. Participants will cut out and assemble the drawers and drawer bottoms. At this point, you may take your dresser home for completion or continue with Part Two of the Dresser. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet, combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, a marking knife or bench knife, and a low-angle plane #60-1/2 or equivalent.
Part Two of Dresser
For Part Two:
Work Days as Needed: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting July 16, 6pm-8:30pm, and two Saturdays, August 10 and 24, 8:30am-5:30pm
Cost: $22/hour, minimum 3 persons per session
Description Part Two: In Part Two, participants may continue working on their dressers as needed.
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Build a Natural-Edge Coffee Table
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (participant should have taken the Sharpening and Joinery sessions of Basic Woodworking or have equivalent skills.)
November 4-8 (dates inclusive) - Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $1470 (includes materials) – Limit 7
Description: In this class you will construct your natural-edge coffee table similar to the one in the photo. Dimensions are approximately 48” length x 20” width x 18” height. The legs will be hand dovetailed to the top, and after table completion you will apply an oil finish. Wood choices are cherry or walnut. Note: The width may vary because these are natural edge slabs of wood and are not perfectly uniform in shape.
Continue…
Boards will be selected by participant using a lottery method. They will be numbered and each person
will draw a number for your board. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet,
combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, a marking knife or bench knife, and a low-angle plane #60-1/2 or equivalent.
Skill Level: Beginner to Advanced (participant should have taken the Sharpening and Joinery sessions of Basic Woodworking or have equivalent skills.)
November 4-8 (dates inclusive) - Time: 9am-5pm
Cost: $1470 (includes materials) – Limit 7
Description: In this class you will construct your natural-edge coffee table similar to the one in the photo. Dimensions are approximately 48” length x 20” width x 18” height. The legs will be hand dovetailed to the top, and after table completion you will apply an oil finish. Wood choices are cherry or walnut. Note: The width may vary because these are natural edge slabs of wood and are not perfectly uniform in shape.
Continue…
Boards will be selected by participant using a lottery method. They will be numbered and each person
will draw a number for your board. Personal tools required: safety glasses, sliding T-bevel, a mallet,
combination square, sharpening stone, fine-tooth backsaw or a Japanese backsaw, ½ and ¼ inch chisel (others if you have them), marking gauge, a marking knife or bench knife, and a low-angle plane #60-1/2 or equivalent.
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INFORMATION
The total cost of each class is due three weeks prior to class start unless other arrangements have been made with Michael. We accept checks, cash, VISA and MasterCard. If you choose credit/debit cards, an additional 3% charge will be added due to processing fees.
Also, if you need to purchase any tools, you may contact Michael. He has some items in stock but let him know at least 3 weeks in advance what you need to purchase. Highland Hardware in Atlanta, Woodcraft Supply on Miller Road, and The Tool Shed on Poinsett Highway in Greenville are also places to look for good quality tools. Don’t create a frustrating situation by using a poor quality tool, so buy the best quality you can afford.
Please make note of the following:
1. Each student will be required to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement prior to participation.
2. No smoking will be allowed. No alcohol consumption before or during each class. If you are on medication that may impair your reflex ability, inform Michael at arrival.
The total cost of each class is due three weeks prior to class start unless other arrangements have been made with Michael. We accept checks, cash, VISA and MasterCard. If you choose credit/debit cards, an additional 3% charge will be added due to processing fees.
Also, if you need to purchase any tools, you may contact Michael. He has some items in stock but let him know at least 3 weeks in advance what you need to purchase. Highland Hardware in Atlanta, Woodcraft Supply on Miller Road, and The Tool Shed on Poinsett Highway in Greenville are also places to look for good quality tools. Don’t create a frustrating situation by using a poor quality tool, so buy the best quality you can afford.
Please make note of the following:
1. Each student will be required to sign a Hold Harmless Agreement prior to participation.
2. No smoking will be allowed. No alcohol consumption before or during each class. If you are on medication that may impair your reflex ability, inform Michael at arrival.
Currently for Sale
Sapele
There are several boards of quarter-sawn sapele still available! These pieces are $3.75/bf. Please call for available sizes.
There are several boards of quarter-sawn sapele still available! These pieces are $3.75/bf. Please call for available sizes.