Weekend Essentials: Shop Machines
Weekend Class, For Beginners
Fall 2025
October 4-5
Intimidated by the table saw? Unsure of how to tune a bandsaw? This weekend class is for you. Students will be walked through the basics of common shop machines such as the table saw, bandsaw, thickness planer, and jointer. You’ll leave confident in your understanding of the language of these tools, safe operation, maintenance, and tuning.
Over the weekend, students will have an in-depth practice session on commonly used shop machines which will cover basic techniques, safety, and maintenance. You’ll learn how to change blades on the band saw and table saw, strategize for safe and efficient stock breakdown, and how to avoid mishaps and errors. This practice will be rooted in breaking down stock for woodworking projects.
Students will be introduced to the following:
Table Saw
Names of different components
Different types of blades and how to safely change them
General safety and common operating techniques such as cross cuts, rips, and grooves
Band Saw
Names of different components
Blade types and safely changing blades
Tuning techniques
General safety and common operating techniques such as cutting curves, crosscuts, and resaws
Thickness Planer
Names of different components
General safety and common operating techniques
Blade changing demonstration
Jointer
Names of different components
General safety and common operation techniques
Blade changing demonstration
Tools
No tools required. PTSW will provide all the tools required for this class.
Recommended Equipment:
Ear protection
Eye protection
Pencil
Paper
Prerequisites
For beginners. This course is specifically designed for beginners with no experience on woodworking machines.
Class Information and Registration
Class runs from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Saturday and Sunday in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School.
Please also read our Registration Policy.
Class size: 10
Cost: $385
Materials Charge: $35
Co-Lead Instructor for Winter 2025 FWI & Spring 2025 FWII
Hand Tool Woodworking, Furniture Making