Who:

When:

Friday 6:30-8:00 pm Slide Presentation – free admission - Guild members and the public are invited
Saturday & Sunday, March 17-18, 2012 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Where:

Topics to be covered include:

The Program:
In this symposium, Will will build a series of mock ups to show construction systems for tables and case pieces. These table and casework details are easily transferred to other (non-furniture) projects and will enhance the tool box skills of all beginning and seasoned woodworkers alike. The important connection between the designs, tools and methods of work will be emphasized. The great advantage of learning construction methods this way is that you see the underlying order hiding beneath a wide range of styles and form.

Day one
Starting with a small table made from four legs and four rails drawer openings will be added. Issues of wood movement, joinery design and efficient construction will be considered. Adding details such as cabriole legs, drop leaf supports and curved drawer fronts will be covered, adapting the basic joinery to allow for these elements. The final mock ups will show how to strengthen the construction as the table gets larger, with extra drawers side by side.

Day two
The second day is devoted to case construction, again using mock-ups to show common situations. Framing drawer openings with dividers and partitions will be explained, starting with the basic stepped dovetail. Procedures for half blind and through dovetails, full tails and dovetails with cock-beaded dividers will be compared. Other construction topics, such as shelves and curved fronts will be shown as adaptations of the divider problems.
Finally, Will demonstrates methods for adding moldings, base frames and feet.

Will has found that teaching forced him to think more clearly about the process of building furniture. After teaching full time for fifteen years, he left to spend more time in his own shop. He continues his interest in teaching as an instructor at craft schools across the country. He also regularly lectures and demonstrates for museums and woodworking organizations.
Fine Woodworking Magazine has published several of his articles about furniture construction techniques.

His shop is located in Littleton, MA, a small town about an hour west of Boston. Commission work includes both Period Furniture as well as modern pieces with period influences. Carving is an important part of his work, appearing in his furniture and in Architectural treatments. Historic restoration projects have included work for The Mark Twain House and The U.S. Senate.

Cost Pre-registration until 2/15/12

Registration after 2/15/12

Guild Members $85

Guild Members $105

Non-members $130*

Non-members $150*