Fall 2020

Please review our COVID-19 HEALTH PROTOCOLS –

Basic Carpentry 

August 17th – September 21st
Mondays  6:00–8:30 p.m. (6 Classes)
$285.
Instructor:  MacKinnon

Learn about basic tool use, safety equipment, types of wood and different cuts of wood, as well as some fundamentals of house framing.  Both hand and power tools will be taught and used to complete a simple group project. Students are encouraged to bring drawings, photographs, and questions about their own maintenance and repair issues or building dreams.

“Before I started my carpentry class at Heartmoor, I knew very little about woodworking tools and processes. Now I basically live in my garage, making shelves, benches, garden boxes – I can’t be stopped! Robert is a patient teacher and I appreciate his emphasis on using salvaged material for woodworking projects.” – Lynne

Woodworking for Women

Saturday, September 12
9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
 $125.
Instructor: MacKinnon

Join the long history of women making a difference in the trade industry and feel confident to build your dream shed, house, studio, or anything you can think of, at anytime, for years to come. Gain a basic overview of terms, tools, and techniques used in the field of carpentry. Learn how to safely use a wide range of hand and power tools.

We’ll go over house framing and layout while looking at the anatomy of a structure. Whether you’re planning on building a house or just want some basic skills, this course will help you gain the confidence you need.

Intermediate Carpentry

September 28th – November 2nd
Mondays 6:00–8:30 p.m. (6 Classes)
$315.
Instructor:  MacKinnon

Continue the work from Basic Carpentry designing and building a small project. Topics continue on hand and power tool use, safety, and measurement skills. Fastening, joinery techniques, and structural integrity of existing buildings as well as a focus on individual’s current projects will be discussed. This is an intermediate class with the goal of completing a group project. Prerequisite: Basic Carpentry

 

“I started taking classes at Heartmoor in the Spring of 2019 and haven’t looked back. Robert has been a patient, encouraging, and knowledgeable mentor who has guided me through many projects from ideation to execution, ranging from a simple mallet to matching mid century modern nightstands (and even a pottery wheel!). In addition to the fundamental skills of woodworking, I have also honed my ability to think spatially and consider proportions through the lens of both function and aesthetics. I couldn’t be more pleased with my experience!” -India

Kayak & Canoe Paddles

October 17, 18
Saturday & Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$195.
Instructor: MacKinnon

In this two-day workshop, participants will learn the proper selection of appropriate species of wood, learn basic identification of some softwoods and hardwoods, and construct a laminated canoe or kayak paddle to their specific dimensions. Day one will include the wood selection, sorting and glue up. Day two will focus on the shaping and edging of the handles and blades. Students will leave with a mostly finished ‘blank’ that with a little more sanding and shaping will be ready to finish and use in open water or whitewater paddling.

Advanced Methods in Wood

November 9th- December 14 (5 classes)
Mondays  6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
$265.
Instructor:  MacKinnon

The Advanced Methods in Wood class deals with the combination of joints and materials in furniture. Emphasis is placed on finer details in individual projects, integrity of design, well executed scaled drawings suitable for engineering use, and processing salvage or green lumber. Topics continue on hand and power tool use, safety, measurement, and refinement of skills. Specialty fastening, more joinery techniques, and in-depth consideration of wood finishes and species are included on the syllabus. Prerequisite: Intermediate Carpentry at Heartmoor or significant experience.

Shaker Chairs

Oct 1, 8, 15, 22 (4 classes)
Thursdays 6:00 -8:30 p.m.
$215.
Instructor: MacKinnon

In this new class offering, students will learn to design, then build their own Shaker chair following the traditional style and methods used by the Shaker community for centuries. Students will leave with the chair frame, constructed and finished in oil and instructions on how to cane or weave the seat. Tools and materials included.

Sharpening Basics

November 7
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$75.
Instructors: Noe & MacKinnon

Learn the fundamentals of sharpening your own hand tools using stones and electric grinders. Bring your  hand planes or chisels, or simply come to learn the nuances and tricks from the most basic to solving tricky dings. Refine your relationship with your tools and discover a new, safer way to work in the wood zone.

This class is co-taught by Nick Noe, whose career in Industrial Design and passion for woodworking have synthesized into a keen desire for accuracy and precision. Nick originally hails from New York and brings his no-nonsense style to Heartmoor.

Wood Anatomy and Identification 

December 12
Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
$95.
Instructor: MacKinnon

Whether you are working with wood as a hobby or are an industry professional, knowing more about your material for yourself or your client can be very helpful. Wood identification starts with a general understanding of tree anatomy, how trees become lumber, where certain lumber comes from, and the variety of wood’s uses. Then we dive deeper into the structure of the material, finding clues and sorting out species. With a collection of over 50 verified and forensic identified local native specimens, the collection at Heartmoor will set you in the right direction by not only knowing more of what you need for your specific uses but also giving you the tools to begin your own disciplined study. Each participant will be given a loupe (10x magnifier) to further their personal identification skills. 

Please contact us if you have any questions about the classes. seeyou@heartmoorfarm.com

Member of the Timber Framer’s Guild