Woodworking
Multi-session series
Shaker Side Table: Hand-Cut Joinery
About This Class
Three Saturdays in the wood shop, one finished heirloom. Over this series you'll build a classic Shaker-style side table from rough lumber to oiled finish — and you'll cut every joint by hand.
Shaker furniture is the perfect teacher. The form is honest and spare, so there is nowhere for a sloppy joint to hide, and every skill you pick up here transfers straight to the next piece you build. We work in cherry, which cuts cleanly, forgives a beginner's chisel, and darkens beautifully over the years.
Week one is stock preparation and layout. You'll learn to read a board, mill it four-square with hand planes, and lay out mortises and tenons with a marking gauge and knife. Expect to leave with sore forearms and a pile of very flat wood.
Week two is the joinery itself. We cut and fit the mortise-and-tenon frame, then hand-cut the tapered legs. You'll learn to pare to a line, test-fit without forcing, and fix the mistakes everyone makes — because everyone makes them.
Week three is glue-up, the drawer, and finishing. We assemble the table, hand-cut a single half-blind dovetailed drawer, and put on the first coat of oil. You carry your table out the door at the end of the day.
This is a hands-on, tools-in-your-hands class with a maximum of six students, so there's real bench time and real individual attention. No machines are required for any step — though we'll show you where the powered options live in the shop if you want them later.
Series Schedule · 3 sessions · 18h total
This is a multi-session series — one registration enrolls you in all 3 sessions listed below. You sign up once for the whole series.
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1
Saturday, October 3, 202610:00 AM – 4:00 PM · 6h
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2
Saturday, October 10, 202610:00 AM – 4:00 PM · 6h
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3
Saturday, October 17, 202610:00 AM – 4:00 PM · 6h
Prerequisites
No woodworking experience required. If you've never touched a chisel, you are exactly who this class is for.
You should be comfortable standing at a bench for most of a six-hour day, with breaks. The work is physical — hand-planing rough stock is genuine exercise — but it is not a race, and there is no minimum strength requirement.
If you've already completed the Past Lives shop orientation, bring your badge. If you haven't, that's fine — we'll cover everything you need for this class on day one.
Safety
This is a hand-tool class, so the risk profile is low — but sharp is sharp.
- Safety glasses are provided and required whenever anyone is cutting
- We cover safe chisel and saw technique before you touch a workpiece
- A first-aid kit and a trained first-aider are on site for every session
- Sharp edges are stored blade-down and passed handle-first — we'll show you how
- No loose sleeves, dangling jewelry, or open-toe shoes on the shop floor
What's Included
Everything for the table itself is included in the price:
- Kiln-dried cherry for the top, legs, aprons, and drawer
- Hide glue, finishing oil, and wax
- Full use of shop hand tools — planes, chisels, saws, marking gauges, and clamps
- Sharpening station time, plus a lesson in putting a real edge on a chisel
- Coffee, tea, and a proper lunch break (bring your own lunch or walk to the food carts)
Bring With You
- Closed-toe shoes — required, no exceptions
- Clothes you don't mind getting oil and shavings on
- A pencil and a notebook if you like taking notes
- Lunch, or cash for the carts around the corner
- Hair tie for long hair
You do NOT need to own any tools. If you already have a favorite chisel or block plane, bring it and we'll tune it up together.
Age
Your Instructor
Furniture maker and hand-tool evangelist. I build in the Shaker and Windsor traditions and teach the joinery that holds them together. Fifteen years at the bench, most of them spent learning things the slow way so you don't have to.
Supported by the Woodworking Guild
At Past Lives Makerspace, our Wood Shop is a beacon for carpenters, artisan woodworkers and hobbyists. Spanning over 2,000 square feet, this space is equipped with: • Power tools, saws, jointers, and planers • Specialized areas for wood turning, sanding, and fine hand woodworking • A diverse tool selection, from traditional hand tools to modern power tools – electric saws, drills, sanders, and more. Expand Your Skills in Woodworking Join our community to enhance your skills, learn new techniques, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. We offer: • Regular woodworking classes with a 10% discount for members • Hands-on learning and collaboration opportunities • Personalized assistance and expert guidance Opportunities for Growth and Collaboration • Spacious areas for personal projects • Storage and private work areas for rent • Teaching opportunities and workforce participation for additional income Build community. Join the Woodworkers Guild.
About our guilds →Where
2808 SE 9th Ave, Portland, OR 97202
Questions
What's your cancellation policy?
Cancel up to 7 days before the first session for a full refund. Within 7 days, we can usually transfer your spot to a future class or to someone on the waitlist.
Is the space accessible?
Yes — our studio has step-free entry, accessible restrooms, and adjustable-height workstations available on request. Email info@pastlives.space with any specific needs and we'll make it work.
What if I've never done this before?
Most of our classes are designed for beginners and welcome curious newcomers. Check the Prerequisites section above for any required experience.
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