What to Expect at Our Traditional Hand Tool Woodworking School

We're excited for you to join us at The Wood And Shop Traditional Woodworking School! We're sure you're excited about taking a class, but you may also be a bit curious about what to expect when you get here. Below we'll answer some F.A.Q.s about our woodworking classes. If you keep scrolling down, you'll see photos of your traditional woodworking school and our woodworking classes.

F.A.Q.

When does my class start?

Classes start promptly at 9:00 am, so students should plan on driving up early or arriving at their hotel the night before (book your hotels early). But please don’t arrive earlier than 8:30 am.

Where do I park my car?

We ask that students do not park in the driveway, but park on the grass, in front of the school, facing the black fence. We need to keep the driveway & turnaround spot clear so cars and trucks can turn around rather than backing int othe street.

What do we do at the beginning of class?

Classes start with getting to know each other, followed by safety instruction and a gathering of the project material fees (if applicable). Then your instructor(s) will dive into the subject matter.

Where do I work?

Each student will have a traditional woodworking workbench to work on, with a stool.

Do I need to bring my own hand tools?

Each class has different tool requirements. Most classes provide all the necessary woodworking hand tools. However, in these classes, students are welcome to bring their own hand tools (properly sharpened, of course). But a few classes require students to bring their own tools. These requirements will be specified in the class page where you enrolled.

What about lunch?

A one hour break will be taken around noon. To allow students to make more progress on their projects, students are encouraged to bring their lunches to eat at the school (we have a fridge). However, there are some convenience stores a few minutes away that make sandwiches, and also restaurants are a short 8 minute drive from the school. Don’t be late getting back from lunch or you might get behind!

When will my class end each day?

Classes will generally end around 5:00 pm (some instructors go a little later), after which students are encouraged to join each other for dinner & socializing at one of many nearby restaurants (8+ minutes away). The historic downtown Charlottesville area is known for it’s amazing local restaurants (20 minutes away). Most students are typically working earnestly to finish their projects on the last day, but we’ll always take time for a class photo!

What else can I spend my money on? :)

So glad you asked! Ha, ha. We sell school T-shirts & hats, our woodworking DVDs, our beeswax wood finish, and maybe a few other things. We accept cash, card, or check.

What if I don't finish my project?

No grades are given out at our school, so don't fret. If you find that you're a bit behind by the end of class, no problem. Not every detail of every project gets completed by every person, but students should be able to leave the class feeling confident in their newly learned ability to complete the project on their own when they get home.

Do I get any student hand tool discounts?

Absolutely. Students of our woodworking school are entitled to discounts from woodworking hand tool companies like Lee Valley / Veritas and Taylor Toolworks. You can use the discount between the day you signed up and the last day of class. After registering for your class, reach out to us and we'll email you a student discount form.

Where do I go to the bathroom?

Our school isn't equipped with indoor plumbing, but that's okay, because this is a historical hand tool woodworking school. So we've got an outdoor outhouse just steps away from the school. If you've never used an outhouse before, then you'll love this experience! Ours is clean and airy. You can see a photo further down this page.

Is it alright if I take photos or videos in class?

Of course! But we do ask that you don't overdo it, because it could be distracting to your instructor and classmates. But please feel free to share pictures of your class with your family and friends! Just no embarassing photos :)

  • Dovetail saw making woodworking class students with Tom Calisto

    Photo Gallery

    Check out a collection of photos of our woodworking school and woodworking classes so you can get more comfortable and prepared for attending your class.

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  • Getting Here & Lodging

    We know most students can figure this out on their own, but we offer advice on getting to our woodworking school, and places to lay your head at night.

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  • Policies & Safety

    Your safety, comfort, and education are our priority. So please read through our policies before you take a class. You'll enjoy yourself much more!

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  • Meet our Instructors

    Our woodworking classes are taught by world-renowned hand tool woodworkers. Learn more about each instructor here.

    Meet Instructors 
  • 2023 Class Calendar

    See our calendar to get a quick snapshot of which woodworking classes we are offering during the 2023 woodworking school year.

    See 2023 Calendar 
  • Woodworking Classes

    View all of our traditional hand tool woodworking classes to see which woodworking class is the best for you.

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