Elegant Side Table | Michael Fortune.

In this week-long class, you’ll not only get to build this beautiful piece but also get to study with one of the greats – Michael Fortune, considered one of the Modern Masters.

The table we will be making is one small part of a design series I began in the 1980’s.  The “seed” for the series was a child’s windmill on a stick.  I was fascinated by the shape but also the shape said “movement” even when idle.  With that thought, I’ve designed a number of pieces, not just tables but cabinets and boxes.

We’ll be working with laminated or even steam-bent curves, joined with mortise and tenons and locating pins.  The parts will be shaped with machine work and hand skills.  Followed by how to clamp unusual shapes with shop-made devices.   You’ll also see how a tuned-up small bandsaw will make working with wood more enjoyable and rewarding.

By the end of the week, you will leave the workshop with the confidence and knowledge to make and use the jigs in your own workshops for many other projects.

This class is suited to students who know both handtool and power tools – if you have attended the School’s Beginning Woodwork, Box Making and Handtool class, this would be a good next step.

Key Learning Points

• Table design concepts
• Steam Bending
• Cutting and fairing long curves on the bandsaw
• Ebonizing and Bleaching wood
• Joinery on curved surfaces
• Tuning bandsaws

The goal is to complete your pieces, aside from sanding and finishing.

This class is an excellent step up from basic furniture making to more refined work