This five-day introductory course is intended to build confidence, demystify woodworking through the use of hand tools, and get you excited to work with wood on your own. You will be provided with a full-size woodworking bench equipped with all of the sharpened tools needed for the class and led through the construction of a benchtop tool tote project designed to further your understanding of fine bench joinery. During the course, you will learn an array of joints, layout techniques, and practical tips for crafting successful joinery through your project: a hand tool tote. You will discover the pleasure of working wood with hand tools, and the confidence to properly set up, sharpen, and maintain those same tools to continue this practice on your own time. This project will include the creation of lapped joints, dados, and grooves by hand. Different design and construction elements will be examined, with the final design being determined by you. Over the course of the week, you will learn a number of joints and put them to immediate practice through the construction of your project. You will learn to choose the right tool for the job, how to set the tools up properly, and practice the skills you’ll need to work as efficiently and enjoyably as possible. These joints and techniques include: Lapped joints Stopped dados Floating panels in grooves In addition, this course will also cover the following techniques and topics: Handsaws Handplanes (for joinery, sizing, detailing and smoothing) Chisels (for hewing and joinery) Precision layout Required Tools: Personal protective equipment Pencil Paper or notepad Close-toed shoes Prerequisites Bring enthusiasm and an open mind. This class is designed for complete novices up through experienced woodworkers who would like to tune up their skills.