To take this course, you must have completed the Yestermorrow Woodworking Certificate or demonstrate a similar level of competency.

This certificate is designed for the intermediate to advanced woodworker, furniture designer and maker.  Students will learn drafting and design techniques, advanced furniture building techniques, how to integrate hand tools into their work and business basics for a woodworking related business.

The course will focus on the design/build process, integrating drafting and design techniques throughout an advanced build process.  Each student will build their own case piece - a small side table with an inset drawer and door in order to learn, web-frame case construction, advanced joinery techniques, detailing and finishing.

Students will learn drafting and design techniques, starting with drafting a scaled version of the case they’ll build including joinery detail for the door and drawer.  We will integrate design thinking into the building process and learn how to prototype ideas. 

We will introduce a variety of common furniture makers hand tools and assist students in the use, care and maintenance of these tools.  Throughout the build we will also demonstrate additional advanced techniques which students can use in their own designs in the future, including: jig making, steam bending, laminations, turning and more.

Students will also embark on a journey to the local hardwood dealer to select lumber for their project. As part of this process, students will learn how to calculate how much material needed for projects, lumber yard etiquette, and what to look for when selecting rough lumber. 

The final week of class students will learn important woodworking specific professional practices, including: budgeting for a shop and tools, pricing your time and work, managing work flow and efficiency, photographing your work, building a portfolio and marketing basics.  

Pre-Requisites:

Students interested in this course must have prior knowledge and ability to use basic wood shop tools, including: Table saw, chop saw, bandsaw, and drills.  Experience with milling (jointer/planer) is not a requirement but highly encouraged. Experience with hand tools is not required. Each applicant will complete a basic survey of their skills as well as meet with the program directors before being admitted into the course. 

Yestermorrow's sliding scale tuition model is not available for certificate programs. Information on financial aid can be found here.