Portland Woodworking Classes for Kids

Working With Our Hands

In today's world kids rarely get the opportunity to work with their hands. To build a relationships with tools, with wood and their own creativity. To feel pride in a job well done.

Our woodworking courses exist to provide these opportunities. Children choose from a range of age and experience appropriate woodworking projects. With the guidance of Trackers Artisan Guild instructors they learn to safely use tools to build and create what they envision.

The Program

Beginning students start with a simple learning project in the first 1-2 days. Then they move onto more complex work. Their artistic inspiration and goals are key. Instructors personally work with children to express themselves through woodcraft.

Spring Tuesdays Every Tuesday for 7 weeks. A total of 7 days
Spring Wednesdays Every Wednesday for 7 weeks. A total of 7 days

Taster Day Sign up for our taster day, held 2-weeks before the seasonal term begins. Experience the program with no commitment, then decide to sign up for the full session.

Returning Artisan? Please contact Molly about our special discount for returning families from the Artisan's Guild: Woodworking School

What We Learn

The first project, chosen by the student from several options, is designed to teach these new skills, afterwards students fashion their own projects from a multitude of basic patterns fitted for their skill level.

In this class children learn how to safely manipulate hand tools as they design and build their projects. We begin with measurement and measurement devices. Children also learn to use a compass for laying out circles, triangles, and early geometric figures.

After learning measurement and simple layout, children are prepared to cut wood to their desired lengths. The natural next step is learning to properly use a hand saw in a mitre box then progressing to free sawing crosscuts. We learn to drill holes with eggbeater drills and how to safely use a hammer and nails to join wood together. For more advanced projects students learn to use the hand brace to easily drive screws for joining wood. Finally we train to use rasps and other shaping tools. Projects are completed with natural finishes such as shelac from boiled beetles or linseed oil.