Woodcraft of Portsmouth

Beginners Carving Class

Part 1: Monday, March 16, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 2: Monday, March 23, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 3: Monday, March 30, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

This class is designed for a beginner with no previous experience. In this class, students will complete 3 woodcarving projects that will teach them woodcarving basicsYou will learn the different cutting approaches used for woodcarving. You will understand the importance of wood grain, and why it is essential to successful woodcarving. Students are asked to bring a solid glove to protect the hand that will not be holding the carving knife. A $10 fee, payable to the instructor, will be charged for materials. Week one we will learn how to hold the knife for maximum protection and efficiency in carving. The first project will be an 8-pointed star. Week two we will increase our skills by carving a pretzel. This will be 3 dimensional project where we learn to cut around curves. Week three will be a project selected by the students to move to the next level.

Bowl Turning For Beginners

Saturday, April 4, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

This class is designed for anyone who ever wanted to turn a bowl. No turning experience necessary. If you have turning experience and have your own tools, bring them, but we have enough for everyone. Topics will include wood selection, mounting options, tool selection, sharpening, sanding and finishing.

Turning A Wooden Pen

Sunday, April 5, 2026, 4 PM - 7 PM

Have you ever wanted to make something yourself but you just didn't know what? Join us in this pen turning class and learn the basics of pen making including stock selection, turning techniques, and assembly of the pen. You will leave with a completed pen to keep or give as a gift. Materials included for one pen, you may make more as time permits.

Carve a face on a stick

Part 1: Tuesday, April 7, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 2: Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 3: Tuesday, April 21, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 4: Tuesday, April 28, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Students in this class will learn how to carve a "mountain man" on a walking stick. Students are asked to bring a work glove to protect the hand that will not be holding the carving knife. A $10 fee payable to the instructor will be charged for materials. For students who are interested, a high quality carving knife can be purchased from the instructor.

Intro to Knife Handle Making

Saturday, April 11, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Create your own custom knife handle in this hands-on class! Learn the art of shaping a functional knife handle with expert guidance. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and craftsmanship!

Turning A Wooden Pen

Sunday, May 3, 2026, 4 PM - 7 PM

Have you ever wanted to make something yourself but you just didn't know what? Join us in this pen turning class and learn the basics of pen making including stock selection, turning techniques, and assembly of the pen. You will leave with a completed pen to keep or give as a gift. Materials included for one pen, you may make more as time permits.

Intro to Knife Handle Making

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Create your own custom knife handle in this hands-on class! Learn the art of shaping a functional knife handle with expert guidance. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and craftsmanship!

Beginners Carving Class

Part 1: Monday, May 11, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 2: Monday, May 18, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

Part 3: Monday, May 25, 2026, 6 PM - 8 PM

This class is designed for a beginner with no previous experience. In this class, students will complete 3 woodcarving projects that will teach them woodcarving basicsYou will learn the different cutting approaches used for woodcarving. You will understand the importance of wood grain, and why it is essential to successful woodcarving. Students are asked to bring a solid glove to protect the hand that will not be holding the carving knife. A $10 fee, payable to the instructor, will be charged for materials. Week one we will learn how to hold the knife for maximum protection and efficiency in carving. The first project will be an 8-pointed star. Week two we will increase our skills by carving a pretzel. This will be 3 dimensional project where we learn to cut around curves. Week three will be a project selected by the students to move to the next level.

Stock Preparation

Wednesday, May 13, 2026, 5:30 PM - 9 PM

It all starts here. Stock preparation is fundamental to a good project outcome but it is often overlooked. In this HANDS-ON class we will discuss how to "read" the material before any tool touches it and how to properly prepare stock using the power tool trio of jointer/planer, and table saw. Proper marking of materials will be covered and we will discuss the importance of reference surfaces. The importance of this fundamental class should not be underestimated and it is a must-have for all woodworkers!

Bowl Turning For Beginners

Saturday, May 16, 2026, 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM

This class is designed for anyone who ever wanted to turn a bowl. No turning experience necessary. If you have turning experience and have your own tools, bring them, but we have enough for everyone. Topics will include wood selection, mounting options, tool selection, sharpening, sanding and finishing.

Stock Preparation

Saturday, May 23, 2026, 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

It all starts here. Stock preparation is fundamental to a good project outcome but it is often overlooked. In this HANDS-ON class we will discuss how to "read" the material before any tool touches it and how to properly prepare stock using the power tool trio of jointer/planer, and table saw. Proper marking of materials will be covered and we will discuss the importance of reference surfaces. The importance of this fundamental class should not be underestimated and it is a must-have for all woodworkers!

Build A Pin Box and Two-Drawer Wave Box

Saturday, September 26, 2026, 9 AM - 3:30 PM

Renowned bandsaw master Alex Snodgrass will lead a hands-on class devoted to building two striking projects: a four-drawer pin box and a two-drawer wave box. Instruction covers setup, cutting techniques and safe shaping methods while Alex guides participants step by step and answers questions throughout the process. He also reveals the secrets behind his signature designs, including magnetic boxes, push button boxes, the gravity pin box and an articulated snake. Additionally, participants will receive exclusive access to a private video showcasing the completed projects, extending the learning beyond the classroom. By the end of the day, students not only complete two boxes but also gain the rare chance to learn directly from a legend in the craft, leaving with the skills and confidence to create almost any style of bandsaw box.