Intro to Woodworking: Make a Decorated Wooden Box

Intro to Woodworking: Make a Decorated Wooden Box

Come join us to learn the basics of woodworking and create your own unique decorated wooden box to take home.

By i3 Detroit Events & Classes

Date and time

Saturday, May 10 · 9am - 6pm EDT

Location

i3 Detroit

1481A Wordsworth St Ferndale, MI 48220

Refund Policy

Refunds up to 10 days before event

About this event

  • Event lasts 9 hours

If you've been wanting to get into woodworking but have no experience, this class is for you! The class will be held at i3Detroit, the metro area's largest makerspace. The woodshop within i3 is fully equipped with state of the art machinery.

We will cover basics of woodworking through a practical project. Every attendee will go home with a carefully crafted wooden box made from hardwood with a lid and handle, comparable to the one in the picture above, though types of wood may vary. You will build this box from scratch to a finished box.

Along the way, you'll learn how to measure and mill wood. You will also learn to use the following tools with focus on operating woodworking machinery safely:

  • Jointer
  • Planar
  • Drum Sander
  • Miter Saw
  • Table Saw
  • Router
  • Sanders
  • Various Jigs

There will be breaks for lunch and coffee.

Tickets

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have prior experience?

No prior experience is need. You will be guided throughout on operation of machines used with focus on safety and learning practical tips on using machinery

What do I do need to bring?

All material for the class will be provided by i3. You will also be loaned safety glasses while working in the woodshop and given a mask for sanding. You are welcome to bring your own personal protection equipment if you prefer. You are encouraged to bring a notebook to take notes

What are the dimensions of the final box and what will it be made from?

Boxes we've made in the past were approximately 5 inches wide, 8 inches long, and 3 inches high excluding the lid. Depending on the wood we source, we may make a slightly bigger box. We will use two types of contrasting hardwoods for the construction. We will use plywood for the bottom.

How should I dress for the class?

Wear closed-toes shoes and long sleeves. Expect to get some wood dust on your clothing. You should not be wearing any jewelry on your hands, necklaces or anything else that can caught in machines.

What about food and snacks?

You will get an hour for lunch every day. You are encouraged to bring snacks if you like. Some vending machines are available at i3Detroit

Can I customize my box?

There will be some opportunities for customizing your box such as selecting the profile for the lid, where to place the miter slots (the horizontal splines in the corners)...etc. You can also choose to not apply a finish and continue to work on the box in your own time if you are an i3 member

Organized by

i3 Detroit is a DIY collective (aka, makerspace or hackerspace) in Ferndale, Michigan, with tools and resources to facilitate a wide variety of projects. The i3 in the name is our goal: "Imagine, Innovate, and Inspire!"

i3 Detroit is supported by its members through monthly dues, but is open to guests as well, by invitation or at designated times. The facility hosts workshops and classes as often as possible, and our Friday Nite Tours are popular.  Classes are led by volunteer instructors (mostly members).  Members as a rule are generous with their time and expertise, so if there's something you want to learn about, stop by and ask!

 

When there's no class happening (and sometimes when there is!), you'll usually find members in the space, soldering, sewing, welding, sculpting, or just hanging out.

 

i3 Detroit was founded in 2009.  We have about 140 dues-paying members.  Donations from students and guests are always appreciated, and have the potential to substantially increase our resources!