Brian working on his triangular table with through tenons

I took Open Shop because a collegial group formed from Woodworking II graduates with the goal to build rocking chairs (hence the appellation “The Rocking Chair Guys”). After completing those, we took on our own individual projects, which offer the opportunity to look over someone’s shoulder to ask “why” or “how” is something being done. And sometimes the instructor will draw the attention of the group to some technique or some problem that presents a learning experience.

I took Woodworking I and II, Veneering, Sharpening, and Turning I and II. I thought myself to be handy with hand tools and reasonably experienced with wood, and felt I did not need Woodworking I. I am very glad, however, that I started with Woodworking I. It proved that I was not nearly as handy with hand tools or power tools as I thought.

In addition to the rocking chair, I have made a veneered wall cabinet, a dozen or more bowls of various shapes and woods, an end table with cabriole legs, and a second small table with triangular top, triangular through tenons, and tapered triangular legs. I am currently working on a lectern with tapered shaft, angled table, and double through tenons in the base and in the table of the lectern. The latter three projects were and are needlessly complicated for the end purposes, but the beauty of Open Shop is the opportunity to learn new skills, choose new challenges, and get excellent advice and guidance. The purpose of Open Shop is not to make life more difficult, but to make woodworking more fun and it surely achieves that purpose.

Woodworking I and II are all one needs to move into individual projects as simple or complex as one chooses. As long as one has the basic skills with the hand and power tools employed in those two programs, Open Shop is the way to advanced woodworking to whatever degree one chooses in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. Newcomers should not be intimidated by what others are doing in Open Shop. It is not a competition. It’s a nice way to spend a few hours each week making saw dust, fine shavings, and something tangible to show to family and friends with the opportunity to say, “Yup, I did it myself.”

Phil planning his spinning wheel

I started Open Shop after completing Level II because I wanted to continue acquiring additional skills.

I am currently working on a spinning wheel. Some of the skills and/or techniques required are a challenge, but instructor Brian Mulcahy is there to give direction and advise how to continue the project. I continue to gain confidence and experience.

Brian is constantly checking on your progress, and if you run into something unfamiliar, he is there to direct you and teach, but you still end up doing the cutting, turning, gluing, making templates, etc.

Hope chest with dovetail joints

Cocobolo & Honduras Rosewood turned handles

I’m an avid woodworker new to the area and was keen to find a workshop and people with similar interests. I tend to focus on furniture restoration and woodturning, but I do build projects from scratch as well.

The shop has top-notch equipment and the instructor is friendly and very knowledgable. Woodworking has been my hobby for many years, but I’m constantly learning and receiving valuable instruction from Brian. He helps me learn proper technique and corrects my bad habits so that I’m safe and accurate.

I highly recommend trying out Open Shop for everyone from beginners who’ve taken classes at The Workbench to seasoned woodworkers. It’s a great value.