Guitar Making Class (with video)
On Saturday, September 14th, Martin Macica shared his insights from over 30 years of fine instrument making during an Introduction to Guitar Making class at the Maplewood Center for Common Craft. Some of the participants had experience building instruments, while others were simply interested in learning more about the craft. Martin uses hand tool techniques, some of which he has developed himself, to accomplish tasks where many other guitar makers would use machines. For example, he demonstrated the process for adding the binding to the...
read moreRestore an Antique Handplane
We are pleased to announce our Fall 2013 Class Schedule, which includes some exciting new course offerings. Master instrument maker Martin Macica will be teaching a one-day Introduction to Guitar Making, which will allow participants to discover the time-honored traditions of fine-instrument making. We are also offering a one day class on Restoring an Antique Stanley #4 Handplane. Participants will spend the day learning the ins-and-outs of this trusty stand-by that has served generations of craftspeople.
read moreMaplewood Featured on FineWoodworking.com
At the recent Saratoga Woodworker’s Showcase, Fine Woodworking.com contributor Joe Larese stopped by the Maplewood booth and spoke with one of our young woodworkers practicing hand-cut dovetails. The video was posted recently on the Fine Woodworking website along with a nice article describing our goal of passing hand-tool skills on to future generations of woodworkers. As it turns out, Isaac is just one of over a dozen young students learning traditional joinery methods using hand tools. Our upcoming one-day workshop for parents...
read moreNortheastern Woodworking Show in Saratoga Springs, NY
Our booth at the 23rd annual Northeastern Woodworkers Association Show in Saratoga was busy, to say the least. throughout the weekend we conducted informal demonstrations on timber framing, guitar making, spoon making and tuning up hand planes. Over 500 attendees entered our drawing for the traditional joiner’s workbench.
read moreSmall Scale Agriculture
Beyond the realm of woodworking, the Maplewood Center for Common Craft is also dedicated to the preservation of small-scale agricultural traditions. This June, we will be demonstrating the traditional skill of harvesting hay with hand-sharpened scythes. In the near future, we also plan to offer additional workshops on various aspects of animal husbandry from pasture management and fencing to raising chickens and sheep.
read moreSpring Classes Have Begun!
Classes are currently underway in our hand-tool woodshop and newly completed timber framing shop. Participants in the recently completed Joiner’s Workbench class left with new levels of skill and increased understanding of traditional joinery and time-tested woodworking techniques, not to mention a hand-made workbench that will last a lifetime.
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