Upcoming courses
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Tutorial: Circular Saw Fundamentals
Do you have a circular saw hanging out in your garage that you’ve been afraid to use without a little guidance? Join us for this two hour intensive focused exclusively on the use of this powerful and useful saw. Virtual option available!
Tutorial: Sharpening Basics
Don’t let your woodworking ambitions be thwarted by dull tools. Join us for this two-hour tutorial to learn how to effectively sharpen your woodworking tools. Virtual option available!
Build a Curvy Shelf
Has your woodworking book collection gotten out of control? We have the solution: build a beautiful curvy shelf to hold your books while practicing your woodworking skills! These shelves can also nicely display your other small woodworking projects, or even a furry friend.
Build a Bookcase 101
Master the basics of woodworking while building a beautiful bookcase in this 3-day course. Sharpen your measuring skills, gain confidence using the planer, miter saw, router, and table saw, and learn essential joinery techniques.
Build a Box
Refine your woodworking skills while building a box. Use the table saw and router table to safely process rough materials and cut miter joints, practice using a variety of jigs to cut joinery, and learn the fundamentals of veneering.
Tutorial: Understand Your Toilet
Don’t let a broken toilet make your day crappy – a little plumbing knowledge goes a long way! Learn about the inner workings of your toilet: how a toilet flushes, how to replace a toilet, and the top ten reasons a toilet is leaking (and how to fix it!)
Make a Cutting Board
You’ve seen them being made on Instagram and TikTok. You’ve drooled over them at your friends’ houses. Now is your chance to take home a beautiful and unique cutting board about which you can proudly say “I made it myself!”
Tutorial: Drill & Driver Fundamentals
One of the first power tools most folks buy is a battery-powered drill, and while this tool is a game changer, there are a few tricks to using it that can make the learning curve a lot smoother. Join us to learn a few! Virtual option available!
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program, available at a deep discount for class participants.
Build a Floating Shelf
For your books, for your kitchen, for your cats! Floating shelves are all the rage. In this class we teach you how to build a beautiful shelf, and also how to hang it with your own shop-made shelf supports.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Build a Serving Tray
Imagine an ever useful household item, the simple serving tray, but, this one was handmade by YOU! Process rough materials using tools like the planer, table saw, and router to create a functional and fashionable wooden serving tray.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Tutorial: Router Fundamentals
Want to fancy up your next project? The router is the perfect tool for decorating edges and creating curved shapes with a template. The router is a straightforward tool, but there are some important safety fundamentals you need to know to use one safely. Join us to learn all about them. Virtual option available!
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Intro to Electric
You’ve heard the adage: “Electrical wiring is no hobby – hire an electrician.” This phrase is true, but fear of electricity can lead to ignorance about how it works, putting you in more danger. In this class, we teach electricity fundamentals, including when to hire a pro.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Woodcarving: Carve a Spoon
Join us for the soul satisfying act of carving a spoon. This quintessential green woodworking project is quietly meditative, and produces a functional and beautiful end product.
Intro to CAD: SketchUp Basics
Deepen your understanding of the construction process by designing your own projects. Make that process more efficient by using Computer Aided Design. This course teaches design fundamentals using SketchUp, a 3D modeling program.
Tutorial: Rewire a Lamp
Whether you’re finally ready to repair that antique lamp you bought years ago or you want to learn how to build your own table lamp, this tutorial is for you!
Intro to Parquetry
Learn to apply thinly sliced wood veneer in decorative geometric patterns in this woodworking class. The techniques you learn building a checkerboard can also be used to glue up stable plywood panels with beautiful wood surfaces.
Woodcarving: Low Relief
While folk art is typically self-taught, this is your chance to start your folk art journey with a bit of direction. In this class, students will be guided through the low-relief woodcarving process from start to finish. The process will include preparing the wood, transferring your design, carving with tools, and finishing techniques.
Tutorial: Natural Finishes
Featuring guest speaker Leah Houghtaling! Sometimes all it takes is the perfect finish to make your woodwork sing. On the other hand, it’s easy to wreck a beautiful beginning with an ugly stain. On top of the anxiety this thought provokes, another important consideration is the toxicity of your finish! This tutorial offers the opportunity to play around with assorted natural finishes in a low-stress environment. There’s nothing to wreck, so you’ll get to really experiment. Virtual option available!
Seatweaving: Build & Weave a Low Stool
Build your own low stool from scratch! On day one, we will guide you through cutting, shaping, and joining wood with mortise and tenon techniques. On day two, guest instructor Phil Syphrit will teach traditional patterns such as herringbone and basketweave using rattan. By the end you will have created a functional piece that’s truly one of a kind.
Tutorial: Miter Saw Fundamentals
The first tool many beginning woodworkers set up in their shop is the miter saw (or chop saw). This cutting tool brings a level of refinement to your work at a cost that is approachable for many. Join us to learn the ins and outs of safely using the chop saw. Virtual option available!
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Basic Carpentry Skills 102: Elevated Planter
A sequel to our Basic Carpentry Skills 101 course, this class provides you with a review of the tools you used to build your trusty sawhorses and time to practice safe tool use while building an elevated planter box.
Kumiko: Make an Asa-no-ha Panel
Are you detail-oriented (or interested in becoming so)? Kumiko is a delicate Japanese craft traditionally used to create shoji screens. In this course, you will refine your hand saw and chisel skills while creating a beautiful asa-no-ha panel.
Demystify the Dovetail
Discover the secrets of dovetail joinery in this beginner-friendly workshop! In this class, you will put your hands on tools and cut some wood, aiming to loosen up your dovetail muscles. Although we don’t expect perfection in this one-day class, you will certainly build confidence and unlock new woodworking skills.
Stair Construction
Stringers and risers and treads, oh my! There’s a lot of lingo and math involved in stair construction. We’re here to help you wrap your head around it and learn how to build a beautiful and functional set of stairs, whether it’s for your porch or your grand entry hall.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Rough Framing: Build a Tiny House
In this 5-day class, students learn the fundamentals of stick framing, the process by which most modern houses are constructed. In this course we frame a tiny house, but the techniques learned can be applied to any structure.
Forge a Hook with The British Blacksmith
Is there anything better than wood? How about wood and metal: two great materials that look amazing together! If you want to expand your repertoire by adding metalworking to your toolkit, this is the class for you. Learn to forge a hook with Mark Teece, the British Blacksmith.
Roof Framing
Are you ready to tackle framing your own shed but intimidated by the roof? Fear no more – this class is for you. From rise over run to plumb and level cuts, we’ll explain it all while framing the roof for our tiny house project.
Tiny House Sheathing
Building a She-Shed? You’ve gotta learn sheathing. Sheathing creates a continuous barrier around your house, keeping weather and wind out, AND it reinforces the structure by creating lateral stability. Learn the theory of sheathing and practice on this year's tiny house project.
Tiny House Exterior Insulation
Tired of a chilly home in winter? Fed up with ever larger heating bills? Insulation is where it’s at! Learn the ins and outs of installing continuous exterior insulation on a stick framed structure!
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Tiny House Window Installation
Windows are an essential part of any structure. They let in natural light, allow ventilation, and make a space feel more open. In this class you will learn proper installation techniques while installing windows for our tiny house project.
Build an Adirondack Chair
Watching a sunset from an Adirondack chair is even more satisfying when you’ve built the chair yourself. Learn to use tools safely and confidently while creating this classic and beautiful piece of outdoor furniture.
Genderqueer/Non-binary Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Covering the same content as our Basic Carpentry Skills 101 courses, this course serves as a joyful affinity space specifically for genderqueer and non-binary students.
Build an Adirondack Chair
Watching a sunset from an Adirondack chair is even more satisfying when you’ve built the chair yourself. Learn to use tools safely and confidently while creating this classic and beautiful piece of outdoor furniture.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Tiny House Interior Trim
Interior trim is where the dividing line between carpenters and woodworkers gets fuzzy. If you want to refine your carpentry skills or tackle larger, more detailed projects, this class will give you hands-on experience installing trim in a real tiny house.
Intro to Electric
You’ve heard the adage: “Electrical wiring is no hobby – hire an electrician.” This phrase is true, but fear of electricity can lead to ignorance about how it works, putting you in more danger. In this class, we teach electricity fundamentals, including when to hire a pro.
Table Saw Fundamentals
At Hammerstone, we believe that dangerous tools should be respected, but not feared nor avoided. This one-day skills intensive will familiarize students with the safe use of the table saw through demonstration and ample hands-on experience.
Tutorial: Circular Saw Fundamentals
Do you have a circular saw hanging out in your garage that you’ve been afraid to use without a little guidance? Join us for this two-hour intensive focused exclusively on the use of this powerful and useful saw.
Build a Bookcase 101
Master the basics of woodworking while building a beautiful bookcase in this 3-day course. Sharpen your measuring skills, gain confidence using the planer, miter saw, router, and table saw, and learn essential joinery techniques.
Tutorial: Drywall Basics
Learn the essentials of installing and finishing drywall in this hands-on evening tutorial. From screwing sheets to taping and mud, gain practical skills for wall repairs and patching projects.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Cabinetry Basics: Carcasses and Drawers
Do you want to renovate your kitchen? Building cabinets requires some specialized equipment, but if you are willing to put in time and effort, you can build a kitchen to your exact specifications. In this class we build cabinet and drawer boxes for the kitchen of our tiny house project.
Tutorial: Drill & Driver Fundamentals
One of the first power tools most folks buy is a battery-powered drill, and while this tool is a game changer, there are a few tricks to using it that can make the learning curve a lot smoother. Join us to learn a few!
Cabinetry Basics: Doors & Drawer Fronts
Once cabinet carcasses are built, the aesthetic of your kitchen is determined by your doors and drawer fronts. In this class, we'll learn to build frame and panel doors and solid drawer fronts which can be used in cabinetry and furniture alike.
Tutorial: Understanding Wood
Wood is a remarkable material. Did you know that spruce has a higher strength-to-weight ratio than steel, making it stronger per pound? And it grows on trees! Join us for this farm to tablesaw tutorial which offers an in-depth introduction to wood in all its forms, whether living in a forest, or providing joy as a piece of furniture or useful tool.
Build a Bookcase 102
Ready to take your bookcase-building skills to the next level? In this 102 level bookcase class, we will explore new joinery options, refine your finish techniques, and revisit processing rough lumber on the jointer and planer. Instead of building with pine, we will use hardwood like cherry or walnut to construct our bookcase. Sharpen your measuring, chop saw, and table saw skills while building a functional, beautiful shelf.
Kumiko: Make a Diamond Ornament
Are you detail-oriented (or interested in becoming so)? Kumiko is a delicate Japanese craft traditionally used to create shoji screens. In this course, you will refine your hand saw and chisel skills while creating a beautiful diagonal kumiko ornament.
Tutorial: Router Fundamentals
Want to fancy up your next project? The router is the perfect tool for decorating edges and creating curved shapes with a template. The router is a straightforward tool, but there are some important safety fundamentals you need to know to use one safely. Join us to learn all about them.
Build a Box
Refine your woodworking skills while building a box. Use the table saw and router table to safely process rough materials and cut miter joints, practice using a variety of jigs to cut joinery, and learn the fundamentals of veneering.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Annual Holiday Faire
We're transforming our downtown workshop into a cozy haven, a place where you can escape the chill and embrace the warmth of community and craft.
Bring friends and family and if you want, your favorite holiday dessert to add to our refreshments table. This event is open to everyone!
Forge a Hook with The British Blacksmith
Is there anything better than wood? How about wood and metal: two great materials that look amazing together! If you want to expand your repertoire by adding metalworking to your toolkit, this is the class for you. Learn to forge a hook with Mark Teece, the British Blacksmith.
Intro to Woodworking: Build a Box
Refine your woodworking skills while building a pair of boxes. Use the table saw and miter saw to safely process rough materials and cut miter joints, practice using a variety of jigs, and experiment with several finishes including oil, shellac, milk paint and wax.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Create Decorative Kumiko
Are you detail oriented (or interested in becoming so)? Kumiko is a delicate Japanese craft traditionally used to create shoji screens. In this course you will refine your hand saw and chisel skills while creating a beautiful asa-no-ha panel.
Intro to Woodworking: Build a Bookcase
Build a beautiful bookcase while refining your woodworking skills in this 3-day course. Hone your measuring skills, build proficiency on tools including the planer, miter saw, router, and table saw. Learn joinery fundamentals.
Tiny House Open House
Join Hammerstone School instructors and alumni as we unveil two tiny house projects that will inspire and excite you!
This event is open to the everyone, with a suggested donation of $10 that directly supports the classes teaching these vital and empowering skills. Don't miss out!
Cabinetry Basics: Doors & Drawer Fronts
Once cabinet carcasses are built, the aesthetic of your kitchen is determined by your doors and drawer fronts. In this class we learn to build frame and panel doors and solid drawer front which can be used in cabinetry and furniture alike.
Cabinetry Basics: Carcasses and Drawers
Do you want to renovate your kitchen? Building cabinets requires some specialized equipment, but if you are willing to put in time and effort, you can build a kitchen to your exact specifications. In this class we build cabinet and drawer boxes for the tiny house kitchen.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
One-Day Planter Box
At Hammerstone, beautifying the city is a community effort. This one day skills intensive students will build a functional and beautiful planter box. All planters built will be used for beautifying our community. This workshop will cover safe power tool use and choosing wood for your outdoor projects.
Table Saw Fundamentals
At Hammerstone, we believe that dangerous tools should be respected, but not feared nor avoided. This one day skills intensive will familiarize students with the safe use of the table saw through both demonstration and ample hands on experience.
Intro to Electric
You’ve heard the adage: “Electrical wiring is no hobby – hire an electrician.” This phrase is true, but fear of electricity can lead to ignorance about how it works, putting you in more danger. In this class, we teach electricity fundamentals, including when to hire a pro.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Tiny House Interior Trim
Interior trim is where the dividing line between carpenters and woodworkers becomes grey. If you’re a rough carpenter looking for more refinement, or a fussy woodworker eager to work on bigger projects, this class is for you.
Tiny House Siding
Siding is a house's first line of defense against water. This 3-day course covers how to prevent water infiltration and promote drying in your siding system. We’ll look at what factors influence siding choices, including performance, cost, and aesthetics.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Tiny House Exterior Trim
After a house is sheathed, finish carpenters cover rough materials with finish surfaces, and then cover the transitions with trim. Learn professional tricks for how to make your exterior window and corner board trim long lasting and good looking.
Basic Carpentry Skills 102: Elevated Planter Box
A sequel to our Basic Carpentry Skills 101 course, this class provides you with a review of the tools you used to build your trusty sawhorses and time to practice safe tool use while building an elevated planter box.
Build an Adirondack Chair
The best way to enjoy a summer evening, watching a sunset from an Adirondack chair, is more satisfying knowing you built the chair yourself. Learn to use tools safely with us while building this beautiful piece of outdoor furniture.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101: Genderqueer/non-Binary Specific
Covering the same content as our Basic Carpentry Skills 101 courses, this course serves as a joyful affinity space specifically for genderqueer, non-binary, and trans students.
Basic Skills for Immigrants and Refugees
Hammerstone conceived this free class for immigrants and refugees in 2017 to support women affected by that era’s immigrant bans. What started as a small act of kindness has now grown into a vital program that empowers women with valuable carpentry skills and fosters cross-cultural connections.
Build an Adirondack Chair
The best way to enjoy a summer evening, watching a sunset from an Adirondack chair, is more satisfying knowing you built the chair yourself. Learn to use tools safely with us while building this beautiful piece of outdoor furniture.
Two Hour Tutorial: Big Box Cheese & Lumber
Field trip time! Join Hammerstone founder Maria and our official cheesemonger Rachel Freier, owner of The Cheese Club FLX, as they share their professional guidance on shopping for lumber and…cheese! We’ll take two big box stores in Ithaca by storm and show you exactly what you need to look for, and how to ask for it.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.
Tiny House Window & Door Installation
Windows are an essential part of any structure. They let in natural light, provide ambiance, and make a space feel more open. In this 3-day class, you will learn proper installation techniques while installing windows for our tiny house project.
Tiny House Sheathing
Building a She-Shed? You’ve gotta learn sheathing. Sheathing creates a continuous barrier around your house, keeping weather and wind out, AND it reinforces the structure by creating lateral stability. Learn the theory of sheathing and practice on this year's tiny house project.
Roof Framing
Are you ready to tackle framing your own shed but intimidated by the roof? Fear no more - this class is for you. From rise over run to plumb and level cuts, we’ll explain it all while framing the roof for our tiny house project.
Basic Carpentry Skills 101
Carpentry fundamentals taught in this course include tools of the trade, measuring and marking, using hand- and circular- saws, assembly with screws and nails, and understanding wood as a material. Students build a pair of sawhorses.