Our woodworking classes cover everything, whether you're exploring a new hobby or have already honed your craft over time. If you're looking to learn new skills or fine tune the ones you already have, our classes are for you. We offer classes teaching basic to advanced woodworking techniques in a working furniture studio.
In my 30+ years of woodworking, I've mentored many apprentices who've gone on to successful careers of their own. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a self-taught woodworker, we have the expertise to guide you. We currently have seven woodworking classes for all skill levels. Whether you have years of experience in woodworking or are just starting out, we have something for you.
In my 30+ years of woodworking, I've mentored many apprentices who've gone on to successful careers of their own. Whether you're an absolute beginner or a self-taught woodworker, we have the expertise to guide you. We currently have seven woodworking classes for all skill levels. Whether you have years of experience in woodworking or are just starting out, we have something for you.
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While a student at Bucks County Community College studying music in the mid 70's I was required to take a Fine Arts class and the only one I was interested is was Woodworking 1. I took the course, loved it, took Woodworking 2, and completed it only to want to take more but no more courses were offered.
We offer classes teaching basic to advanced woodworking techniques in a working furniture studio. In my 30 plus years of woodworking I have mentored many apprentices who have gone on to successful woodworking careers of their own. Whether you are an absolute beginner, or a self taught woodworker just looking to expand your knowledge base, we have the expertise to guide you.
All of our courses are taught in our fully equipped woodworking and furniture studio located in Royersford, PA (about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia). Whether you've just started woodworking and carpentry as a hobby, or you've spent years honing your craft, we have the tools, experience and expertise to help you fine tune your skills.
This course is geared to beginners looking to understand the fundamentals of furniture and cabinet construction, and intermediate woodworkers hoping to expand their skills. We will go over such topics as buying and preparing solid wood for projects, understanding and allowing for seasonal movement, power tools - hand and stationary, shop space and equipment, types of joints, layout tools, hand planes vs. sanders, and finishing.
This is a follow up course to Introduction to Woodworking and expands on the subjects already gone over in the initial course. The project in this course will be designing, proportioning, and building a table. We will cover wood selection, making a detailed materials list, what wood works best for the parts of the table, drawer construction including dovetailing and fitting the drawer, and shaping vs. buying table legs.
Reviews (10)
Bill Roberts
Dec 27, 2020
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Just going through some photos from a year ago today, I see the ones taken from the second day of the level one class. Definitely one of the best things I did in 2020 and I cannot wait to go back for the next class. Ed and Randy are fantastic instructors - experts, but without that “I know more than you” air. When classes start up again, I highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn more about woodworking.
Chris J.
Nov 06, 2020
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I attended furniture and cabinet making 3 course. As a hobbyist, the class was very informative, Ed has a great way of sharing his knowledge at a level understandable to anyone. Even with the virus limitations, we were able to work through complete assembly of the cabinet. The workshop is easy to get to and well laid out for all who attend. The equipment is top notch and I enjoyed being able to pick a large board to lay out cut parts for the build. I am looking forward to the wood finishing class and may take the cabinet making 2 course to better learn planning of dimensions and proportions. Thanks
Ralphus
Jul 30, 2020
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Robert Coles
Dec 26, 2019
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I've taken a couple of classes at 1st Ave. woodworking and am signing up for another, Furniture Making and Cabinet Making 2. Then the next is class 3 and then the finish class. You don't have to be an expert woodworker to enjoy their classes. Ed is very helpful and easy to understand. He seems to be able to easily communicate at your level of woodworking skill. I highly recommend all of their classes. You can view a lot of Ed's work at the shop on 1st Avenue in Royersford, PA. Feel free to contact them with any questions.
Judy Verna
Dec 15, 2019
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Very fun classes! My woodworking skills are pretty poor, but Ed and his staff are extremely knowledgeable and make you feel at home. Ed is personable, witty and extremely skilled. I did the class by myself but would def like to do it again with friends or family. I think it would be a fun time. Oh, And I did make a pretty cool (cherry) bench and rather perfect!
Give it a try!
Give it a try!
Sully
Dec 15, 2019
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I have taken almost all of Ed's classes and he has turned me into a woodworking animal.Now I'm the guy that can make furniture for my home and as gifts for good friends. Safety was a concern of mine. I've never really worked with a table saws before and Ed took the time to make me feel comfortable around machinery. I would recommend his classes to anyone and you could become a woodworking animal too!!
John Cantone
Nov 23, 2019
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I’ve taken three courses at 1st Avenue woodworking and have enjoyed all of them enormously. The classes are organized and instructional and all the students get hands on experience making their own project. Both Ed and Sherrie are patient and informative, sharing their years of knowledge in woodworking and finishing. I highly recommend these classes for anyone interested in the joy of using their hands to create or refurbish a piece of furniture. I’m looking forward to my fourth class in April. Can’t wait!
Bill Tesar
Nov 12, 2019
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Austin Gross
Sep 07, 2019
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Taking a class at 1st Avenue Woodworking was a fulfilling experience, both in the created work (a handsome bench) as well as in the skills learned and honed in the process. Edward was very kind in accommodating my odd schedule, and was very giving of his time in helping and teaching me. He took my questions patiently and seemed dedicated to seeing me improve - one of the true hallmarks of a great teacher. Sherrie at the front desk made the entire process a smooth and pleasant one from a logistical perspective. It's always nice and refreshing to find kind, knowledgable, professional people who take
Tom Connelly
Jun 20, 2018
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State of the art shop. If you don't have the proper tools they will supply for you. Also give recommendations for what you should buy, without overspending, if you want to pursue wood working. They take a lot of pride in the quality of your project so you wont leave until its done right. Great learning experience. Highly recommend. Looking forward to future classes.
