Saratoga Joinery

Spring has sprung and it’s the perfect time to build this lovely planter made from weather-resistant Western Red Cedar. Measuring 21” square, it’s the perfect size for a patio, deck, or balcony - no need for a large backyard. Whether you’re looking for something to hold a favorite potted plant or want to cultivate an herb garden, this is a great project to learn some woodworking skills and indulge your green thumb.

What You’ll Learn

This deceptively simple looking project has a lot to teach in the way of woodworking skills. Here are just a few of the things we’ll cover in our 4-hour session together:

• How to accurately measure and mark pieces
• Methods for making repeated cuts, safely and accurately
• Tricks on countersinking and pre-drilling to avoid splits during assembly
• Cutting dados safely on the table saw using an L-fence
• How to cut miters safely on the miter and table saw

Take the skills you’ll learn during this class to create larger raised garden beds, other projects that require framing with screws, and even mitered picture frames.

Tools Used

We’ve got a shop full of great tools we’re excited to share with you. You’ll learn to safely use the following tools during our class together:

• Miter saw
• Band saw
• Table saw
• Cordless drill & driver

While we’re excited to have you learn to use these tools, we understand that not everyone will be comfortable with everything we do in the shop. If you don’t feel good about making a particular cut or maneuver, just let us know - we’re happy to help!

Skill Level & Prerequisites

Beginner to Intermediate

Whether you’re new to woodworking or just getting started, this is a great class to introduce you to the craft of woodworking with a couple of pro tips thrown in along the way for more seasoned woodworkers. No prior knowledge or experience necessary.

Ages 14+; minors are required to be accompanied by an adult.

Schedule

One, 4-hour session

Safety

PPE: We provide safety glasses, hearing protection, and dust masks if requested. Safety glasses are required in the shop at all times.

Dress: We’re probably going to get a little dusty! Make sure to wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes. Avoid loose clothing and jewelry. Anything that may get caught in machinery, like long hair, must be tied back and secured.

Accommodations: While we’ll be moving about the shop for most of our time together, we aim to make the craft as accessible as possible for everyone. Please reach out if you have any questions about our space or may need accommodations of any kind.

What to Bring

If you have a favorite tape measure or pencil, bring it along. Otherwise, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll be on our feet for most of the class, so it might be good to bring something to drink and a light snack. Don’t worry, we’ll take some breaks!

Instructor Bio

Ben has a deep passion for making, particularly with wood. He’s a (mostly) self-taught woodworker with over 15 years of experience and is extremely excited to share his knowledge with the Saratoga Joinery community. Ben thinks of himself as a hybrid woodworker, choosing the best tool for the job, enjoying the process of making using both hand and power tools. He’s excited by new technologies becoming more widely available to the craft community, but has also taken a renewed interest in older methods of making, having recently taken classes in Windsor chair making and assisting with our recent staked stool class.

Ben previously worked in education technology for over 17 years and is looking forward to using that knowledge to help shape the Joinery’s education offerings. Before that, he worked on creating online safety courses for General Electric. Ben graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in Electronic Media Arts & Communications with a concentration in graphic design. When he’s not making sawdust, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors mountain biking and hiking in the High Peaks region of New York.