Description

Introduction to Woodworking

Overview
The Intro to Woodworking Class for Beginners at the North Carolina Furniture School is designed to provide a thorough and practical foundation in woodworking for beginners. This one-day, in-person workshop is taught in our fully equipped facility in downtown Farmville, NC— conveniently located just 15 minutes from both Wilson and Greenville and only one hour from Raleigh.

We will help you build a strong foundation for shop safety as we teach you about the tools, materials, and supplies needed for success in woodworking. This course serves as the ideal entry point for anyone interested in furniture-making, cabinetry, or general woodworking.

Course Topics

Shop Safety
Learn in a supportive environment, where safety is a core practice. We will begin with an overview of woodworking-specific PPE and then teach you about machine-specific safety features and general shop procedures to reduce risk and promote safe working habits.

Introduction to Wood & Materials
Gain insight into the most essential element of woodworking: the wood itself. This part of the class will introduce you to the wide range of material options; from domestic hardwoods and softwoods to plywood and engineered panels. You’ll learn how to recognize different species by grain, color, and weight, assess material quality, and make informed decisions about stock selection based on strength, stability, appearance, and application. Whether you’re building furniture or framing a simple project, choosing the right wood is a critical step—and this class will give you the knowledge to do it with confidence.

Tools & Tool Operation
This section of the class introduces students to the core tools of the woodshop. We cover a wide range of tools like the table saw, miter saw, drill press, routers, chisels, hammers, and more. Through a combination of instructor-led demonstrations and supervised hands-on practice, students will not only learn how to operate each tool safely and effectively, but gain valuable insight about how to make informed decisions for tooling up their own shops.

Hardware, Fasteners, and Abrasives
Grow you knowledge base with an in depth lesson on choosing screws, nails, bolts, washers, and when and where to use them correctly. We will also help you understand sanding tools and abrasives, and provide guidance on selecting hinges, cabinet hardware, and finishing supplies.

Why Enroll in Intro to Woodworking at the North Carolina Furniture School?

Professional Facility
Train in a state-of-the-art woodworking shop equipped with commercial-grade machinery, workbenches, and quality materials.

Structured, Beginner-Focused Curriculum
This course is designed specifically for those with little or no prior woodworking experience. Instruction is systematic and focused on building foundational skills with clarity and care.

Expert Faculty
This class is taught by Stuart Kent, a highly respected woodworking instructor with over 30 years of professional experience in fine furniture making, industrial design, and arts education. As founder of the North Carolina Furniture School and a Fulbright Core Fellow, Stuart combines deep technical expertise with a clear, approachable teaching style—helping beginners feel safe, supported, and capable from their very first cut.

Intro to Woodworking for Beginners, Class Details

• Date: Monday, October 13, 2025

• Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

• Tuition: $250 (includes all tools, equipment, and materials)

• Location: North Carolina Furniture School, 3749 W. Wilson St, Farmville, NC

Class size is limited to ensure each student receives focused attention. Early registration is encouraged.

Develop essential skills. Work with real tools. Start building with confidence.
Enroll today and take your first step into the world of fine woodworking.