Boxworks is a series of classes on designing and making wooden boxes. Starting Saturday Oct. 10, 2026 10am – 12pm Pacific Time, we will run class on six consecutive Saturdays to build three different box designs. Each box will have different joinery, details, shapes, or carvings. Each Build Along Session is taught online and requires a Zoom account.
 |
 |
MISTAKEN IDENTITY: The River It has occurred to me that I am not what I used to be. This is too obvious. In recent years, my knees have become as fragile as egg shells. I can hurt myself rolling over in bed. Inside I still feel like the bumbling reliable fool that I’ve always been. Yet indictment or statement of fact, the truth is that change has been my only steady companion through the years. I am now a different me. The question is am I the same me? I do think that I am better read, of firmer opinion and with a logic based on my years of experience. Some might call my opinions and logic just a more firmly ingrained bias. Perhaps. Others would remember this bit of wisdom: ‘My good judgement is based on my experience. My experience is the result of my bad judgement.’ I have a
Each month get information, anecdotes, and stories about life at the bench.
The Craftmanship Initative Podcast – Craft and the Art of Change with Gary Rogowski
In today’s automated world, why bother toiling with hand tools and sawdust? In his new book, Gary Rogowski—a master furniture maker in Portland, Oregon—ruminates about lessons he’s learned “at the bench,” and the quest for mastery and creative focus, no matter what your calling.
China Cabinet, G. Rogowski
Enrollment is open for the Online Mastery Program.
If you’re curious about the program join us from 10am to 12pm Sept. 26 for a chat with Gary and a few former students.
Contact the Studio for one of the 100 Zoom spots available. studio@Northwestwoodworking.com.
Furniture making is a craft and a skill and an antidote to the insanity of the world. What if you took the time to learn how to design and build great furniture? It would be something done for you but also for the others in your life. Learning a craft is life changing.
The OMP is a two year program that teaches woodworking and design skills. We do this by building nine Design pieces over this time as well as six Bench projects. We start with a focus on hand tools in Year One. We even make some hand tools as we learn to tune and use them. We continue in Year Two with challenging techniques like coopering, steam bending, chair making, and drawer systems.
Do you have the time and drive for this program but don’t have the money? Here’s a thought: get investors. Contact Gary at Studio@NorthwestWoodworking.com for information about the innovative Investors Program.
What would happen if you gathered 5 or 10 of your friends/ family and asked them to invest in your future? It has already worked for others. Find out more. Drop Gary a note before class starts again in October 2026.
Christian Reed Moonshadow Cabinet
Online Mastery Graduate
Questions can be about tools, wood movement issues, milling lumber, wood finishing, joinery or other relevant topics.
