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With
Gary RogowskiMaster Woodworker
The Northwest Woodworking Studio
To enroll in the Setting Up Shop series, click here to pay with Paypal. Or mail your check to PO Box 525, Lyle, WA 98635.
MISSION STATEMENT: Setting Up Shop, the Video Book promotes the value of woodworking with our hands and our mind and heart at the bench. Your shop is at the center of making things. Learn what to consider when setting up your special work space.
If you like what you hear, please check out our Ko-fi page to lend your support.
Discover your own talents for furniture design and construction. Join the Online Mastery Study Program and learn the traditions and the skills of design and fine furniture making. Find your singular path to mastery.
The Mastery Program has been a part of The Northwest Woodworking Studio for over 20 years. We now offer this two year part-time program as an Online course. Our next group starts in Fall of 2023. Enrollment is limited to 15 plus two scholarship students.
July 2023 – Matt L., Wichita, KS
I am not sure I have the words to adequately express my thanks to you for the last three years. When I started this journey I had no idea where the course would take me and my creative mind. You gave us the tools to develop our creative side and begin to become designers and dare I say Artists. Thank you for giving so much of yourself to this process and all of us.
July 2023 – Robert H., Eugene, OR
I am readily absorbing your influences into my work and it feels good. Thank you.
June 2023 – Karl W. San Francisco, CA
I have been a woodworker since high school, but the Mastery Class forced me out of my comfort zone and introduced me to several new techniques and approaches, and most importantly, to think about design. The progress we all made over two years was astounding. My colleagues produced some true works of art. My only regret is that I did not take advantage of this program sooner.
June 2022 -Mike L. Ontario, Canada
Thank you Gary for sharing your knowledge and experiences. The learning of the past 18 months has been very high.
Perhaps the three areas I’ve benefited the most are
– concept to design- visioning skills; modelling; prototypes; the practice of designing and then having to build- all have has resulted in considerable improvement in my ability to design for aesthetics and build-ability.
– tool skill – while I still need practice I think nothing of doing dovetails or mortises- my chisel work and sharpening practices are 100-fold improved- power tool proficiency is way up
– shop techniques – so much better equipped to set up for cuts, glue-ups and other assembly work – so much better at problem solving, thinking the build process through and optimizing steps.
Overall I’m most pleased with the program. It’s worked out well. Perhaps some of the value, more hidden than overt, is that over the period and numerous pieces I’m developing a style and finding my true lane in the shop. My aim for years now has been to make small tables. Now I will do so with the opportunity for more creativity and build excellence.
Again, much thanks for delivering a most enjoyable, challenging and practice learning experience.
Student Work from recent classes. Visit the Online Mastery Student Gallery.
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Gary Rogowski—furniture maker, podcaster, author, and teacher. In this conversation, Gary shares stories about Creativity that inspire his latest podcast project, Creativity: Hustlers, Fakers, and Thieves.
with Host/ Author/ Master Craftsman Gary Rogowski
Smart conversations with working artists about their real issues.
Turns out they are the same ones you have.
Please check out the website and podcast here.
Fine Woodworking’s Shop Talk Live Podcast – with Ben Strano, Vic Tesolin, and Gary Rogowski.
Please check out this podcast on Fine Woodworking’s Shop Talk Live podcast with Ben Strano, Vic Tesolin, and Gary Rogowski.
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.
A few comments about our Online Lectures and Workshops.
“I just wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for the class this week. I really enjoyed it and learned a lot! Hoping to sign up for another one soon. This morning I threw a Hock blade and breaker in my Bailey #4. Wow, you weren’t kidding about the difference. It’s a whole new tool now.” Zach
” I loved the inlay class, and was amazed how quickly those skills could be learned in the online format.” Colin R.
” I appreciated the “close up” photos that you showed a couple times during the 5 machines episode. I especially like your insights and tips. Keep them up!” John K.
“This was my first virtual Woodworking class and I had my doubts as to how it would work out. I was pleasantly surprised that the class was interesting and useful, well worth the time and 25 bucks. Also, good to have a look inside your shop.” Dale T.
“I wanted to give a personal thank you to Gary and everyone involved in the hand planes webinar. I was learning and smiling the whole way through. Truly an amazing job!” Casey T.
“Thank you Gary for the fine session. I really enjoyed it. I thought the online training via Zoom really went well, like I had a front row seat. I love hand planes and learned some good tips last night. Your use of props was good and like I said, I found it very informative and organized. You know your stuff.” Rick W.
The Northwest Woodworking Studio
Lyle, WA
