Wood & Metalworking Classes

Hands-on workshops for ages 15+

We hope to reach makers from all corners of our community – all ages, backgrounds, and skill levels are welcome at Gorge MakerSpace. To achieve this, we strive to keep our classes as affordable as possible. If you are in need of financial assistance, please contact us. If you are 16-25 years old, you are eligible for a full scholarship!

  • Open Shop

    All Open Shop times can be booked through the link below.

    Have you attended a class at Gorge MakerSpace, or do you have reliable skills already? Come join us at Open Shop!

    If you don’t yet have the skills to work independently in the shop, book a class first!

    Now available for the Wood Shop and the Metal Shop, more details at the link below.

  • Woodturning Projects

    ➔ Thursdays | 9am-12pm

    This is a 3-hour open turning session for people who already have some basic turning experience and want time to work on their own projects with guidance available. Students can bring a project they’re working on or start something new and get help along the way. Hosted by Lacey Spray.

    This class requires a minimum of 3 participants. Class may be canceled at the discretion of the host due to low registration. 

    $50 | Ages 15+

  • Welding I: Sculpture

    ➔ Monday, Oct. 5 | (FULL)
    ➔ Monday, Oct. 19 | 5:30-8:30pm
    ➔ Monday, Nov. 2 | (FULL)
    ➔ Monday, Nov. 16 | 5:30-8:30pm

    Learn the basics of welding safety and technique in this quick intro class. We’ll focus on MIG welding, with some demonstration and practice. At the end of class, you’ll have a chance to get creative on a small project of your own. Taught by Tyler Bolton & Henry Silvestrini.

    $105 | Ages 15+

  • Woodturning I: Beginner Series

    ➔ Mondays, Oct. 5, 12, 19 & 26 | 5:30-8:30pm

    During this 4-session class, you will be introduced to the lathe, tools, and accessories used in woodturning. We will begin by turning bowls as our first project. You will learn how to select and prepare the wood, mount it on the lathe, and use various tools to shape, sand, and finish your piece. Great for beginners or those who need a refresher. Taught by Marjin Wall.

    $300 | Ages 15+

  • Fall Folk Craft: Intro to Spoon Carving

    ➔ Saturday, Oct. 17 | 10am-4pm

    Gather with us as we learn the craft of spoon carving from visiting instructor, Steven Antholis. We will discuss how to carve a wooden eating spoon from a tree. You’ll be provided a roughed-out spoon blank, with which we’ll learn knife grips, safety and carving techniques. This gathering will include a light lunch/substantial snack, provided by the instructor. Enjoy a charcuterie board and tea served on and in some of Steven's beautiful handmade wooden creations. We hope you can join us for this unique experience of carving and connecting! Taught by Steven Antholis.

    $165 | Ages 15+

  • Fall Folk Craft: Greenwood Shrink Boxes

    ➔ Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 9am-12pm

    Discover the magic of working with green wood while creating a small, functional box on the lathe. In this class, students will turn a hollow vessel from freshly cut wood, then fit it with a dry wooden base. As the vessel dries, the wood naturally shrinks around the bottom, locking it securely into place.

    Along the way, students will learn basic hollowing techniques and how to work with the movement and character of green wood. Each finished box will be one of a kind and can be left simple or embellished with texture and colored with milk paint.

    This is a beginner-friendly class, but some previous woodturning experience is required. The class will begin with a brief refresher on lathe safety, tools, and basic turning techniques. Taught by Lacey Spray.

    $80 | Ages 15+

  • Woodworking I: Tiny Tables

    ➔ Tuesday, Oct. 27 | 5:30-8:30pm

    We’ll use an array of reclaimed and new materials to make some beautiful pieces for your home. You’ll learn how to safely use the chop saw, drills, drivers and nailers to put it all together!

    Taught by Steve Olson.

    $100 | Ages 15+

  • Woodworking I: Planter Box

    ➔ Monday, Nov. 2 | 5:30-8:30pm

    Learn to make a planter box for your favorite plant. You will use a table saw, chop saw, and pocket screws to create a simple planter for indoor or outdoor use. No prior knowledge needed.

    Taught by Rachel Suits.

    $100 | Ages 15+

  • Woodturning II: Turn a Stool

    ➔ Tuesdays, Nov. 3, 10, 17 | 5:30-8:30pm

    In this 3-part series we will turn all the parts for a stool! We’ll cover design, sizing, and different embellishment and texturing techniques, followed by assembly.

    Taught by Marjin Wall.

    $265 | Ages 15+

  • Fall Folk Craft: Blacksmithing-Get Hooked!

    ➔ Monday, Nov. 9 | (FULL)
    ➔ Wednesday, Jan. 14 | 5:30-8:30pm
    ➔ Monday, Mar. 8 | 5:30-8:30pm

    Whether you've never blacksmithed before or have minimal experience and are looking to refine your skills, this class is for you! We will go over safety, body mechanics, tools, and the working properties of hot steel, as well as various techniques, such as: forging, tapering, scrolling, twisting, bending, drilling, and shouldering.

    Students will learn the basics by forging several custom hooks they get to keep for hanging whatever they like. Taught by Joe Vachon.

    $125 | Ages 15+

  • Woodworking I: Creative Cutting Boards

    ➔ Monday, Nov. 16 | 5:30-8:30pm

    Learn some new tools as we create playful shapes for your kitchen. A nice breadboard makes a great gift, and will add character to any dinner party spread! At the end of the class, you will have a unique wooden piece to take home and show off to your friends and family.

    Taught by Steve Olson.

    $95 | Ages 15+

  • Woodworking I: Farmhouse Bench

    ➔ Monday, Dec. 14 | 5:30-8:30pm

    Use an array of reclaimed and new materials to build a simple farmhouse bench for your home or front porch. We’ll learn to safely use the chop saw, band saw, drills and drivers to put it all together.

    Taught by Steve Olson.

    $100 | Ages 15+

Past Classes

  • Woodturning I: Series

  • Woodworking I: Tables and Benches

  • Spoon Carving I: Knife Skills

  • Woodworking I: Creative Cutting Boards

  • Woodworking III: Cabinetry

  • Band Saw Sculpture: Animals

  • Woodworking I: Farmhouse Bench

  • Woodworking II: Table Saws and Tea Boxes

  • Blacksmithing I: Get Hooked

  • Mixed Media: Tapered Wooden Earrings

  • Woodworking I: All About Routers

  • Woodworking I: Picture Frames

  • Woodworking II: Make a Box

  • Woodworking I: Wooden Toys for all ages

  • Women's Woodworking I: Band Saw Boxes

  • Woodworking II: Make a Wood Mallet

Have an idea for a class or want to teach one?

Get in touch!