In five days, we are going to build traditional full-size English tool chests – a.k.a. "The Anarchist's Tool Chest,” from Christopher Schwarz's book of that title – using hand tools.

If you don't like dovetails, this is not the class for you. If you'd like to learn dovetails (while you build a sturdy chest that holds about 50 hand tools...which is to say almost all the hand tools you need to build furniture), this is absolutely the class for you – you'll get plenty of instruction and practice.

Plus, we'll make handsome and (almost) bomb-proof raised-panel lids, and cut the mouldings, skirts and lids by hand. And though we will have time to build only the outside of the chest, I'll discuss how to divide up the interior for efficient work, and show you some options.

Cost
The class fee is $975, which does not include materials (details below). (Cancellations will be accepted up until four weeks before the class for a full refund. If a cancellation occurs within four weeks prior to the class date, a refund will be issues only if the spot can be filled.)

Materials for the Chest
Though painted softwood is my choice for this chest (lightweight, reasonable in price and plenty sturdy), you might prefer to make a showstopper in cherry or walnut (that will then get immediately beat up in your shop...). If you're that breed of crazy, you can prep and bring your own materials for this class (I'll send rather strict instructions for wood prep). Or you can purchase the prepared parts from me for around $525 (the final stock price will be determined once I buy the wood, and will be due at the start of class).

Students will receive a tool list (but we also have loaner tools available).

For information on Covington, including where to stay and where to eat, click here.