Steven In the Shop

Weekly Shop Update: Tool Tune-Ups, Class Highlights, and Summer Sneak Peeks

BySteven Ricks

Hey makers!

Steven here with your weekly peek inside the woodchips and workshop vibes at The Joinery. We’ve got a few things to celebrate and a couple of heads-ups as we look toward the last week of May and kick off June—yes, June already!

Holiday Hours & Shop Flow

First up: Happy Memorial Day! Monday the 26th might be light on work commitments for many, but if you’ve got woodworking on your mind, the shop’s open for members as always. We’re expecting a good turnout of folks getting into their projects.

Class Schedule

We’ve got a full house this weekend (May 24–25) with our Introduction to Woodworking Weekend Intensive—so if you’re swinging by, be mindful that the classroom area will be bustling. If you’re in the shop during demo time, keeping tool noise down would be a big help. Thanks for being such a respectful crew!

Then, on Thursday evening (May 30), our ongoing Introduction to Woodworking series continues from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. If you’re curious about this series or looking to build foundational skills, keep an eye on our Classes Page for upcoming openings.

Tool Talk: Maintenance Matters

We gave some serious TLC to the 20-inch planer this week—new knives, a deep clean, and it’s humming beautifully again. But here’s a PSA: please make sure any glue on your stock is dry before sending it through the planer (or any tool, really). Wet glue dulls the blades fast and makes extra work for everyone.

Also, the bearings in the big green bandsaw have been swapped out, so she’s running smoother than ever.

On the Horizon

We’ve got some new tools en route (stay tuned!), and we’re planning some quick-hit summer classes—think Cutting Board Making and Box Building—perfect for folks with tighter summer schedules. These will be half-day or one-day options designed to fit in a Saturday morning or an afternoon of creative focus.

Come By, Say Hi

Whether you’re just starting out or neck-deep in sawdust, the shop is your space. Members are welcome anytime—no need to wait for an open house. And if you’re not yet a member, consider joining us to get full access to the tools, classes, and community.

See you in the shop!

—Steven

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