Thursday, April 30, 2009

Professional Sharpening

Professional Sharpening

Saturday May 2, 2009 9:00-2:00
There is nothing better than a sharp chisel, gouge, axe, saw, drill bit, knife, drawknife --- any sharp tool! It can be very discouraging to try to work with dull tools. Come take our five hour sharpening workshop and learn how to get your tools so sharp you could shave with them -- and put the enjoyment back into your woodworking projects!
We cover chisels, planes, non-carbide circular saw blades, handsaws, chainsaws, and knives...if there is particular hand tool that you need to keep sharp let us know in advance and we'll be sure to cover it -- or bring it along and we will make suggestions! We'll discuss the pros and cons of using hand and electric sharpeners.Each student will receive a FREE honing guide ($17.60 value) - an essential sharpening tool as you will see. Non-Refundable Registration: $95 (This Registration fee can be transferred once at no charge. A second request for transfer will result in the loss of deposit.)

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Wiring Workshop

April 25, 2009 9:30-1:30
$95/person
50% discount for past-students taking a re-fresher

If you have ever wanted to replace a light, add a receptacle or modify your wiring you've had to look carefully at those wires coming out of your wall.

Learn to be confident about wiring through a complete understanding of ELECTRICITY! This workshop teaches how to wire or re-wire your home. We first describe what electricity is and how to control it in simple, non-technical language. Next we discuss the National Electrical Code, with focus on the major affects of the code on residential wiring, how to wire a house that conforms to the code and how to interpret the code. This is followed by a discussion of how electricity actually ends up in the house. Finally, we break into small groups to practice wiring sample panels, switches and lights.

Monday, April 13, 2009

Intro to Spoon Carving


SATURDAY APRIL 18, 2009
9:30-5:00 pm (or until your spoon is done) $120/person
Learn the art of spoon carving in this one-day introductory hands-on workshop! This timeless craft provides a lifelong tool that can be used and appreciated daily. And a new skill that you can use and share.We will focus on getting familiar with the woodworking tools and materials that are ideal for spoon carving. Each student will make a scraping/spatular type of utensil that they can take home at the end of the day. All tools and materials are provided. Registrants will receive a discount on any tools purchased in the week before or the week after this class.

This class is taught by Maine's own Valdemar Skov, a woodcarver, furniture maker and engraver, specializing in ornamental carving of fine furniture, accessories, and architectural details, as well as engraving. A woodworker since 1986, and self-employed since 1990, Valdemar has been formally recognized for his work by the Maine State Legislature and has been featured in numerous articles, including a profile in This Old House magazine. Valdemar works out of his studio in Waldoboro, Maine and teaches carving for the Comprehensive. His combined skills and experience as a woodworker and an instructor will ensure that you walk away from this workshop with a greater understanding and competency.

Because of the sharp hand cutting tools used in this craft, enrollment is limited to ten students and safety is a focus of the presentation. There are four spaces still available call (207-442-7938) or email today for more information!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Intro to Geothermal: Friday April 10, 2009 9:30 am

What is Geothermal Anyway? Those of you who are graduates of the DESIGN BUILD CLASS remember Pat’s antics in Mass & Glass about the football players dispersed across the field and packing into the closet and the description of Bill Loosely’s heat pump, heating his home in Canada since 1950! We’ve been teaching the physics of geothermal as part of larger course for 35 years but in the last few months we’ve had so many inquiries as to what Geothermal is, that we’ve invited a special guest, Tom Myette, of MIDNIGHT OIL to offer an introductory presentation on Geothermal, how it is installed in new construction and existing homes, what are some common pitfalls and how to determine if it is right for your home. This is a FREE one hour workshop with a question and answer session at the end but you must register in advance as space is limited. Send an email with your name, address and phone number as well as the class subject and date to info@shelterinstitute.com or call 207-442-7938 to reserve your spot today.

Friday, April 3, 2009

Purely Post and Beam Class Spring 2009



Twenty-Three people from far reaching places like Alna, Maine, New Mexico, Virginia, Hungary, California, Canada and everywhere in betweem just spent five days learning the craft and art of timber framing with hand tools. After four days of drafting, engineering, sharpening and cutting they spent our last morning together assembling and raising this 24x24 structure. Join us for our next timber framing class in September or learn the systems of a home and how all of the components work together in our two week design build class in July!


Building History, Building Knowledge, Building Essentials since 1974