In Memoriam

 

Ted Lewandowski

Dear, Dear Friend

We will miss him more than he could ever know.

Woodworking Classes

Don Reed has taught a variety of woodworking classes and seminars at Woodcraft, the Slaugherhouse Gallery and Studios, the Old House Fair, and the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show. While he is currently not planning a formal schedule of classes, he is available for small groups. Please contact him if you would like to take advantage of his experience. A sample of the classes he has taught is listed below.

Old Wooden Windows 101

Old wooden windows are rarely as hopeless as they seem. With a reasonable amount of time and effort, they can be restored and made just about as energy efficient as replacement windows - without spoiling the appearance of your historic home. This class is intended for those who either (a) have some carpentry skills and just need to learn the specifics of window repair or (b) plan to have someone else do the work but want to be intelligent consumers.

Woodworking Basics - Sharpening

Sharpening is basic to enjoyable wood-working. Dull tools are frustrating and fatiguing to work with while a sharp chisel or plane is a real pleasure to use. You will be able to try the different methods so you can pick the system that suits you best. Copies of articles on sharpening will be provided.

Woodworking Basics - Intro to Finishing

When you look at a piece of furniture, you mostly see the finish. The best wood-working can be spoiled by mistakes in the last few steps. In this class, you will gain a basic understanding of how to choose and apply finishes that will get your work the admiration it deserves.

Woodworking Basics - Furniture Restoration

Restoring good old furniture is often quite simple and fairly quick. Stripping is rarely necessary or a good idea, unless the piece has been inappropriately painted over. We'll cover how to examine a piece, diagnose problems, and make the piece beautiful again.

Old Wooden Windows 201

Old wooden windows are rarely as hopeless as they seem. With a reasonable amount of time and effort, they can be restored and made just about as energy efficient as replacement windows - without spoiling the appearance of your historic home. This course is intended for those who intend to do the work themselves and do not already have basic restoration carpentry skills. We will start from basics and work up.

Woodworking Basics - Advanced Finishing

When you look at a piece of furniture, you mostly see the finish. The best wood-working can be spoiled by mistakes in the last few steps. In this advanced class, you will gain a reasonably complete understanding of how to choose and apply finishes and will have an opportunity to practice surface preparation, coloring, etc. Extensive handouts.