Summer 2026
September 21-Oct 2

In this two-week class, students will practice and play with three different methods for creating strong and elegant curves in wood: bent laminations, brick-lay laminations, and coopering. 

Prospective students should note that this class will take place immediately following How to Steam Bend Wood with Yuri Kobayashi. While either class can be taken alone, students may consider taking both of these classes back-to-back for an even more comprehensive education on curves in wood. Add in Port Townsend’s annual 2026 Wooden Boat Festival to start it off, and this could make quite a curvy three-week woodworking experience!

The first week will focus on demonstrations and hands-on experimentation with each method. In the second week, students will be given free rein to take a deeper dive into one of the techniques and incubate ideas or develop parts for future projects. Students will learn the characteristics of each method, and will be assisted through the steps of conceptualizing, designing, and constructing curved parts with each technique. After taking this class, students will be more confident about curves and will have developed a greater ability and comfort in incorporating curves into their work.

Students will…

• Have fun experimenting and playing with new techniques in a non-product-oriented environment

• Create curved part samples through practicing each technique 

• Receive lots of individual guidance from two knowledgeable and creative instructors

• Develop new ideas for future projects and create parts for them.

Students will learn…

• How to use the techniques of bent lamination, brick-lay lamination, and coopering to create curved parts

• When to use and how to design curved parts with each technique

• How to pull patterns from a design/drawing

• How to make forms, jigs, and fixtures relevant to each technique

• How to shape and join curved parts

Tools 

There are no specific tools required for this class, but feel free to bring along any of your preferred PPE, a notepad and pencil, and any of your favorite tools.

Prerequisites

Some skills required. Proper safety techniques of woodworking machines will be demonstrated, but it will be helpful if students have a basic understanding of their use. Please feel free to reach out to us if you are unsure about your fit for this course.

Class Information and Registration

Classes run 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, each week in Building 304 at Fort Worden. Map
Please read our What to Expect page for general information about the School. Please also read our Registration Policy.
Please sign up for the waitlist if the course is full.

Class size: 10
Cost: $1,900
Materials Charge: $150