Basic Joinery Techniques

Learn foundational joinery skills, including measuring, cutting, and assembling wood projects.

Course Overview

This course introduces students to the foundational techniques and skills needed in joinery. Through hands-on practice and guided instruction, participants will learn essential woodworking methods, tools, and safety procedures.

Course Duration:

6 weeks (3 sessions per week, 3 hours per session)

Week 1: Introduction to Joinery

Session 1: Orientation and Safety

  • Welcome and course overview
  • Workshop safety rules and protocols
  • Introduction to personal protective equipment (PPE)

Session 2: Tools and Materials

  • Overview of essential joinery tools (hand tools and power tools)
  • Types of wood and their properties
  • Tool maintenance and care

Session 3: Basic Measuring and Marking

  • Techniques for accurate measuring and marking
  • Understanding and using different types of rulers, squares, and gauges
  • Hands-on practice with measuring and marking

Week 2: Basic Cutting Techniques

Session 4: Sawing Basics

  • Introduction to various saws (handsaws, jigsaws, circular saws)
  • Techniques for straight and curved cuts
  • Hands-on practice with sawing

Session 5: Planing and Smoothing

  • Using hand planes for surface smoothing and shaping
  • Introduction to power planers
  • Hands-on practice with planing

Session 6: Chiseling Techniques

  • Selecting and maintaining chisels
  • Techniques for precise chisel work
  • Hands-on practice with chiseling

Week 3: Joinery Techniques

Session 7: Butt Joints and Lap Joints

  • Introduction to basic joinery concepts
  • Techniques for creating butt joints and lap joints
  • Hands-on practice with joint making

Session 8: Mortise and Tenon Joints

  • Understanding mortise and tenon joinery
  • Techniques for creating strong and precise mortise and tenon joints
  • Hands-on practice with mortise and tenon joints

Session 9: Dovetail Joints

  • Introduction to dovetail joinery
  • Techniques for creating dovetail joints
  • Hands-on practice with dovetail joints

Week 4: Assembly and Finishing

Session 10: Assembly Techniques

  • Techniques for aligning and clamping joints
  • Using adhesives and fasteners
  • Hands-on practice with assembly

Session 11: Sanding and Finishing

  • Techniques for sanding and surface preparation
  • Introduction to different types of finishes (stain, varnish, paint)
  • Hands-on practice with finishing

Session 12: Project Planning and Design

  • Basics of project planning and design
  • Creating simple joinery project plans
  • Selecting materials and tools for projects

Week 5: Project Work

Session 13-15: Individual Project Construction

  • Students will design and construct a small joinery project (e.g., a box, shelf, or small table)
  • Guided assistance and feedback from instructors

Week 6: Finalization and Review

Session 16: Project Completion

  • Finalizing projects
  • Applying finishing touches and finishes
  • Peer and instructor review of projects

Session 17: Course Review and Assessment

  • Review of key concepts and techniques learned
  • Practical assessment and feedback
  • Discussion of challenges and solutions encountered during the course

Session 18: Graduation and Certification

  • Presentation of completed projects
  • Awarding of certificates
  • Course feedback and celebration

Course Materials:

  • All necessary materials and tools will be provided
  • Students are encouraged to bring their own basic tools if they have them

By the end of this course, students will have a solid foundation in basic joinery techniques and will be able to confidently plan, design, and create simple woodworking projects.