L’apprenti.e 1 EN • Introduction to woodworking
Learn the basics of woodworking
This course introduces you to the basics of woodworking and the use of machine tools. You will learn the main techniques for fitting and working with wood, as well as essential tips, tricks, and safety advice for using this equipment effectively and safely. You will put what you’ve learned into practice by crafting a tangible object out of solid wood.
This course is offered in two options which, although they cover the same material, allow participants to create two different projects:
- Portable storage box: This course offers a brief introduction to woodworking through the creation of a portable storage box. Offered as a standalone class.
- Wall shelf with hooks: This course covers the same topics through the creation of a wall shelf with hooks. Included in the Cursus Technique I EN, it is part of a longer training program in furniture making. It can also be taken on an ‘’à la carte’’ basis, depending on availability.
If you have already completed L’apprenti.e 1EN : Portable storage box course, which has been offered at ÉÉAM for several years, you can continue your journey in woodworking by enrolling in the Cursus Technique I EN, which includes five courses, including the other option for L’apprenti.e 1EN : Wall shelf with hooks, allowing you to deepen your understanding of machine tool use by creating a new object.
Prerequisites for the course
Beginner course – No prerequisites
Number of sessions
2 sessions
Training duration
12 hours
Cost
350 $ + txs
Woodworking initiation course in pictures
Schedule
Group 1
Sunday, February 14 and 21, 2027, 9 AM to 4 PM
These dates don’t work for you? Find a course that fits your schedule.
Answers to frequently asked questions about the basics of woodworking
What machines should you learn to use in woodworking?
There is a wide variety of woodworking machines and tools, but some are essential for beginners: the jointer, the planer, the table saw, the miter saw, the band saw, the drill press, and sanders.
This course teaches you how to use them safely through demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and practical tips and tricks.
What are the steps for completing your first woodworking project?
The basic steps in completing a woodworking project are planning, roughing out the wood, cutting, shaping the joints, (assembly) and sanding.
In L’apprenti.e 1EN course, you will build a practical project to apply these steps, while learning the basics of reading blueprints and workshop documents, such as cut lists and production schedules.
Is woodworking safe for beginners?
Yes, with proper guidance and training in best practices, woodworking can be done safely, even by beginners.
Through a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn how to use machine tools safely by mastering essential safety rules, proper techniques, and practical tips. As you take your first steps with the machines, an instructor and a technician will be there to support and guide you.
Course plan
- Jointer
- Planer
- Table saw
- Miter saw
- Band saw
- Drill press
- Hand drills
- Sanding machines
- Palm sander (random orbit)
- Woodworking fundamentals
- Working with tools and safety
- Planning a woodworking project
- Working with rough lumber
- Cutting curved edges
- Machine and hand sanding
- Pilot holes, couter sink and chambered holes for hardware
- Finish sanding
- Materials and tools needed to carry out exercises and/or projects
- Course notebook
- If necessary, loan of hearing protectors and safety glasses
If you have one, you can bring:
- a dust mask
- hearing protectors
- safety glasses
- safety shoes
Schedule for the basics of woodworking course
- Presentations, course objectives and project
- Woodworking fundamentals & workshop safety
- Presentation, demonstration & practice using radial arm saw, jointer, planer, table saw and miter saw
- First steps making the project
- Refresher on workshop safety
- Presentation, demonstration & practice using drill press, band saw and sanding machines (disc sander, edge sander and oscillating sander)
- Basic concepts of pilot drilling, countersinking, and counterboring (with plug installation) for screw assembly
- Assembly (glue up and nailing) & finishing
Woodworking training programs
This course is part of a program bringing together a series of courses that allow progressive and in-depth learning of cabinetmaking techniques.
Participants
Unless otherwise specified, ÉÉAM general public courses are only open to people 18 years of age and older.
As openness and inclusion are essential values for the ÉÉAM, the school strives to accommodate everyone who is interested in cabinetmaking. If you live with a functional limitation and have questions regarding your ability to attend training, please contact us to discuss.
