Several readers have asked where I’ll be teaching classes in 2012 on how to build a tool chest, so here is an update.
A couple notes on the class itself. If you don’t like cutting dovetails, you might want to reconsider. A good chunk of the class is a Bataan Death March of sawing and chopping. But by golly, you will be able to cut dovetails in a coma when it’s over.
It’s absolutely OK if this tool chest class is your first project. You’ll do fine.
If the class is filled up and you really want to attend, please sign up for the waiting list. Classes always have “churn.” Some people drop out because of a family event (marriage, surgery, divorce, graduation etc.). Others misread the class description (“I thought it was the ‘Anachronist’s Tool Chest,’ and I wear my +1 chainmail to bed”). So if you get on the waiting list for the class, there is a good chance you’ll get in.
And lastly, you will have a choice as to which chest you build: the full-size chest illustrated in “The Anarchist’s Tool Chest,” or the traveling-size chest I posted in this blog entry.
So here’s the line-up:
Feb. 20-24, 2012, at The Woodwright’s School. Roy’s calendar shows slightly different days, but he hasn’t updated his online calendar yet.
July 30-Aug. 3, 2012, at Kelly Mehler’s School of Woodworking. This class is listed as full, but get on the waiting list if you are serious. Trust me on this. “I thought it was ‘The Atavist’s Tool Chest.’”
Sept. 6-10, 2012, at The Woodwright’s School.
And if your year is already full, I’m working on my 2013 schedule and already have plans to teach this class in Connecticut and am negotiating with some chaps/blokes in Australia.
— Christopher Schwarz
So I should leave my robe and wizard’s hat at home?
Bummer.
Somewhere, Gary Gygax is smiling.
If we survive to 2013 (those crazy Mayans), I might take that class in CT. I’ll bring a few extra anti-fatigue mats. I haven’t measured it, but do the sides of the chest fit between the jaws of your Moxon vise plans/design? I can’t imagine cutting dovetails on those low benches without that vise.
Do they have good pizza near St Roy’s shop?
Joe!!!
Yes, the chest sides fit in the Moxon vise.
The pizza in North Carolina is OK. But they have BBQ and some good grits. Plus, Roy’s shop opens onto a bar (with craft beers) and Ed Lebetkin’s tool shop (VERY DANGEROUS).
Chris –
Will there still be a strict no-dozuki policy for the class at the Woodwright School?
Jonathan
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You seemed to enjoy your trip to Port Townsend. We would love to see you back in Washington. Keep us in mind for 2013! Also, any plans to develop new classes?
Mike
I’ll be back there in 2013 — teaching a workbench class.
on your way to Washington, a stop in Boise would be nice.
I’m glad you are coming back to our area. Any plans to schedule around the Wooden Boat Festival again? Your talks/demos this year were very enjoyable.
Mike
Chris,
When are you coming back to the Pacific Northwest? Port Townsend?
Ed Polf
Looks like 2013 — to teach a Roubo workbench class.
Any idea when Roy will be allowing sign-ups? It is on his calendar, but still no way of registering.
First week or so in December is the last I heard.
Has anyone completed the smaller chest yet and are there any photos posted?
Anarchy in Australia!!
I’m building 3 of the little school boxes tweaked to look like a single sliding draw till chest. Its been a great learning experience in how to make a larger project more efficient. Especially the ‘scary’ dovetailing bits. I hope to have the three finished by Christmas and then my son two nephews will each have a “treasure box” with Anarchistic roots, that they can convert into their first tool chest and beyond. What I learn from this process I hope to translate into a more efficient building process of a larger ATC for myself perhaps later next year.
Chris how serious were you about a class down under??
Delighted you might be coming down under. Always wanted to build an Arachnid’s Tool Chest. Hope the family can come with you.
Colorado would be a great place for a class, Chris. Just sayin’.
Nice trivialization of the Bataan Death March.
When will you run a class in England?
Bernard,
I’d like to teach in England. A couple places have inquired about me teaching, but it never went anywhere. I’m sure it will happen some day.
Thanks for the clarification – I had been wondering for some time why the antichrist would need a tool chest.
So you mean I spent all that money on a +3 agility marking knife for nothing?
Recv’d email from Roy last week. Not ready for registrations yet and he said past students will get first chance on classes. May have to get on waiting list when reg. Opens
Sign me up for the Antichrist class down under. And flights to Australia often pass New Zealand, you know. Just sayin’.
Meantime, you may be interested in this: http://www.trademe.co.nz/antiques-collectables/furniture-woodenware/woodenware/pre-1900/auction-421852280.htm