Woodworking II: Practical Joinery Class

with Brynn Keenan

This class has suggested but not required prerequisites. See below for details.

Take your woodworking projects to the next level by constructing a custom desktop organizer. This class teaches practical joinery techniques using power tools to create essential connections like dados, rabbets, and reinforced butt joints. Building this organizer establishes the core skills required for crafting furniture, cabinetry, and shelving. You will learn how to choose the right joint for every application, including when to use pocket holes or dowels, and how to ensure your final assembly is strong and precise. Join this supportive friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • You’ll build and take home a custom wooden desktop organizer, applying the specific joinery techniques learned in class to a functional project.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Butt joint assembly using glue, pocket hole screws, and brad nails.

  • Safe and effective use of a pneumatic brad nailer.

  • Understanding when and why to use pocket holes.

  • Cutting rabbets for strong, square box corners.

  • Cutting dados to support shelves and dividers.

  • Reinforcing joints with dowels for strength and alignment.

  • Introduction to mortise and tenon joinery concepts.

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Table saw, miter saw, drill press, pocket hole jig, brad nailer.

Class Outline:

  1. Introduction & Overview: A brief look at joinery theory and project goals.

  2. Basic Joinery Practice: Hands-on practice with butt joints, pocket holes, and safe brad nailer operation.

  3. Rabbets & Dados: Instructor demonstrates setup and cutting of these structural joints, followed by student practice on their project parts.

  4. Reinforcement: Drilling and fitting dowels to reinforce joints for durability and alignment.

  5. Assembly: Guided glue-up and clamping of the desktop organizer.

  6. Wrap-Up: A conceptual demonstration and discussion of mortise and tenon joinery followed by Q&A.

Other Class Details:

  • Prerequisites: No experience required. Woodworking I or similar experience is suggested.

  • Continue Your Education: Woodworking III: Box Joinery

  • Class Capacity: 6 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 18+

  • Partner Ticket Available?: No

  • Private Class Available?: Yes (info)

  • Clothing/Equipment Requirements?: Comfortable well fitted clothing, close-toed shoes, put your hair up, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

About the Teacher

Brynn started working with wood when she and her partner purchased an old house and renovated it themselves. Once the house was complete, she began making furniture to fill it, a practice she has continued ever since. She appreciates that woodworking combines necessity, beauty, and practicality. Over the years, Brynn has built a wide range of projects, from two-story decks to mid-century chairs. She enjoys helping others feel comfortable with tools and sees woodworking as both empowering and approachable.