Woodworking II: Practical Joinery Class

with Scott Roth

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

Joinery is the process of connecting pieces of wood together to form a structure, often without the use of nails, screws, or other mechanical fasteners. In this class, you’ll learn to create essential joints like dados, miters, and laps using a combination of power and hand tools so you can build furniture, cabinetry, and more. We'll cover selecting the right wood, choosing the appropriate joint for your project, and assembling your piece for strength and long lasting durability. Join this supportive friendly workshop, expand your handy DIY skillset, and connect with a community of fellow makers!

What You’ll Make:

  • You’ll create a block with 6 different sample joints (dado, lap, miter, etc.) using different techniques.

Skills & Concepts You’ll Learn:

  • Choosing the right joint for your project (butt, lap, miter, and dado)

  • Understanding wood properties and how to select lumber

  • How to increase accuracy for measuring & cutting

  • Creating strong, tight-fitting joints using various tools

  • Proper gluing, clamping, and assembly techniques

  • Using fasteners for reinforcement: screws, pocket holes, and brad nails

Equipment & Tools You’ll Learn:

  • Router table, miter saw, band saw,  brad nailers, clamps, and various hand tools.

Class Outline:

  1. Prep & Planning: Joinery theory, wood selection, and a review of shop safety.

  2. Demonstration: Instructor shows how to set up and cut each type of joint, demonstrating proper technique and precision.

  3. Hands-On Practice: Students create their own sample joints with instructor guidance and support.

  4. Wrap-Up: Review of assembly techniques, Q&A, and connecting with Colorado Woodworkers Guild mentors for future project advice. Take home a 14 page handout with diagrams for reference along with additional local resources for continued learning.

Other Class Details:

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

  • Continue Your Education: Woodworking III: Box Joinery

  • Class Capacity: 7 maximum, 3 minimum

  • Materials Provided?: Yes

  • Age Limit: 16+. Guardian required if under 18 (info)

  • 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

Scott Roth is the Inventory Tool Coordinator for Denver Tool Library and brings woodworking knowledge and practice from owning a cabinet shop along with having been a licensed remodeling contractor. Combine this with having a BFA and MA in Scenic, Lighting, and Technical theater design. Then a strong background in cabinetry and woodworking manufacturing software leading to experience in the kitchen design industry. He has taught various wood oriented classes at The University of New Mexico, Wabash College, UC Santa Barbara, University of Denver, and Red Rocks Community College. He is an active member of the Rocky Mountain Marquetry Guild, Colorado Woodworkers Guild, and Rocky Mountain Tool Collectors. After sixty plus years of working with wood, he has the distinction of still having all his fingers!!