About

**Class canceled due to BARN-wide closure. 3/13 SK**

* This class has prerequisites. Please see below.

Fine woodworking usually involves pieces that are straight and square, but curves add magic and even comfort, such as on the backs of chairs. In this class you will learn two ways to bend wood: by using steam to make it flexible and by laminating thin pieces. You will also learn to clamp curved shapes in a vacuum bag.

Bending wood so curves follow the wood grain results in pieces that are much stronger and more beautiful than if you just cut the parts into a curved shape. After completing this class, you will be able to create beautifully curved arms for chairs, strong ribs for a wooden boat, or any other creative application for nicely shaped wood. 

This class focuses on techniques rather than on making a specific project. However, you may bring a specific project idea and the wood for it to the class and apply the bending techniques you will learn to make the parts you need. Working on individual bending challenges will add real learning opportunities for the whole class. The instructor will help you successfully apply the most effective bending approach. If you have questions about a project to work on in the class, please email woodclasses@bainbridgebarn.org.

The first session will focus on lamination techniques and include a discussion of the practical aspects of steam bending. Session two will include a demonstration of steam bending. In the third session, students will have time to work on their own projects and will also learn to use BARN's vacuum bagging system.

Details:

• Ages 14+ welcome.
• Skill Level: Intermediate. To take this class, you must have completed Orientation to the Woodshop, Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 1 and Woodshop Tool Safety Checkout 2. If you have not taken these classes, please register for them before you sign up for this class. For dates and times, see the Woodworking Calendar.\

• Please click here for BARN's current COVID-19 health & safety protocols. 

• You must wear safety glasses and closed-toe shoes, tie back long hair, and avoid loose-fitting clothing and jewelry. We recommend bringing your own safety glasses.

• BARN is committed to accessibility. Tuition Assistance is available - click here to fill out the simple application before registering for a class. For those who might need physical assistance, please learn about BARN's Companion Program here.

Instructor: Leland Gibson. Leland has been a woodworker and a boat builder for a couple of decades. He started out helping his father build a wooden boat entirely with hand tools. He then moved across the country to attend the Northwest School of Wooden Boat Building in Port Hadlock. After graduating in 2007, Leland went to work for one of the premier wooden boat yards in Port Townsend, where he helped build new boats and repaired older boats for 10 years. He was then hired as an instructor at the boat school, where he has worked for the past five years.