In this post we will look at beginner woodworking courses offered online by the legendary woodworker Normal Pirollo through his online platform – WoodSkills.
Table of Contents:
- About WoodSkills
- Woodworking: Design To Making Course
- Furniture Design Course
- Woodworking Business Course
- Kumiko: Learn Japanese Woodworking Course
- Cabinet Build Class
- Woodworking Course
- Dovetail Class
- Hand Tool Class
- Course Instructor
About WoodSkills
WoodSkills is an online woodworking education platform founded by Norman Pirollo, a seasoned furniture maker and educator for those who want to learn woodworking online. Drawing from his extensive experience of over 25 years, Norman offers a range of structured online woodworking classes/courses designed to teach woodworking fundamentals, hand tool techniques, and furniture design. His approach emphasizes a hands-on, practical learning experience, catering to both beginners and seasoned woodworkers. Through detailed lessons and comprehensive resources, WoodSkills aims to equip learners with the skills and confidence to create quality wood projects. Norman’s work has been featured in various publications, reflecting his commitment to the craft.
Woodworking: Design To Making course:
Course Link: https://www.woodskills.com/furniture-design-to-making/
Ready to transform your woodworking aspirations into tangible creations that you’ll cherish for years to come? The “Woodworking: Design to Making” course offers a comprehensive journey taking you from initial concept to a finished piece. With 30 detailed lessons, you’ll explore everything from selecting the right materials to mastering joinery techniques.
This course isn’t just about building; it’s about understanding the essence of design. You’ll familiarise yourself with workshop setup, learn the nuances of hand tools, and discover how to bring flair to your projects. The inclusion of an extensive 236-page eBook and over 4.5 hours of live classes ensures you have all the resources at your fingertips. Imagine the satisfaction of creating a piece that reflects your vision and skill.
Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this course provides insights that will enhance your craft. From CAD techniques to veneering, every module is designed to enhance your understanding. Don’t let your ideas remain sketches on paper. Transform them into tangible masterpieces. Enroll in the “Woodworking: Design to Making” course today and take the first step towards bringing your furniture designs to life. It’s a great beginner woodworking course that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
Furniture Design Course:
Course Link: https://www.woodskills.com/furniture-design-course/
Looking to bring your furniture ideas to life and fully fledged pieces? The Furniture Design Course from WoodSkills is a comprehensive guide to transforming your concepts into tangible pieces. With 26 detailed lessons, this course covers everything from the history of furniture design to modern techniques like CAD modeling.
What makes this course stand out is its practical approach. You’ll learn to sketch, draw, and create scale models, ensuring your designs are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The course also goes into selecting the right wood, understanding proportions, and developing a unique furniture style.
Imagine the satisfaction of crafting a piece that not only serves its purpose but also reflects your personal touch, and can be added to your home or garden. Whether you’re aiming to furnish your home or explore a new hobby, this course equips you with the skills to design and build furniture that stands out (and lasts).
Don’t let your ideas remain just ideas that you’ll forget about tomorrow. Enroll in the Furniture Design Course today and start creating pieces that are uniquely yours. It’s a great online woodworking class for all.
Woodworking Business Course:
Course Link: https://www.woodskills.com/woodworking-business-course/
Thinking about turning your woodworking passion into a thriving business? The Woodworking Business Course offers a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the journey from hobbyist to entrepreneur.
This course is packed with practical insights, covering everything from setting up your workshop to selecting the right tools and machines. You’ll explore how to identify your niche, develop products, and implement effective marketing strategies. With 27 detailed lessons, the course also delves into legal considerations, business planning, and leveraging social media to grow your customer base.
Imagine having a clear roadmap that guides you through the complexities of starting your own woodworking business. Whether you’re aiming to operate part-time or commit full-time, this course provides the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Plus, it includes the “Start Your Own Woodworking Business” eBook, offering additional resources to support your journey.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge to build a successful woodworking business. Enroll in the Woodworking Business Course today and take the first step toward turning your craftsmanship into a profitable venture.
Kumiko: Learn Japanese Woodworking Course:
Course Link: https://www.woodskills.com/kumiko-course/
If you’re seeking to infuse your woodworking projects with timeless elegance, then the Kumiko Course offers a unique opportunity to master this traditional Japanese craft. Through 23 detailed lessons, you will learn to create the intricate asa-no-ha pattern (a geometric motif resembling a hemp leaf ) using simple hand tools and basswood.
This course guides you step by step from preparing the wood to assembling the delicate pieces that form the Kumiko panel. You will also learn to craft essential tools like guide blocks and a dedicated Kumiko bench hook.
Whether you want to add a decorative panel to a piece of furniture or create standalone wall art, Kumiko offers a rewarding challenge that hones your skills and expands your creativity. The process of making the panel provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment as each piece falls into place.
Do not miss the chance to explore this captivating woodworking technique. Enroll in the Kumiko Course today and bring a touch of Japanese artistry to your craft.
Cabinet Build Class:
Class Link: https://www.woodskills.com/cabinet-build-class/
If you’re aiming to expand your woodworking skills, the Cabinet Build Class offers an exceptional opportunity. This comprehensive course guides you through the design and construction of a Krenov-inspired display cabinet, renowned for its minimalist design and quality craftsmanship.
The class comprises of 33 detailed lessons, covering every aspect of the build. You’ll learn to select and prepare the wood, apply veneer, and master hand tool techniques along the way. The course also covers creating half-blind dovetail drawers, a hallmark of fine furniture making.
What sets this course apart is its emphasis on quality and detail. You’ll be introduced to knife hinge installation, door fitting, and the creation of clean lines that define Scandinavian-inspired design. The step-by-step video tutorials ensure you can follow along at your own pace, making complex techniques accessible even for those with limited experience.
Included with the course is the eBook ‘Woodworking: From Design to Making’, offering additional insights into the woodworking process. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a passionate hobbyist, this class provides the tools and knowledge to create a piece that combines functionality with artistry.
Woodworking Course:
Course Link: https://www.woodskills.com/woodworking-course/
If you want to boost your woodworking skills in todays market, the WoodSkills Woodworking Course offers a well-rounded approach to learning the essentials and more. With 55 lessons on offer, you will explore everything from setting up your workspace to selecting and using both hand and power tools.
You’ll discover how to choose and prepare wood, get familiar with different joints, and apply finishes that bring out the beauty in your projects. The course covers veneering basics, shooting boards, bench hooks, and Moxon vises, all designed to improve accuracy and ease.
Whether you’re new to woodworking or aiming to sharpen your abilities, this course builds a strong foundation. Each section includes quizzes to help lock in what you learn, and to keep things interactive. The course ends with a practical project where you make your own bench hook.
Completing this course earns you a certificate that highlights your skills. If you’re ready to create quality work and enjoy the craft even more, this course will give you the tools and confidence to do just that.
Enroll today and take the next step in your woodworking journey.
Dovetail Class:
Class Link: https://www.woodskills.com/dovetail-class/
The Dovetail Class by WoodSkills offers a comprehensive guide to mastering this timeless joinery technique. This course provides step-by-step instructions on creating both through and half-blind dovetails, essential for crafting durable and aesthetically pleasing drawers.
The class begins with foundational lessons on interlocking joints, hand tools, and chisels, setting the stage for more advanced techniques. You’ll then be introduced to video tutorials demonstrating the process of crafting through dovetails, followed by a focused series on half-blind dovetails, culminating in the assembly of a small drawer. Each lesson is designed to build upon the last, ensuring a thorough understanding of the craft.
Included in the course is a plan for a custom dovetail jig, enhancing the precision of your joints. Additionally, the “Start Woodworking” eBook is provided, offering valuable insights into the basics of the craft
Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner, this woodworking class online equips you with the skills to produce high-quality dovetail joints, adding strength and beauty to your projects. Enroll today and take the next step in your woodworking journey.
Hand Tool Class:
Class Link: https://www.woodskills.com/hand-tool-class/
If you’re eager to refine your woodworking skills one step further, then the Hand Tool Class offers a comprehensive guide to mastering traditional techniques. This course provides 45 lessons covering essential topics such as setting up a workshop, selecting and using chisels and hand planes, and creating dovetail joints. You’ll also learn about crafting bench hooks, building a Moxon vise, and constructing a shooting board, all designed to enhance your hand tool proficiency.
The class emphasizes a quiet, dust-free approach to woodworking, allowing you to focus on the tactile experience of shaping wood. With detailed instructions and practical projects, you’ll develop the skills needed to create furniture using hand tools. The course includes plans for a shooting board and dovetail jig, as well as a bench hook project, providing hands-on experience to reinforce your learning.
Upon completion, you’ll receive a certificate to showcase your newfound expertise. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to deepen your knowledge, this class equips you with the tools and techniques to elevate your woodworking projects.
Enroll today and embark on a journey to master the art of hand tool woodworking.
Course Instructor Norman Pirollo: Celebrated Woodworker and Educator
Norman Pirollo is a distinguished Canadian furniture designer and educator, renowned for his contemporary studio furniture that seamlessly blends traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. His work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Fine Woodworking, Studio Furniture: Today’s Leading Woodworkers, and Wood Art Today 2. Beyond his design work, Pirollo is the founder of WoodSkills, an online platform offering comprehensive woodworking courses. He has authored several influential books, including Woodworking: From Design to Making and Quiet Woodworking: In an Unquiet World. His contributions continue to inspire and educate woodworkers worldwide.
Norman Pirollo also offers woodworking plans which we talk about in our post here.