Description
Due to popular demand, I’ve added a second Serpentine Chest class – September 16 to 20, 2019. Sign up today. Like the first class, space is limited.
The Massachusetts Serpentine Chest is the ideal class to stretch your woodworking skills. It’s time to make a true masterpiece.
Massachusetts Serpentine Chest
There’s a simple elegance to this Massachusetts Serpentine Chest, yet there’s plenty of drama. From its fluted, chamfered corners and uplifting bracket feet to its undulating drawer fronts this chest has got it all going on.
Some of the skills learned in the Massachusetts Serpentine Chest class are:
- How to mate curved surfaces.
- How to veneer curved drawer fronts
- Making fluted, chamfered corners
- How to select and match grain patterns for the most dramatic effect
Materials are not included in the class fee. Lumber for this project may be purchased through us or on your own and shipped to our shop at least four weeks prior to the class.
Hardware for this project may be purchased through one of the vendors on the resources page.
Each student should supply his, or her, own:
- Safety glasses and hearing protection
- Combination or machinist square
- Bevel gauge
- Bench chisels
- Carvers mallet
- Dovetail saw
- Marking gauge
- Smooth plane or jack plane
- Block plane
- Tape measure or folding rule.
If you do not have the tools on the list, don’t panic, there are plenty of tools for your use in class.
Course Dates:
- August 12 – 16, 2019
- September 16 – 20, 2019
The shop opens at 8:30 am. Class begins at 9:00 am. A delicious lunch, snacks, and soft drinks are provided. Class ends at 4:30 pm – the shop remains open until 5:30 pm.
The class is limited to a maximum of 3 students.
Call or email to be placed on the waiting list if this class sells out.
onehpbmw (verified owner) –
I met Chuck at The Woodworking Show in January. We chatted for a while, and I went home and looked at this website. When I saw the Massachusetts Serpentine Chest, I fell in love with the piece. Although my taste tends toward MCM and newer, this chest was the most beautiful piece of furniture I’d ever seen, and I wanted to build one of my own.
I am relatively new to woodworking. I took my first class in 2014 elsewhere as a means of filling my days and ended up enrolling in what amounted to full-time community college woodworking classes for the next two years. Prior to that time, I’d never so much as turned on a table saw, and thought a router was a computer networking device. I wasn’t sure I’d be up to so complex a project, but Chuck assured me I would be all right.
As advertised, there were only three of us in class. The instruction was first rate as were the lunches. In my previous school, I had taken (and dropped it in week 14 of 16) a hand tool joinery class. I dropped it due to frustration in being unable to complete a single satisfactory dovetail. In less than 90 minutes, Chuck not only had me cutting decent dovetails (both through and half-blind) but had me wanting to go home to practice. After the other class, I had vowed I’d never attempt that joint again, ever. Following this class, I went home, dug out my hand tools, and have been making dovetailed boxes for practice.
I would definitely take another class from Chuck.
Mark Rainey (verified owner) –
Exceptional class! A thoroughly enjoyable experience. Chuck is an expert craftsman and instructor. The small class size is ideal for learning, Chuck was always available for questions and advice. Although some of the techniques were advanced, Chuck always kept the atmosphere relaxed and comfortable. What a fun week!
wdoerpholz (verified owner) –
The class and the instruction were outstanding! Chuck is a great teacher who never tires of answering questions. I’ve learned more new skills by just attending this classs that I ever though I would. In one word the project is awesome! Truly a heriloom piece of furniture that will be in my family for generations. I will certainly take additional classes with Chuck as he is able to move me to more challenging woodworking and furniture projects. A great shop with world class tools to learn with.
johndimar888 (verified owner) –
Terrific class. Chuck is a patient teacher . I was hesitant about taking this class as I’m just an average woodworker but the atmosphere is relaxed and Chuck is right there to guide you if you are not sure about a technique.
I would highly recommend taking a class at Chuck’s school.
Oh and the lunches really are delicious.