This short but fun and informational class will guide students through making a unique pair of chopsticks with the use of traditional Japanese woodworking tools. Students will be led in refining a piece of locally sourced hardwoods into a purposeful, everyday tool. Maple and walnut blanks will be available to choose from. Participants can size the chopsticks with their needs and preferences in mind, and choose between square or rounded edges. In the end, each student will take home a custom pair of chopsticks and a wood conditioner containing beeswax, mineral oil, and vitamin E to maintain the health of their finished piece(s).
No woodworking experience is needed - come as you are! Students will leave with an understanding and safety training on the following:
- Lumber (species, selection, handling)
- Hand Saw
- Kanna / Hand Planes
- Applying finish
- Maintenance and care of finished chopsticks
Structure: This class will involve one 2-hour group session. Bathrooms and beverages are available on premises. All supplies provided by HackPGH.
Safety requirements: Closed-toed shoes must be worn, long sleeves and pants recommended. Avoid wearing baggy clothes and dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair! Instructor will go over PPE (personal protective equipment), but safety glasses must be worn when working in the woodshop. Earplugs/ recommended when using loud machinery. Masks/respirators will be provided and strongly encouraged for use during dusty tasks. All safety equipment is provided, but feel free to bring your own selection of PPE if you have it.
Date/Time: Two weeknight sessions are available this month.
This class will be on: Thursday, December 5th from 7:00pm-9:00pm**As the dates are close together, please make sure you have registered for the date that best fits your schedule!
Instructor: Cass Griger
Class Size: 4 people max
Age Requirement: Must be 13+ (minors must be accompanied by an adult)
Cost: $30 for non-members, $25 for HackPGH members. If only accompanying a minor and not participating, cost is waived. Want to take this class, but need low-income assistance? Please reach out privately to HackPGH’s Board President to discuss.
Note: No-shows will not be refunded. Please contact HackPGH if you need to cancel within 48 hours of the class date.
Interested in becoming a member? Feel free to ask the instructor about HackPGH's standard shop tour and orientation, which covers logistics pertaining to the space and access to a special discount!
About our instructor: Cass (she/her) has been woodworking for nearly 8 years. Coming from humble, low-income beginnings, she found woodworking as a way to claim her confidence living independently and in style without breaking the bank. Cass is devoted to helping others expand their skills in all things wood and household DIY on a budget. She feels woodworking teaches us great lessons in patience, an appreciation for nature, and a deep love for the belief in ourselves to conquer difficult and fearful obstacles. Moreover, it’s a beautiful thing to fill our spaces with creative, functional expressions that free our soul and spirit. To follow Cass, you can find her on Instagram here!
