Regional Woodworking Hub
BARN’s community woodshop welcomes woodworkers of all skill levels from throughout Puget Sound. With a 1,050-square-foot bench room for hand tool use and a 3,500-square-foot main shop with all major power woodworking tools, there’s no better place to work! Seasoned woodworkers share their knowledge, and all members learn from each other.
The studio offers classes and numerous other ways to get involved. For example, you can grow your skills and support your neighbors by participating in community service projects focused on things like building a park bench, fixing furniture for refugees and building a tiny house for people experiencing homelessness.
Getting Started in the Studio
Woodworking Calendar
- November 11, 2026
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- November 12, 2026
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- November 13, 2026
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- November 14, 2026
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- November 15, 2026
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Orientation to the Woodworking Studio
November 15, 2026 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Woodworking
- November 16, 2026
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- November 17, 2026
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Woodworking Basics: Measurement and Math
November 17, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Woodworking
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Woodworking Basics Certificate Program
For individuals looking for a comprehensive introduction to woodworking, BARN offers a Woodworking Basics Certificate. This program includes fourteen classes and a one-on-one mentorship. As a certificate student, you’ll learn how to use hand and power tools and how to plan your projects. If you’re interested in exploring a career in woodworking or construction, the Woodworking Basics Certificate provides a solid foundation.
General Woodworking
The main shop is a woodworkers’ delight with great lighting, efficient dust collection and amazing tools. The shop offers open studio time for personal projects five days a week. A safety monitor and a shop manager are always on duty, and other woodworkers are usually happy to support a long board, assist with a complicated glue-up or help with other tasks that need more than two hands.
Three single-session certification classes qualify people to participate in open studio and to use woodworking tools such as bandsaws and table saws. A Woodworking Basics series gives novices a solid grounding, and classes from cabinet building to furniture design help woodworkers at all skill levels master new techniques.
Woodturning
Many visitors are enchanted as they watch woodturners spin wood on a lathe and use gouges and other tools to create bowls, tool handles, furniture parts and other pieces.
A structured series of classes takes beginners from Introduction to Woodturning through bowl turning as they qualify for lathe time during open studio. Experienced turners may qualify by scheduling a private check-out session. The Woodturning program also offers an array of project- and skill-oriented classes and a great assortment of tools — including six lathes, one of which is accessible by wheelchair users or others who prefer to sit while turning.
Hand Woodworking & Carving
The bench room features 10 woodworking benches, bright task lights and top-quality hand tools, mostly from Lee Valley and Lie-Nielsen Toolworks, as well as a large assortment of carving tools and carver’s vises, luthier tools and jigs, and Japanese woodworking tools. It’s a mecca for woodworkers who like a quieter environment and appreciate the challenge of building projects with hand tools. Of course, it’s also fine to take wood into the main shop and use power tools for specific cuts.
Classes guide beginners and also challenge seasoned woodworkers. Free sharpening classes cover the protocol for tuning up BARN tools.
Small Boat Building
BARN’s Woodshop has a specific area devoted to small boatbuilding, with large exterior doors and easy access to a belt sander (perfect for shaping fair curves, making bevels, rudders, and daggerboards) and other specialized tools. Kayaks, canoes, and a nutshell pram are just a few of the small crafts that have been built at BARN, projects initiated by members with experience building and piloting small boats.
Open Studio
Work on your own projects 30 hours a week! Learn how to qualify »
FAQ
Learn more about getting started in the Woodworking studio and about our programs in Woodworking FAQ »
Volunteer
Volunteer as a Woodworking Studio monitor or fill another of our many volunteer positions! View opportunities »
Woodworking Studio Resources
Watch informative videos on safe use of the shop’s equipment.
Studio Files and Recordkeeping
Certified shop safety monitor scheduling sign-in
Join our community on BARN Circle
Join our Facebook group
Contact Us
Message us using our form
Woodworking Studio office phone: 206-842-4475 x205
Woodworking Studio Main Phone: 206-842-4475, ext. 230
Paul Kury
Woodworking Studio Lead
Woodworking Studio News
Handwork ’27 Draws Celebrated Instructors
Handwork Week returns to BARN April 12–16, 2027. Immerse yourself in craft, guided by accomplished instructors and surrounded by fellow makers. Renowned instructors include Yuri Kobayashi, Heather Trimlett, Kathy Hattori, Jim Dailing, Reni Gower, Melissa Potter, Dan Webb and Bill and Britt Doran.
Build a Perch for Your Martini
The Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio stays busy heading into the holidays. This month brings a few essential basics classes, a brand-new shop-made jig, and one especially memorable project with our neighbors in Glass Arts. Here’s what’s coming up.
Woodworking Sets Sights on Stringed Instruments
It's October and the Woodworking & Small Boatbuilding Studio is full of opportunities for you to try something you haven’t built before, from hand-cut joinery to your very own ukulele, from wood turning to cabinet hardware, toggle clamp jigs, end tables, and even spoons!
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