5212 Pulaski Ave.
Philadelphia, Pa. 19144
215-849-5174
Philadelphia Furniture Workshop




Shop Shot Action 1

Woodworking School,
Furniture Making Courses

Welcome to Philadelphia Furniture Workshop, a full service woodworking teaching studio for those interested in woodworking. PFW's goal is to provide a broad range of hands-on classes for woodworkers of all levels, including beginners. Throughout the year, courses are offered on weekends and in the evenings. In the summer, PFW offers week-long project based courses targeted to differing skill levels. Come work in one of the finest shops while learning both beginning and advanced skills.

Current woodworking instruction tends to primarily focus on either machine work or hand work, and many woodworkers tend to embrace either one or the other at the beginning. This singular approach can limit the scope of one’s work, and one might never develop his full creative potential. Here at PFW our goal is to open doors for our students, not close them. We believe that the most enjoyable and successful woodworking is achieved by striking a balance. We teach the use of machinery and power tools for the preparatory and mechanical aspects of a project in order to achieve the best results in a safe and efficient manner, and then turn to hand tools and other traditional techniques. It is these hand tool methods that permit the distinctive details and refinements which will elevate your project from the common to the outstanding.

So no matter your skill level, interest, or direction as a woodworker, the Philadelphia Furniture Workshop has much to offer. Come join us and learn furniture making and woodworking skills in a supportive and invigorating studio environment.


Winter Woodworking Courses to Develop Your Woodworking Techniques

Attend a workshop or seminar at PFW Woodworking and Furniture Making School and pick up a ton of helpful shop tips. Here's what's on schedule for the Winter woodworkung seminars and furniture making courses.

woodworking techniques at PFW Furniture Making SchoolBasic Sharpening -- Working with handtools is satisfying and quiet, but only if they are truly sharp.  Learn to sharpen edge tools quickly and accurately in this one day class.  Monday and Tuesday evenings, December 7-8, or Saturday, January 9, 2010.

Planecraft -- A really good woodworker can dial in a really good tablesaw to rip within about 1/100th of an inch.  But for a close fit, a hand plane will easily shave only 1/1000th of an inch.  Learn how to use this most accurate of woodworking tools.  Sunday, January 10, 2010.

Woodworking Machinery Basics-- In two busy, hands-on evenings, learn to safely operate the principal stationary woodworking machines.  Monday and Tuesday evenings, Jan. 11 and 12.  Full

3-Legged Stool -- A great project and a chance to learn spindle turning. This is an introduction to turning which would be a good way to discover if the more ambitious Windsor Chair course is for you. Saturday through Monday, January 16-18.

Router Basics I, II and III -- Running in January and early February, on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, are our three part course in the router.  We take you from square one, to more advanced techniques, and cover both the router as a hand -held tool and its use on a router table. Jan. 12-13 (No. I), Jan. 26-27 (No. II), and Feb. 9-10 (No. III).

Hepplewhite Butler's Chest -- Build this beautiful piece in traditional mahogany by working with PFW one weekend a month for 6 months.  The Hand Cut Dovetails course is strongly recommended as a prerequisite.  Starting the weekend of Jan. 23, 2010.  Full

Make a Fine Drawer -- No machine cut dovetails or router bit work in this course.  Instead, learn to build and fit a drawer appropriate for a serious case piece.  Think Philadelphia Highboy, not Ikea.  Feb. 6-7, 2010

In February, for the Presidents Day weekend, PFW is offering the Tilt-Top Candlestand.  Spend a busy three days creating an heirloom piece of furniture which will be the envy of your friends and family.  Feb. 14-16, 2010