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WOODWORKING COURSES & EVENTS

    • Tuesday, January 20, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    WOODSHOP 102 - Advanced Certification

    NOTE: Woodshop 102 is a pre-requisite for any person looking to use the woodshop planer, jointer and re-sawing bandsaw.

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6483707

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date: January 13th 2026 6:00–9:00 PM

    **MOVED TO JANUARY 20th 6-9pm**

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    In this class, you'll learn about working safely in a woodshop environment and how to operate the jointer, planer, and re-saw bandsaw.

    You'll perform various operations to become comfortable and proficient with the safe usage of these tools. 

    We require that students must bring their own safety glasses or they will be available for purchase at the front desk for $5

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use more advanced woodshop machines

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines.

    ✅ Prerequisites

    Woodshop 101 - Basics 

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • A positive Attitude and willingness to learn

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Wednesday, January 21, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N8
    • 1
    Register


    Build a Picture Frame with Ron Farino

    https://www.greybrucemakers.ca/event-6489695

    Cost: $65
    Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026

    *** MOVED TO WEDNEDAY JANUARY 21st***
    Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Workshop: Woodshop


    Course Description

    A well-built picture frame does more than hold art—it elevates it. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of building high-quality wooden picture frames using professional woodworking techniques. Led by experienced woodworker Ron Farino, this class walks you through the full process, from material selection and precise measuring to cutting clean mitres and assembling a strong, square frame.

    Whether you’re framing artwork, photographs, or keepsakes, this course will give you the confidence and skills to produce frames that look polished, intentional, and built to last.


    Key Learnings

    • Selecting appropriate wood for picture frames

    • Accurate measuring and layout for frame construction

    • Cutting clean, tight mitre joints

    • Assembling and clamping frames for strength and squareness

    • Tips for achieving a professional finish


    Prerequisites

    • No prior woodworking experience required

    • Woodshop Orientation is recommended but not mandatory


    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes

    • Comfortable clothing suitable for a workshop environment

    • Tie back long hair and avoid loose jewelry


    What to Bring

    • All tools and materials are provided

    • Participants are welcome to bring a small artwork or photo (optional) for sizing reference


    About Your Instructor

    Ron Farino is a skilled woodworker with years of hands-on experience crafting furniture and fine woodworking projects. Known for his practical approach and attention to detail, Ron enjoys helping others build confidence in the shop while learning techniques they can apply to their own creative projects.

    • Thursday, January 22, 2026
    • 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E Owen Sound, ON N4K 5N8
    • 0
    Registration is closed


    Build a Picture Frame with Ron Farino

    https://www.greybrucemakers.ca/event-6489719

    Cost: $65
    Date: Thursday, January 22, 2026
    Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Workshop: Woodshop


    Course Description

    A well-built picture frame does more than hold art—it elevates it. In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of building high-quality wooden picture frames using professional woodworking techniques. Led by experienced woodworker Ron Farino, this class walks you through the full process, from material selection and precise measuring to cutting clean mitres and assembling a strong, square frame.

    Whether you’re framing artwork, photographs, or keepsakes, this course will give you the confidence and skills to produce frames that look polished, intentional, and built to last.


    Key Learnings

    • Selecting appropriate wood for picture frames

    • Accurate measuring and layout for frame construction

    • Cutting clean, tight mitre joints

    • Assembling and clamping frames for strength and squareness

    • Tips for achieving a professional finish


    Prerequisites

    • No prior woodworking experience required

    • Woodshop Orientation is recommended but not mandatory


    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes

    • Comfortable clothing suitable for a workshop environment

    • Tie back long hair and avoid loose jewelry


    What to Bring

    • All tools and materials are provided

    • Participants are welcome to bring a small artwork or photo (optional) for sizing reference


    About Your Instructor

    Ron Farino is a skilled woodworker with years of hands-on experience crafting furniture and fine woodworking projects. Known for his practical approach and attention to detail, Ron enjoys helping others build confidence in the shop while learning techniques they can apply to their own creative projects.

    • Saturday, January 24, 2026
    • 2:15 PM - 5:15 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 4
    Register

    WOODSHOP 102 - Advanced Certification

    NOTE: Woodshop 102 is a pre-requisite for any person looking to use the woodshop planer, jointer and re-sawing bandsaw.

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6523605

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date:  Saturday, January 24th 2:15pm-5:15pm

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    In this class, you'll learn about working safely in a woodshop environment and how to operate the jointer, planer, and re-saw bandsaw.

    You'll perform various operations to become comfortable and proficient with the safe usage of these tools. 

    We require that students must bring their own safety glasses or they will be available for purchase at the front desk for $5

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use more advanced woodshop machines

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines.

    ✅ Prerequisites

    Woodshop 101 - Basics 

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • A positive Attitude and willingness to learn

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Wednesday, January 28, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E, Owen Sound, ON


    Monthly Woodworking Meet-Up

    Every 4th Wednesday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Grey Bruce Makers Woodshop

    Join us for a casual, skill-building evening in the woodshop! Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this monthly meet-up is all about sharing knowledge, swapping tips, and building a creative woodworking community.

    Meet-up content

    Tool Demonstrations – Learn how to get the most out of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
    Techniques & Tips – Explore joinery, finishing, sharpening, and more.
    Project Advice – Bring your ideas or in-progress work and get feedback, support, and inspiration.

    No pressure, just woodworkers helping woodworkers.

    All skill levels welcome.
    FREE  | Drop-in friendly.

    Come for the sawdust. Stay for the community.


    • Tuesday, February 10, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 2
    Register


    WOODSHOP 101 - Basics Certification

    NOTE: Woodshop 101 is a pre-requisite for any person looking to use the woodshop no matter the skill or experience level.

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6485890

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date: Feb 10th 2026 6:00–9:00 PM

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    Woodshop 101 covers the safe operation of the core tools in the Grey Bruce Makers woodshop. Members must take this orientation before using the woodshop.

    The tools covered in this class include the chop saw, table saw, small bandsaw, table router, drill press, and smaller hand tools. 

    Students will learn basic tool operation and safety but will not complete a project during this class.

    Prior experience is not necessary but may be helpful. This orientation is also a precursor to our Woodshop 102, Table Saw 101, and Lathe classes.

    We require that students must bring their own safety glasses or they will be available for purchase at the front desk for $5

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use common woodshop tools

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Read and follow project plans and tool setups

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines.

    ✅ Prerequisites

    None — this is a CORE introductory course.

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • A positive Attitude and willingness to learn

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Wednesday, February 11, 2026
    • Wednesday, March 18, 2026
    • 6 sessions
    Register


    Women Woodworking Wednesdays

    A supportive, skill-building hands-on woodworking workshop for all women

    https://www.greybrucemakers.ca/event-6508001

    DATES: Wednesdays, February 11th, 18th, 25th, March 4th, 11th, 18th 2026

    TIME: 10am-2pm

    COST: $250 plus HST. Includes basic material costs. Project scope may require more materials covered by participant.

    Overview

    Women Woodworking Wednesdays is a hands-on, empowering, woodworking program designed by intention, not intimidation. Over six Wednesday mornings, participants will design and build a personal woodworking project of their choice, guided every step of the way by professional instruction in a supportive, women-centered environment.

    This is a space to learn, ask questions, make mistakes, build skills, and leave with something real—both in your hands and in your confidence. Create and build projects that are accessible.

    No pressure. No posturing. Just solid skills, good tools, and great support.

    Purpose & Intention

    This program focuses on:

    • Building confidence in the woodshop

    • Developing foundational woodworking skills

    • Creating a safe, welcoming environment to learn and practice at your own pace

    • Supporting women to move from “I’ve always wanted to try” to “I can do this”

    Whether you’re brand new to woodworking or ready to deepen your skills, this course meets you where you are.

    What You’ll Do

    Participants will:

    • Learn and develop shop safety and best practices

    • Practice and operate safely hand tools, power tools, and stationary machines

    • Design and plan a personal woodworking project

    • Work through the full build process—from idea, design, to a complete finished piece.

    • Practice clean, organized, and respectful shop habits

    • Collaborate, learn together, and celebrate progress

    Course Flow (Week-by-Week Skills Progression)

    Welcome to the Shop

    • Introductions & program orientation

    • Shop guidelines & culture

    • Personal safety and safe work habits

    • Introduction to the woodshop and tools

    Tools & Confidence

    • Safe operation of hand tools and power tools

    • Understanding stationary machines

    • Hands-on tool practice

    Design Your Project

    • Project idea development

    • Materials selection

    • Creating drawings to scale

    • Developing a cutting list

    Build Begins

    • Machine work & breakout sessions

    • Machining and shaping parts

    • Ongoing instruction and support

    Assembly & Sanding

    • Joinery and assembly techniques

    • Sanding for strength and finish quality

    Finish & Celebrate

    • Finishing techniques

    • Final assembly

    • Group clean-up and shop reset

    • Share your finished project and celebrate your work

    Core Skills & Competencies

    By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

    • Identify and practice personal safety in a woodshop

    • Safely operate:

      • Portable hand tools

      • Portable power tools

      • Stationary woodworking machines

    • Maintain clean, organized workstations

    • Read drawings and follow a cutting list

    • Work independently and confidently in a shared shop space

    • Participate in respectful group clean-up and shop care

    Who This Is For

    Women who:

    • Have always wanted to try woodworking

    • Want hands-on experience with real tools

    • Prefer a supportive, collaborative learning environment

    • Want to leave with a finished project and real skills

    No previous woodworking experience required.

    Why This Works

    • Small group (max 6 participants)

    • Consistent weekly time = real progress

    • Project-based learning = meaningful outcomes

    • Professional instruction + peer support = confidence that sticks


    • Thursday, February 12, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 0
    Registration is closed

    WOODSHOP 102 - Advanced Certification

    NOTE: Woodshop 102 is a pre-requisite for any person looking to use the woodshop planer, jointer and re-sawing bandsaw.

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6485900

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date: Feb 12th 2026 6:00–9:00 PM

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    In this class, you'll learn about working safely in a woodshop environment and how to operate the jointer, planer, and re-saw bandsaw.

    You'll perform various operations to become comfortable and proficient with the safe usage of these tools. 

    We require that students must bring their own safety glasses or they will be available for purchase at the front desk for $5

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use more advanced woodshop machines

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines.

    ✅ Prerequisites

    Woodshop 101 - Basics 

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • A positive Attitude and willingness to learn

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Wednesday, February 25, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E, Owen Sound, ON


    Monthly Woodworking Meet-Up

    Every 4th Wednesday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Grey Bruce Makers Woodshop

    Join us for a casual, skill-building evening in the woodshop! Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this monthly meet-up is all about sharing knowledge, swapping tips, and building a creative woodworking community.

    Meet-up content

    Tool Demonstrations – Learn how to get the most out of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
    Techniques & Tips – Explore joinery, finishing, sharpening, and more.
    Project Advice – Bring your ideas or in-progress work and get feedback, support, and inspiration.

    No pressure, just woodworkers helping woodworkers.

    All skill levels welcome.
    FREE  | Drop-in friendly.

    Come for the sawdust. Stay for the community.


    • Tuesday, March 10, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 6
    Register


    WOODSHOP 101 - Basics Certification

    NOTE: Woodshop 101 is a pre-requisite for any person looking to use the woodshop no matter the skill or experience level.

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6485890

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date: March 10th 2026 6:00–9:00 PM

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    Woodshop 101 covers the safe operation of the core tools in the Grey Bruce Makers woodshop. Members must take this orientation before using the woodshop.

    The tools covered in this class include the chop saw, table saw, small bandsaw, table router, drill press, and smaller hand tools. 

    Students will learn basic tool operation and safety but will not complete a project during this class.

    Prior experience is not necessary but may be helpful. This orientation is also a precursor to our Woodshop 102, Table Saw 101, and Lathe classes.

    We require that students must bring their own safety glasses or they will be available for purchase at the front desk for $5

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use common woodshop tools

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Read and follow project plans and tool setups

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines.

    ✅ Prerequisites

    None — this is a CORE introductory course.

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • A positive Attitude and willingness to learn

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Thursday, March 12, 2026
    • 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street East Owen Sound, ON
    • 6
    Register

    WOODSHOP 102 - Advanced Certification

    NOTE: Woodshop 102 is a pre-requisite for any person looking to use the woodshop planer, jointer and re-sawing bandsaw.

    https://greybrucemakers.ca/event-6485907

    Cost: $65 + HST
    Date: March 12th 2026 6:00–9:00 PM

    Workshop: Woodshop
    Maximum Participants: 6

    Course Description

    In this class, you'll learn about working safely in a woodshop environment and how to operate the jointer, planer, and re-saw bandsaw.

    You'll perform various operations to become comfortable and proficient with the safe usage of these tools. 

    We require that students must bring their own safety glasses or they will be available for purchase at the front desk for $5

    Key Learnings

    • Learn how to safely and effectively use more advanced woodshop machines

    • Practice basic joinery, shaping, and assembly techniques

    • Understand the purpose and safe handling of key machines.

    ✅ Prerequisites

    Woodshop 101 - Basics 

    What to Wear

    • Closed-toe shoes (steel-toe preferred)

    • No loose clothing or jewelry

    • Safety glasses (bring your own or use a provided pair)

    • Hair tied back

    What to Bring

    • Safety glasses

    • Notebook and pen

    • Water bottle

    • A positive Attitude and willingness to learn

    ‍ About Your Instructor

    Will Elliot has nearly 30 years of experience in the wood furniture manufacturing industry — and even more as a passionate self-taught woodworker. Having grown up in a hardware store, tools have always been a natural part of his life. Will brings patience, clarity, and a back-to-basics teaching approach to the shop. His goal is to help every student feel confident, safe, and inspired to keep building.

    • Wednesday, March 25, 2026
    • 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    • 1130 8th Street E, Owen Sound, ON


    Monthly Woodworking Meet-Up

    Every 4th Wednesday | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Grey Bruce Makers Woodshop

    Join us for a casual, skill-building evening in the woodshop! Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this monthly meet-up is all about sharing knowledge, swapping tips, and building a creative woodworking community.

    Meet-up content

    Tool Demonstrations – Learn how to get the most out of hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment.
    Techniques & Tips – Explore joinery, finishing, sharpening, and more.
    Project Advice – Bring your ideas or in-progress work and get feedback, support, and inspiration.

    No pressure, just woodworkers helping woodworkers.

    All skill levels welcome.
    FREE  | Drop-in friendly.

    Come for the sawdust. Stay for the community.


Past events

Saturday, January 17, 2026 Woodshop 101 - Basics Certification Jan 17th
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Woodshop 101 - Basics Certification Jan 13th
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Cutting Boards w/ Will Elliot
Tuesday, November 18, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Wooden Reindeer w/ Will Elliot
Tuesday, October 28, 2025 MAKE WOODEN PUB GAMES w/ Will Elliot Oct 28th & 30th
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 WOODWORKING MEET-UP 4th Wednesday
Wednesday, August 27, 2025 WOODWORKING MEET-UP Aug 27th
Tuesday, August 26, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - ADIRONDACK CHAIR w/ Will Elliot 26th & 28th
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - CUTTING BOARDS w/ Will Elliot 12th &14th
Tuesday, July 22, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Wood Picture Frame
Wednesday, July 09, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Raised Planter Box
Wednesday, June 11, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Decorative Box
Wednesday, April 02, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - April 2nd Evening
Wednesday, April 02, 2025 REACH ELECTIVES - Bird House
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - DAYTIME MARCH 26th
Wednesday, March 12, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - DAYTIME MARCH 12th
Wednesday, March 05, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - EVENING MARCH 5th
Tuesday, February 25, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Finger Jointed Box
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - EVENING FEB 19th
Wednesday, February 12, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - DAYTIME FEB 12th
Wednesday, February 05, 2025 GBM Woodshop Orientation - EVENING FEB 5th
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 LEARN WOODWORKING - Charcuterie Board and Tray
Thursday, December 19, 2024 Introduction To The GBM Woodshop (Part 2) DAYTIME - December 19th
Thursday, December 12, 2024 Introduction To The GBM Woodshop (Part 1) DAYTIME - December 12th
Wednesday, October 30, 2024 Introduction To The GBM Woodshop (Part 2) October 30th
Wednesday, September 04, 2024 Introduction To The GBM Woodshop (Part 1) _ Sept 4th
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Introduction To The GBM Woodshop (Part 2)
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 Introduction To The GBM Woodshop (Part 1) _ July 10th


Grey Bruce Makers is a not-for-profit organization supported by membership fees, course fees, sponsorships and donations. We are a proud regional centre for creativity and community.

Executive Director

Dan Herrick

226-974-7399

info@greybrucemakers.ca

1130 8th Street East, Owen Sound, ON
N4K 5N8
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