Required prior to taking any other woodworking classes and using Open Shop hours.

Shop Safety is an introduction to the woodworking shop. It covers how to safely operate several user-friendly tools and teaches best practices for working in a community shop.

Prerequisite - none!

Tools Used - miter saw, bandsaw, scroll saw, drill press

This class teaches you how to turn rough sawn lumber into useable boards. It's one of the first building blocks of woodworking. We focus on how to choose wood, where to get it locally, and how each machine can help you prep wood for your projects. Also, get in-depth instruction on how to use the table saw, planer, and jointer. Completion of this class grants you access to use these machines during Open Shop.

Prerequisite - Shop Safety

Tools Used - table saw, jointer, planer

This class will show you how to join wood using glue, screws, pocket screws, dowels, and plugs. It covers a wide variety of methods, both aesthetic and structural, from the basics of pre-drilling and countersinking for screws to more complex jigs and joinery.

Prerequisite - Shop Safety (Woodworking I is NOT required)

Tools Used - drill, clamps, handsaw, chisel, plug and dowel jig, pocket screw jig

Two sessions!

Design a solid butcher block style coffee table using reclaimed lumber and hairpin legs. The first session covers milling and lamination. The second session covers routing, sanding, finishing, and attaching the legs. This versatile process is applicable to many other woodworking projects from smaller cutting boards to larger tabletops.

This class also prepares participants to use the jointer, planer, table saw, and router tables at Open Shop.

Prerequisite – Shop Safety

Tools Used – miter saw, table saw, planer, hand routers, palm sanders, drills

Two sessions!

Using various hardwoods you will learn to laminate, plane, rout, and sand a cutting board of your design. Learn the best practices for prepping and gluing. You'll finish the class with a professional project made by you!

This class also certifies participants to use the Jointer, Planer, Table Saw, and Router Tables at our Open Shop.

Prerequisite - Shop Safety

Tools Used - table saw, planer, jointer, router table, palm sander

Find your form – whether it's a spoon, spatula, wooden knife, or magic wand – while learning the tools that are best for sculpting and shaping. This class offers a great introduction to the bench sanders and an array of carving tools, plus tips for using the bandsaw to rough out compound curves. Wooden tools are fun to make and fun to use!

Prerequisite - Shop Safety

Tools Used - bandsaw, bench sanders, rasps, chisels, files

Learn to make a classic mitered picture frame. Starting with standard rectangular stock, you'll cut a simple angled profile for the front and a recess for glass on the back. Then use the miter saw to cut the corners, and add glue and brad nails for strength. All materials are provided to make one 11" x 14" frame with glass, backing, and D-rings for hanging.

Taking this class certifies you to use the table saw during Open Shop!

Prerequisite - Shop Safety (Woodworking I is recommended but not required)

Tools Used - table saw, miter saw, nail gun

From basic joinery to decorative edges, a router is useful for so many things. We'll discuss router bits, accessories, and jigs that can help make a custom project easier. Also, when is it best to use a hand router versus a router table? Work through all the basics and leave with a nice tray!

This class will show you how to design, cut, and assemble a sculptural and functional box using the bandsaw. It will cover box construction techniques, bandsaw operation, and options for embellishing and finishing your box. Students will create a small box with a drawer and receive guidance and inspiration for painting and finishing. Accessible to makers of all experience levels, this class provides the foundational understanding for experimenting with this versatile form.

Prerequisite - Shop Safety

Tools used - Bandsaw, clamps, sanders

Have you taken Shop Safety at the Tool Library but you need another go at the machines to refresh your knowledge? Our Serving Boards class is a great way to practice your skills and gain practical experience on the tools that you may have forgotten how to use. In this class, students make a hardwood serving board of their own design. Students will practice layout and cut planning while learning how to properly sand and finish their boards so they are ready to be used after leaving class.

This class will show you how to design, cut, and assemble a sculptural and functional box using the bandsaw. It will cover box construction techniques, bandsaw operation, and options for embellishing and finishing your box. Students will create a small box with a drawer and receive guidance and inspiration for painting and finishing. Accessible to makers of all experience levels, this class provides the foundational understanding for experimenting with this versatile form.

*Class time: 12 hours (four 3-hour sessions)

Make a custom chef's knife from start to finish. Begin by drawing out your profile using one of our templates or your own design. Cut it out of 1095 steel and take it through a couple of rounds of stock removal and heat treating. Then attach the wood of your choice and form the handle. These are amazing custom tools you can use every day and it will be the sharpest knife in your kitchen!

Prerequisite - NONE

A sharp knife is a safe knife and makes cooking way more fun! Sharpen your skills and your kitchen knives in this sharpening basics class. Students will learn multiple methods of sharpening and honing a knife's edge as well as some general rules of thumb in knife maintenance. Students are encouraged to bring up to 5 knives they would like to sharpen to class -no serrated knives please!

Prerequisite – NONE!

Tools Used – Whetstones, strop, honing rod, belt sanders

Learn the basics of bicycle maintenance from our friends at Baltimore Bicycle Works (BBW). The first half of this class covers the anatomy of the bicycle, guidance on how to inspect your bike before riding and hands-on practice cleaning and oiling your chain. In addition to learning about common roadside fixes, we will spend the last portion of our time together practicing the most infamous bike repair, fixing a flat tire. You will leave this class with a deeper understanding of how your bike works, how to diagnose a potential problem, and how to care for your two-wheeled beauty for smooth riding. This class is hosted at the Tool Library in partnership with BBW instructors. Bring a bike with you to class so that you can actively work on your own bike (or a friend’s)!

Prerequisite: NONE

Tools used: Bike stand, tire levers, chain checkers, pumps

Learn how to diagnose and fix common mechanical bicycle brake ailments from our friends at Baltimore Bicycle Works (BBW). The first third of this class covers bicycle brake theory and anatomy of the various brake systems, while the second portion will provide hands-on instruction and practice covering how to adjust your brakes, as well as how to replace high-wear brake items like pads, cables and housing. You will leave this class with a deeper understanding of how your brakes work, how to diagnose a potential problem, and how to do routine maintenance to ensure your bike is stopping when you need it to. This class is hosted at the Tool Library in partnership with BBW instructors. Bring a bike with you to class so that you can actively work on your own bike (or a friend’s)!

Please note that this class does not cover hydraulic brake systems or coaster brakes. Due to the wide variety of brake pad options, students will be required to provide their own replacement pads. Students of the class will receive a 10% discount on brake pads and tools from Baltimore Bicycle Works, and can receive guidance on the parts they may need from the workers there.

Learn how to diagnose and fix common mechanical bicycle brake ailments from our friends at Baltimore Bicycle Works (BBW). The first third of this class covers bicycle shifter/derailleur theory and anatomy of the various shifting systems, while the second portion will provide hands-on instruction and practice covering how to adjust your front and rear derailleurs, as well as how to replace high-wear items like cables and housing. You will leave this class with a deeper understanding of how your shifting system works, how to diagnose a potential problem, and how to do routine maintenance to ensure your bike is changing gears when you need it to. This class is hosted at the Tool Library in partnership with BBW instructors. Bring a bike with you to class so that you can actively work on your own bike (or a friend’s)! 

Please note that proprietary cables for internally geared hub systems will not be provided by SNTL. If your bike utilizes an internally geared hub, please visit Baltimore Bicycle Works prior to the class, where students will receive guidance on the parts they may need from the workers there, as well as a 10% discount on any relevant parts purchased.

Old house “uh-oh’s” and common electrical upgrades that anyone can safely perform!

Learn:

• How home electrical systems work

• About your breaker box

• How to change: fixtures, receptacles, and switches

• Common problems in old houses and what to do

• When to call a pro and how much that should cost

Hands-On:

• Practice your wiring and safety skills on our mock-up circuit. Flip the switch to test your work.

There are plenty of plumbing jobs that you can tackle on your own with a little guidance and tools from the library!

Learn:

• About home plumbing systems - where does the water comes from and how does it leave?

• Tools needed and where to find them in the library

• Materials you will encounter and the types of plumbing connections

Hands-On:

• Cutting different kinds of pipe

• Using “Shark bites”

• Making solvent welds

• Changing faucets, drains, cut off valves, and toilets!

Learn everything you need to plan and execute any tiling project - from bathrooms to kitchens and beyond!

Learn:

• How to plan your project (surface prep, tile layout, material options, shopping list)

• Tools needed and where to find them in the library

• Pro tips for running smooth caulk beads

Hands-On:

• Practice cutting cement board

• Practice using tile cutters, saws, and nippers

• Execute a “mini-project” in class!

Pro tips to improve and maintain your home!

Learn:

• When and how to use drills, impact drivers, and hammer-drills effectively. Get hands-on practice drilling into wood, drywall and masonry.

• How to use different types of anchors to securely hang objects on a wall.

• When and how to use a jigsaw and circular saw

• Learn safe use of the miter (chop) saw

• Learn how to use our compressors and pneumatic nailers to secure joints.

• How to identify and effectively use different types of screw and hardware in a project.

Course handouts include:

• Home Care Calendar with month-to-month maintenance reminders

• Consumer Home Inspection Kit

• Power Tools reminders and best practices

Painting is a cheap and fast way to drastically change your space, but it often includes repairing drywall, caulking joints, filling holes, hiding stains, cutting in trim, and priming the surface.

Learn:

• Safety measures when lead paint is present

• How to prepare wood trim for a smooth finish

• Plaster repair and drywall installation

• Best materials for interior and exterior applications

Hands-On:

• Practice with plaster, paint, caulk, wood fill, and a variety of rollers, brushes, and knives

Come learn how to make dipped beeswax candles! We will go over the basics of how to handle and care for beeswax, prepare wicks for dipping, and the general techniques on how to build up the body of the candle. Dipped candles differ from poured candles in that the beeswax is layered over and over upon itself to create a stronger structure, similar to the growth of a tree in rings. In addition to process and technique, we will learn a bit about the history of candles, our human relationship to bees, and the uses of beeswax. We’ll focus on building tall tapers and twisted candles. Please come with your favorite candle stick holders, if you are making candles to fit specific holders, so you can get the diameter of your candles just right. Also, consider wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy and closed toed shoes! All materials are provided.

Prerequisite - none!

Tools Used - hot plates, wax pourers.

This class will sweep you off of your feet! Learn several foundational broom tying techniques to make two small hand brooms with broom corn: a whisk broom and Appalachian style broom.

Find your favorite new hobby with easy to learn techniques and adaptable materials! These brooms make great gifts or functional tools in your cleaning arsenal!

Prerequisites: NONE

Print your own designs using an age-old technique of carving away a material to create a stamp! Linoleum is a fun and easy material to carve that allows you to quickly make multiple prints! In class, students will learn how to transfer drawings to their 4"x6" linoleum block and carve the block to practice printing using water-based inks. No drawing skills necessary, there will be tracing options available, but students are encouraged to bring in their own designs.

Leave class with your own custom stamp, prints, and the skills to create more works of art that make great gifts, cards, wall hangings, wrapping paper, and much more!

Prerequisite - None!

Tools Used - Linoleum carvers

In this class, students will make cyanotype prints of botanical compositions from natural materials. A cyanotype is a primitive photographic process that produces deep blue images after being exposed with the light of the sun. Students will meet at the Tool Library to learn the basics of cyanotype printing and how to prepare paper for printing. We'll walk together across the street to Barclay/Oliver gardens to collect materials to print with and expose our designs. Back at the Tool Library we will rinse and process our prints. Students will leave with their completed prints, additional prepared cyanotype paper, and the knowledge and abilities to create more prints at home. This is a family-friendly class and we encourage you to enroll with kids (but please email classes@toollibrary.org to correctly enroll multiple seats). Please note that all children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

*Due to the outdoor nature of this class, students should take note that the rain date for this class is the next day (Sunday), weather permitting. Emails will be sent out prior to class to communicate a rain date situation.

Learn how to make 3 products to care for your bod: Body butter, Shower steamers, and Bubbling Bath truffles! All products are made with naturally derived- preservative free ingredients and utilize essential oils to give you an aromatherapy boost! You will leave class with enough products to share with your loved ones + extremely moisturized!

Class time: 2 hours

Using Sodium Hydroxide (lye) and fixed oils, learn the basics of cold process soap making. We'll go over vocabulary, an easy way to adapt soaping formula, and how to make soap with two different bases: water and coconut milk. Get creative experimenting with natural & synthetic colorants, essential oils, exfoliating mix-ins, and topping decorations. You'll go home with about a pound of your own high-quality handmade soap!

Prerequisite - none!

Tools Used - scales, blenders, molds

Learn to naturally dye a silk handkerchief using an approachable method called bundle dying! Using a variety of dried flowers, roots, bark, and even bugs, students will print natural materials onto silk by rolling, tying, and steaming bundles of their own design.

Leave with your very own silk piece and the skills to start dyeing on your own.

Prerequisite - NONE

Materials (all provided) - silk, natural materials, alum

Class time - 3 hours

Macrame is the art of knot tying to create intricate wall hangings. This class serves as an introduction to the fiber craft. Students will learn three basic knots that can be utilized in a wide array of macrame projects, and apply them to make a simple decorative and functional plant hanger.

*Plants and pots are NOT provided in this class!

Prerequisite - NONE

Materials provided - Macrame cord, wooden hanging ring

Learn the basics of knitting, including casting on, casting off, knitting, and purling. Lots of hands-on instruction to help you learn the mysterious rhythms behind several of the most useful patterns. You'll learn everything you need to get started. Yarn and needles included, plus you get to take them home and keep practicing!

Prerequisite: NONE

Tools used: knitting needles

In this introductory weaving class, students learn how to set up and weave on a table-top loom. Each person makes a woven cloth the size of a table runner, which can be customized by color and design. After the first class, you'll get to take the loom home to weave on your own. In the second class, we'll look at each other's work and cover finishing.

No previous experience necessary. All materials are provided, but you're welcome to supplement with your own yarn!

The first class (getting the loom setup) is 6 hrs (11 am-5 pm) and the second class is 2 hrs (11 am-1 pm). Please consider brings snacks to keep you going strong!

Prerequisite: NONE

Tools used: table loom, warping board, boat shuttle

In this class students will learn to operate the tool library's sewing machines (which can be borrowed from the library)! Class includes instruction on the anatomy of a sewing machine, how to thread the machine and a bobbin, how to select stitches and stitch settings, identifying different seams and fabric, and how to sew a zipper! With plenty of hands-on practice, we'll cover general troubleshooting and help demystify the machine. After getting some practice on the machine, students will work on creating a zipper pouch to put their new skills to use! This is a great course if you're new to sewing or just looking for a refresher!

Prerequisite - NONE

Tools used - sewing machine

Fundamentals of Machine Stitching facilitated by Kehinde Applewhite is an introduction to machine sewing. This class is meant to teach students self-reliance in the processes of threading their machines, doing rudimentary stitching, and creative problem-solving through the use of experimentation and play. Similar to our Sewing Machine Basics course, this class is great for anyone who is brand new to machine sewing however it focuses more on guided practice time rather than a specific project.

If you have a machine at home that you want to learn on, please feel free to bring it in. We will have student machines available as well.

Prerequisites: NONE

Learn a fun and easy method for making rope baskets with just a sewing machine and cotton clothesline! You'll learn how to thread a sewing machine and use zigzag stitches to make a coiled storage basket, which can be sized up for large baskets too. Once you see how approachable this technique is, you'll be making baskets of all shapes and sizes for everyone you know! No previous sewing experience necessary.

Prerequisite: NONE

Tools used: sewing machine

Sewing your own clothes is so rewarding and fun and sewing from patterns is a great way to dive into the world of garment sewing. In this class, we aim to help you get set up with a plan and the context to understand how to read and decipher sewing patterns so you can feel ready for your first project! This class will cover: 

• How to take your body measurements so you can use them to find the correct size within a pattern

• How to read all the charts on a sewing pattern that help you understand the size you will sew and the amount of fabric you will need for your project

• What to think about when planning a sewing project so you are set up for success

• A bunch of great resources for getting inspired, getting materials, and finding help

• And hands on practice cutting out a pattern so you are ready to start your own projects as well as applicable tips to making sure the garment will fit your body!

If you’ve always wanted to have a garden but you aren’t sure how to start, or if you’ve tried to create one but couldn’t get it to thrive—this class is for you! In the first part of class we’ll learn the principles of urban garden design, what pIants and people need from gardens, and how to work with the opportunities and constraints of gardening in the city—whether that means growing in a few pots on a deck or a driveway, or building out a raised bed garden in a large backyard. Then we’ll get hands-on practice designing a garden for one of several real Baltimore homes. You’ll leave with transferable skills to design your own garden, an awareness of the common mistakes new urban gardeners make, and a list of resources to help you begin. You’ll learn how to work with the city for a productive and pleasant space in which you and your veggies can grow.

Growers start here! If you’re a budding gardener who already has a space to grow in but isn’t sure how to plan for a successful growing season, this class is for you. We’ll cover a year in the life of a vegetable garden: from planning a garden calendar and starting seeds, to planting, harvesting, pest control, fertilization, and more. In class we will answer common gardening questions like.. How do you apply the information on a seed packet to your garden? How do you maximize yield in a small garden space? Is it really possible to grow food year-round in Baltimore? Working with Maryland Extension resources and your instructor’s experience as a professional vegetable gardener, you’ll leave this class with a foundation in the basics of growing your own food in small spaces, and a calendar customized for your own home or community garden space.

If you are ready to start gardening in your space, please come prepared with a layout of your garden so that you can start your garden plan in class! If you are unsure how to create a garden layout, consider taking our Urban Garden Design 101 class!

Discover the secrets of black gold by learning how to create and optimize a compost pile.  This class will give an overview of city solid waste practices, explain the biological processes, introduce compost critters, discuss compost methods and bin types, and entertain uses for finished compost.