Contemporary Dining Chair Class
QUICK LINKS: Epic Store • Classes
Questions? Click green square for more
DAILY SCHEDULE
Subject to change
What is the daily schedule like?
- 8:30 AM*: Doors open for free coffee and homemade baked goods
- 9:00 AM: Class begins (on the first day however, please be here to get settled by 8:45 AM)
- 12:00 PM: Break for lunch around this time, depending on where we are in the material – might be a little before, but be a tad after noon
- 5:00 PM†: Formal teaching is over for the day and we head on home after a solid day in the shop
* Between the hours of 8:30-9:00 AM the shop will be open for anyone desiring to work on their project, or practice their techniques. Please note that the machinery will not be available for use during these hours.
† The last day of a big project week is often a later ending time depending on how the projects have progressed through the week. Please plan accordingly.
YOUR EXPERIENCE INCLUDES
- 5 days in the shop, with Tom* alongside each step of the way
- You’re 1 of 6 participants for near personal access to Tom*
- Materials included for the Class experience
- Tasty lunches and desserts provided daily
- Morning goodies made by the Camera lady
- Coffee, tea and other beverages available all day
- Custom handmade Pizza for dinner Thursday
- Stick around and enjoy the live filming of Shop Night Live
- Time in the woods – trails to wander and places to relax
- New skills learned, friends made, and memories banked
* If you’re taking a Class with one of our Guest Instructors, this applies to your experience with them. When Tom is not teaching, he will be around in the morning, for lunches and here and there throughout the day.
DETAILS and LOGISTICS
What kinds of tools and supplies do I need to bring with me?
The Tools and Supplies Lists for each Class are available here: epicwoodworking.com/tools.
How will lunch be handled, should I bring my own snacks?
Your registration includes lunch each day. As the class start date draws near, we will be in touch with you regarding choice options for each day. We will work with you should you have special dietary needs.
Can I bring a friend, my spouse/family?
Although your class registration only reserves a space for you in the shop experience, we welcome spouses/partners to join us for the homemade pizza dinner on Thursday night and to share in the Shop Night Live experience at 8 pm ET.
It’s a great idea to combine a trip here with an extended vacation with your friends/family. The beautiful state of NH has so much to offer. Though your class participation will keep you occupied for the day, there are evening and weekend experiences you can enjoy with loved ones.
What is there to do in NH?
We are about an hour from everything including the coast, the mountains, and Boston. There are countless places to hike, bike, swim, camp, etc. You can see and tour legit historical sights, museums, seasonal crafts fairs and festivals… you name it. Visit our LOGISTICS page for several options to consider.
Have other questions?
We encourage you to visit our LOGISTICS page for a full list of questions we often field when people are considering our In-shop Events. Contact us if you have questions that are not addressed there.
TRAVEL TIPS
Which airport would I fly into?
We are about 40 minutes from Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT), and about 80 minutes from Logan International Airport in Boston, MA (BOS), depending on the time of day you’re traveling. Generally speaking, flights are cheaper coming into Boston.
In either case you will need to rent a car, or from Boston you can take a bus to Concord via Concord Coachlines, NH and Uber/Lyft to your hotel from there. That ticket will cost you about $25 give or take. It’s under 2 hours of travel depending on the time of day. It’s a very comfortable ride and each bus is fitted with wifi — we’ve used it quite a bit as a family.
For information on the bus options, visit Concord Coachlines. Enter these specs — Leave from Boston: Logan Airport / Going to: Concord, NH for a full layout of date/time options from which you can choose. Pay attention to slight variations for weekend travel.
Where can I stay while I’m there?
We encourage you to visit our LOGISTICS page for a full list of recommended accommodations from Campgrounds to Hotels to Bed & Breakfasts, even a beautiful lake cottage option.
Have other questions?
We encourage you to visit our LOGISTICS page for a full list of questions we often field when people are considering our In-shop Events. Contact us if you have questions that are not addressed there.
Click to review:
Your Instructor for the Week: Tom McLaughlin
Dates – choose one
- August 11-15, 2025 —> SOLD OUT —-> Click for WAITING LIST
- August 25-29, 2025
Description
Chairmaking may represent the ultimate woodworking challenge and experience. With so many compound angles and curved parts, the prospect of actually making a chair can be intimidating and confusing, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this 5-day Class, Tom will simplify the process, breaking it down into understandable stages.
Our focus will be on making a contemporary version of a traditionally joined mortise and tenon side chair, with a few more complex curves for good measure. With this Contemporary Dining chair, unlike the more straight-lined Craftsman Dining Chair, the back legs, front legs and splat (back rest) are all curved for a bit more dynamic appearance, comfort and style.
Alongside Tom, each student will make their own Contemporary Dining side chair in their choice of the “breakfast” chair height (36″), or with a slightly taller chair back in the same style (“40). As time permits, the chair will be assembled in class and completed at home. This will likely be the most rewarding project you will have undertaken and conquered.
Dimensions: 19” wide across front, 16” wide across back, 16” seat depth
• Breakfast chair option: 36” height
• Taller back chair option: 40” height.
NOTE: The chair images of the taller version is made in Mahogany with the backrest, legs and seat rails veneered as well. The Class chair will not be veneered but will be made in solid Cherry.
Topics include
- Design considerations, for comfort and style
- Drawing techniques
- Making good patterns you can use
- Mortise and tenon joinery
- Simplifying compound joinery
- Clever table saw jigs
- Sawing curves on the bandsaw
- Hand tool skills to add detail and value
- Upholstery options
- Finishing approaches
Cost: $1750
Which includes ALL this:
- 5 days of in the shop, with Tom alongside each step of the way
- You’re 1 of 6 participants for near personal access to Tom
- Materials included for the Class experience
- Tasty lunches and desserts provided daily
- Morning goodies made by the Camera lady
- Coffee, tea and other beverages available all day
- Custom handmade Pizza for dinner Thursday
- Stick around and enjoy the live filming of Shop Night Live
- Time in the woods – trails to wander and places to relax
- New skills learned, friends made, and memories banked
REGISTER HERE
We’d love to host you!
How to register
1. Select your preferred date option from the drop down menu below.
2. Click Add to Cart
NOTE: If the Add to Cart button is greyed out, the session is sold out. Select a different session, or get on the WAITING LIST.
3. Click View Cart above to check out (you can also click the Cart icon on the top right of the page to get there)
Trouble with the order process? Use a laptop or desktop rather than a mobile device. Text/call us for help: 929-437-4299.
Click “View Cart” TO CHECK OUT. 🔝
Need help?
Or text/call YAY-4EPICWW (929-437-4299)
