Instructor credentials
• 30 yrs in fine woodworking
• 1000s of hours and students taught
• Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine
• Host of TVs Classic Woodworking
Small Class Size
As one of only 6 participants you have access to Tom for personal guidance, in a positive, affirming environment.
Take home what you build
Along with your newly acquired skills you leave with a piece of value, made with your own hands.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY ABOUT BEING HERE
Last week was undeniably one of the best vacations I have ever had! I came to Epic Woodworking to learn some skills and make a project. I left with many more skills and knowledge than I had hoped for, an excellent project that I am proud of, and I made several new friendships at the same time. ~Eric W.
What did you like about the class? That is an easy answer…Everything! Tom as an instructor as the perfect demeanor to pass on so many woodworking tips in a very constructive manner. I can say he showed an openness to listen to our questions and answer them completely. ~Ed R.
Click to read loads more Testimonials!
Incredibly well thought out workflow so there was no waiting time between steps! I now will feel comfortable making simple curves in my pieces. ~Tom G.
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.
DAILY CLASS 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.
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. Also, it’s ideal if you can purchase your ticket ahead and print it so you have it in hand when you get on the bus. As of this writing their system is still operating that way.
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.
SHAKER END TABLE WITH DRAWER
with Tom McLaughlin
DATES – choose one:
- June 23-27, 2025
- July 7-11, 2025
This comprehensive 5-day Class was formerly named “Experience Woodworking 101” because it provides an immersive exposure to the world of woodworking and is therefore, open to all skill levels.
In this class you will gain the essential knowledge base for making beautiful fine furniture. The week is full of the methods, approaches, and techniques you need to build a solid, foundational start in fine woodworking. As an added bonus, these core skills will be acquired as you make a classic solid cherry Shaker style end table that is yours to take home at the end of the Class.
Those with previous experience, as well as beginners, have raved about this Class, noting how much the experience added to their understanding of woodworking, confidence, and skills. It’s a popular on, so sign up early!
Dimensions: 21″ wide, 18″ deep, 27” high
- Safe and effective machine use
- Design considerations
- Selecting and buying wood
- Mortise and tenon joinery
- Effective table saw jigs
- Sharpen and using hand planes and chisels
- Layout and hand-cut dovetails
- Hand-cut dovetails while making a drawer
- Perfectly fit a drawer to an opening
- Sharpening and using a cabinet scraper
- Finishing options and advice for your table
- rule or tape measure
- chisels, ¼”, ½”, ¾” —> LINK or LINK
- mallet
- hand plane, #4 or #5
- block plane
- cabinet or card scraper —> LINK
- marking knife —> LINK
- marking gauge (cutting type vs round pin type)
- combination square —> LINK
- dovetail gauge or marker (optional) —> LINK
- dovetail saw and/or back saw —> LINK or LINK
- sanding block
- eye, ear, and dust protection
- good pencil for marking
- pen for notes (a booklet is provided)
- shop apron (optional) NOTE: Epic Woodworking aprons available for purchase on site
Tom McLaughlin
Tom learned to appreciate the fine arts aspect of woodworking in his teens, but an apprenticeship with 73-year old P.A. “Pug” Moore launched his 21 years of making furniture professionally. Tom’s emphasis on combining exceptional materials with traditionally inspired designs has led to his work being acquired by notable museums. Tom is a regular contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, Wood Magazine, Traditional Home Magazine. He has also received several design awards from the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.
Tom has been teaching furniture making classes since 1998 and most recently Tom has had the privilege of hosting Classic Woodworking, a PBS TV show that airs nationally. Also, since 2019, along with his wife Kris (aka “The Camera Lady”), he also produces and hosts a weekly livestream event called Shop Night Live where he spends an hour or more demonstrating about a woodworking related topic, technique or tip.
One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments was serving for 3 years as Chairman of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association (NHFMA), an organization he has been a member of since 1998. Tom also coordinates NHFMA’s Prison Outreach Program at the NH State Prison, through which inmates receive individual and workshop training as a rehabilitation effort.
5-day experience: $1750
July 21-25
SOLD OUT
EXQUISITE SETTEE
with David Lamb
DATES: July 21-25, 2025 SOLD OUT —-> Click for WAITING LIST
In this 5-day Class experience, you will explore a variety of woodworking approaches and techniques, from overall design choices to carving fine details. In addition, this Class offers a rare opportunity to work under the guidance, and alongside museum-collected cabinetmaker David Lamb.
While engaging in and applying the various methods practiced in this Class, you will be making your own exquisite Cherry settee bench, ideal to place at the foot of a bed or in a foyer.
The Settee design features octagonally tapering legs above and below the seat rail, delicate carved arches as transitional details, traditional mortise and tenon joinery, figured veneer applied to the seat rails, and sculpted, shaped arm rests. As time permits, the settee will be assembled in class if possible and completed at home.
All in all this experience with David will greatly add to your appreciation and application of the art of fine furniture making.
Dimensions: 17 ½” deep, 32” long, 25 ½” high
- Design considerations and discussion
- Creating full-size drawings
- Making usable patterns from a drawing
- Mortise and tenon joinery
- Using shaper/router jig for shaping octagonal tapered legs
- Carving arch details
- Applying decorative veneers using a vacuum press
- Using hand planes, spokeshaves, and card scrapers
- Spokeshave, rasping, and scraping techniques
- Finishing approaches
- rule (flat steel), 6 or 12″
- tape measure
- chisels, ¼”, ½”, ¾” (or more) —> LINK or LINK
- narrowest chisel you have, 1/16” if possible (A very narrow, grind-able screwdriver can work)
- carving gouges (#3 or 4 sweep), 1/8″ and 3/8″
- mallet
- block plane
- #4 bench plane
- spokeshave
- cabinet or card scraper—> LINK
- combination square—> LINK
- marking knife —> LINK
- utility knife
- smoothing file (8″ Swiss) —> LINK
- rasps —> LINK and LINK
- sanding block
- eye, ear and dust protection
- good pencil for marking
- pen for notes (a booklet is provided)
- shop apron (optional) NOTE: Epic Woodworking aprons available for purchase on site
David Lamb
For more, visit David’s website: davidlambfurniture.com
David Lamb’s career started in Canterbury, NH more than 50 years ago when his family moved to Canterbury Shaker Village to run the Shaker museum there. Living within the historical setting and having a personal friendship with the six remaining Shakers gave him a unique insight into that segment of American folklife and the Shaker artistic and architectural output. Within a year of moving to Canterbury David was invited to be an apprentice with next door neighbor, Alejandro de la Cruz, an accomplished and traditionally trained cabinetmaker from Madrid.
The classic training David received over the three year period was thorough and focused on benchwork and all hand techniques and long discussions on design, proportion, aesthetics and the business of being a craftsman. Heavy emphasis on traditional American and European technique and form predominated the shop’s output.
Contemporary art school was next at Boston University’s Program in Artistry with Jere Osgood and Alphonse Mattia as teachers for his degree in Applied Arts. Thinking in non- traditional ways of creating form and aesthetic ideas was instrumental here.
It is these three aspects that drives David’s design and work; classical form and integrity, Shaker directness and function and contemporary rethinking of graphic aesthetic and methods to accomplish them. In addition to these exposures, nature has played a huge part in what motivates David’s design, both in form and detail by constantly drawing flowers and plants, carving them and incorporating these and other natural aspects in his work.
During his career he has been a 40 year juried member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen and has served as juror for over a decade. He is a founding member of the Guild of NH Woodworkers and regular contributor to their highly acclaimed Journal and is a founding member of The New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association where he has served as chairman for three terms. He was appointed New Hampshire Artist Laureate by Gov. John Lynch for two terms from 2010-2014. David also was a participant presenting traditional furniture making at The Smithsonian Folklife Festival representing NH in 1999 in Washington, DC.
The Currier Museum of Art recently commissioned “The New Hampshire Secretary”, a new and graphically exciting major piece of furniture for their permanent collection. In 2021 David was awarded the prestigious Cartouche Award by The Society of American Period Furniture Makers. This recognition reflects the highest honor for this art form.
Throughout his career as a full time furniture maker he has had innumerable furniture making opportunities building the highest level of historical work and just as important, pieces that rethink what tradition could mean. Collaborations with other artists and craftsmen play a big part in David’s work but mostly the insightful feedback and exceptional contributions from his wife, Janet.
5-day experience: $1750
August 4-8
JAPANESE TOOLBOX
with Andrew Hunter
DATES: August 4-8, 2025
Although the focus of this Class is on making a Japanese Toolbox, it could alternatively be named Mastering Hand Cut Joinery. In this 5-day joinery experience, you will explore several of the finest fundamental joints of woodworking — through tenons, dovetails, tapered sliding dovetails and more…all cut by hand! Unlike the traditional Japanese approach of simply nailing the toolbox together, you will be applying your hand cut joinery skills toward making a toolbox that will long serve and inspire your work.
This is thoroughly a hands-on Class as Andrew guides you through each step of the process of creating beautifully functional strong joinery while building the toolbox, as if it were a fine piece of furniture. He will show you how to work safely and accurately, through cutting out parts from a single wide board, to a hand plane finish.
By the way, you don’t have to primarily use Japanese tools to fully engage and enjoy this class. Andrew definitely loves Japanese tools, but his main goal is guiding students toward becoming more comfortable and proficient with hand tools, regardless of the source.
Dimensions: 13″ wide, 28″ long, 8″ tall
- Creating perfect joinery, layout and execution
- Using hand tools to shave layout lines in half.
- Expert guidance on the use of Japanese tools.
- Compression fit joinery, without glue.
- Cutting accurate through tenons
- Cutting perfect dovetails and tapered sliding dovetails, all by hand.
- Use Andrew’s specialized plane to put a hand plane finish on your box.
- Effectively using jigs and pairing guides.
NOTE: your completed toolbox can be flat packed for shipping and assembled at home.
Required:
- Ryoba Japanese Saw (double blade saw- rip and crosscut) – I recommend a 210 or 240mm Ryoba (An inexpensive replaceable blade saw is a good place to start. Gyokucho and Suizan brand.
- set of chisels – with at least 3/8, 1/2 and a wider 3/4-1″
- mallet or hammer
- straight edge or ruler
- dovetail or angle gauge
- 8-12″ square or sashigane
sliding combination square or sliding gauge for laying out lines parallel to an edge. - eye, ear and dust protection
- good pencil for marking
- pen for notes (a booklet is provided)
Suggested: (We’ll have a few to share)
- long paring chisel or router plan for paring the bottom of sliding dovetails.
- Dozuki Saw — a rip Dozuki is good for dovetails and cheeks of tenons. and a crosscut Dozuki is good for shoulders. The Ryoba saw can be used for these cuts, but these saws will leave a finer cut especially in thin material.
- smoothing plane for a hand plane finish
- sliding dovetail plane for tapering cleats
- shop apron (optional) NOTE: Epic Woodworking aprons available for purchase on site
Andrew Hunter
See more of Andrew’s work on Instagram: @andrewhunter_furniture
Andrew is a custom furniture maker working and living in New York’s Hudson Valley. Best known for his use of traditional Japanese hand tools, Andrew demonstrates and teaches across the country.
As a self-taught woodworker, he offers a unique perspective to other Americans exploring Eastern woodworking. His workshops demonstrate that by understanding the fundamental principles behind other cultures’ tools and techniques, all woodworkers can benefit.
A frequent contributor to Fine Woodworking magazine, he is eager to share what he has learned in his 25-plus years of making furniture.
5-day experience: $1750
August 11-15
SOLD OUT
August 25-29
CONTEMPORARY DINING CHAIR
with Tom McLaughlin
DATES – choose one:
- August 11-15, 2025 SOLD OUT —-> Click for WAITING LIST
- August 25-29, 2025
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.
- 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
- rule (flat steel), 6 or 12″
- tape measure
- chisels, ¼”, ½”, ¾” (or more) —> LINK or LINK
- mallet
- hand plane, #5 and or #4
- block plane
- spokeshave
- cabinet or card scraper —> LINK
- combination square —> LINK
- marking knife —> LINK
- bevel square
- dovetail saw and/or back saw —>LINK or LINK
- file
- rasps —> LINK and LINK
- sanding block
- eye, ear and dust protection
- good pencil for marking
- pen for notes (a booklet is provided)
- shop apron (optional) NOTE: Epic Woodworking aprons available for purchase on site
Tom McLaughlin
Tom learned to appreciate the fine arts aspect of woodworking in his teens, but an apprenticeship with 73-year old P.A. “Pug” Moore launched his 21 years of making furniture professionally. Tom’s emphasis on combining exceptional materials with traditionally inspired designs has led to his work being acquired by notable museums. Tom is a regular contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, Wood Magazine, Traditional Home Magazine. He has also received several design awards from the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.
Tom has been teaching furniture making classes since 1998 and most recently Tom has had the privilege of hosting Classic Woodworking, a PBS TV show that airs nationally. Also, since 2019, along with his wife Kris (aka “The Camera Lady”), he also produces and hosts a weekly livestream event called Shop Night Live where he spends an hour or more demonstrating about a woodworking related topic, technique or tip.
One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments was serving for 3 years as Chairman of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association (NHFMA), an organization he has been a member of since 1998. Tom also coordinates NHFMA’s Prison Outreach Program at the NH State Prison, through which inmates receive individual and workshop training as a rehabilitation effort.
5-day experience: $1750
September 8-12
September 29-October 3
CLASSIC ROUND CHAIR
with Tom McLaughlin
DATES – choose one:
- September 8-12, 2025
- September 29-October 3, 2025
Designing and making a chair appears to be so complicated, with its compound angles, complex joinery and curved parts, plus it has to be comfortable! But no worries, in the 5-day class Tom will demystify the fine art of chairmaking.
This Class will push beyond the typical traditional chair style, drawing inspiration from the great Danish chair designer Hans Wegner. The chair that is perhaps his most famous modern design, simply referred to as “The Chair”, is the work of art we’ll use as our launching point.
Appearing simple at first glance, this chair design offers a challenge and incorporates numerous advanced woodworking techniques. Alongside Tom, each student will make their own chair, which will no doubt serve as a personal application and study piece.
Tom will guide you through the processes, with multiple demonstrations, thorough explanations and lively discussions along the way. As time permits, the chair will be assembled in class and completed at home.
By the end of the week you may discover, as others have, that making a chair is the most rewarding and inspiring woodworking project you have undertaken and conquered.
Dimensions: 25-1/2″ wide, 23″ deep, 29″ high
Prerequisite: This class is recommended for those who have basic woodworking experience.
- Design considerations for comfort and style
- Drawing techniques
- Making reusable patterns from a drawing
- Bandsawing tips and techniques
- Using jigs to shape curved parts easily and accurately
- Mortise and tenon joinery
- Lamination techniques
- Simplifying compound joinery
- Clever table saw jigs
- Hand tool skills to add shape, detail, and value
- Upholstery options
- Finishing approaches
- rule (flat steel), 6 or 12″
- tape measure
- chisels, ¼”, ½”, ¾” (or more) —> LINK or LINK
- mallet
- block plane
- spokeshave
- draw knife (optional)
- cabinet or card scraper —> LINK
- combination square —> LINK
- marking knife —> LINK
- sliding bevel gauge
- smoothing file (8″ Swiss) —> LINK
- rasps —> LINK and LINK
- sanding block
- eye, ear and dust protection
- good pencil for marking
- pen for notes (a booklet is provided)
- shop apron (optional) NOTE: Epic Woodworking aprons available for purchase on site
Tom McLaughlin
Tom learned to appreciate the fine arts aspect of woodworking in his teens, but an apprenticeship with 73-year old P.A. “Pug” Moore launched his 21 years of making furniture professionally. Tom’s emphasis on combining exceptional materials with traditionally inspired designs has led to his work being acquired by notable museums. Tom is a regular contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine, and his work has been featured in The New York Times, Wood Magazine, Traditional Home Magazine. He has also received several design awards from the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen.
Tom has been teaching furniture making classes since 1998 and most recently Tom has had the privilege of hosting Classic Woodworking, a PBS TV show that airs nationally. Also, since 2019, along with his wife Kris (aka “The Camera Lady”), he also produces and hosts a weekly livestream event called Shop Night Live where he spends an hour or more demonstrating about a woodworking related topic, technique or tip.
One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments was serving for 3 years as Chairman of the New Hampshire Furniture Masters Association (NHFMA), an organization he has been a member of since 1998. Tom also coordinates NHFMA’s Prison Outreach Program at the NH State Prison, through which inmates receive individual and workshop training as a rehabilitation effort.
5-day experience: $1870
November 10-14
SOLD OUT
KUMIKO PANEL WALL CABINET
with Mike Pekovich
DATES: November 10-14, 2025 SOLD OUT —-> Click for WAITING LIST
In this 5 day wall cabinet Class, Mike Pekovich will cover basic hand tool skills, which are the foundation for doing good work. You’ll also learn how and when to add some power to the equation for efficient, accurate results.
The wall cabinet also offers great lessons in dovetailed case construction and traditional frame-and-panel door construction. You’ll learn to trim the door for a perfect fit and hang it as well.
You’ll also finish off the door with a Kumiko latticework panel. This traditional Japanese technique is fun and a good way to spice up your work. Along the way, Mike will spend some time in class talking about design and how subtle details can have a big effect on a piece.
During the Class, Mike will also address the notion of developing a philosophy that works to connect the person you are with the work you make, and how that philosophy can drive design details and methods of construction as well.
Dimensions: 6” deep, 13” wide, 26” high
- Design considerations
- Materials considerations
- Essential hand tool skills
- Using jigs and power tools for accuracy and efficiency
- Dovetailed case construction
- Traditional frame-and-panel door construction
- Hanging a door for a perfect fit
- Kumiko latticework methods and techniques
- Adding details to distinguish your work
- tape measure
- 12″ rule is nice to have
- square (preferably a 12″ combination square)
- bench plane (#4 or #5)
- block plane
- rectangular .8mm card scraper (we will cover honing a scraper in class)
- marking gauge
- marking knife
- set of bench chisels (1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 is ideal)
- mallet
- wide (1 to 1-1/2 in.) very sharp chisel to bevel ends of kumiko parts
- dovetail saw
- coping saw with medium blades or fret saw with
- coarse blades
- phillips screwdriver
- shoulder plane (optional)
- japanese pull saw or fine crosscut saw
- eye, ear, and dust protection
- good pencil for marking
- pen for notes (a booklet is provided)
- shop apron (optional) NOTE: Epic Woodworking aprons available for purchase on site
Mike Pekovich
For more, visit Mike’s website: pekovichwoodworks.com
Author of The Why and How of Woodworking and Foundations of Woodworking, Fine woodworking’s Editor and Creative Director, Mike Pekovich has been making furniture and teaching people to woodwork for
most of his career.
During his 25-year tenure at the magazine, Mike’s focus has been on making the craft easier for those of us that struggle day to day in our shops. While books and magazines are a great way to reach a wide audience,
Mike’s passion is in working one-on-one with students, and teaching provides that opportunity. “Some things just don’t make sense until I can get a tool in your hand and show you the right way to go about a task. That’s where the most important teaching gets done.”
Join us!
we have a Bench with your name on it!
