The Guild is considering bringing Michael Cullen back in the Fall of 2022! The Spring class was very successful and so much fun that we've had many people ask us to bring him back.  If you are interested in taking the class, register here. This is only an interest list, and is free to sign up, so you are under no obligation. We will contact all on the list when a date is scheduled. 

Prerequisite: Shop Certification  (must have taken the Core Tool Certification sessions)

Michael Cullen is a renowned furniture maker and a regular contributor to Fine Woodworking Magazine. He studied mechanical engineering in college and started a career in the field. But the gravity of his family profession must have been too powerful. Before long, he quit his job and followed his paternal grandfather and two great-grandfathers into woodworking. He went east to study under English furniture maker David Powell in Massachusetts, then returned to northern California, where he has been building furniture and sculpture since 1990. He recently relocated from a shop that was  a former egg-sorting shed in Petaluma, once the egg capital of the country, to Connecticut. When not in the shop, adding texture to his latest band sawn box, Michael can often be spied on his bicycle, carving turns in the spectacular countryside and exploring his new surrounds.

His most recent commission is featured, in the Gallery, on page 73, of the January / February 2022,  No. 294, issue of Fine Woodworking. He is the author of a 2015 Fine Woodworking article,  entitled “Beautiful Bandsaw Boxes: How to build seamless boxes from a single block of wood”.

His work can be viewed on Instagram here and his website here .​

In this five day class, you’ll investigate different approaches and forms that a box can become using both hand tools and machines. This workshop is highly creative and will focus on exploring ideas in box making that fall outside the typical six-sided container. Emphasis will be on shaping and sculpting boxes to create pleasing curves, unusual shapes and just about anything that falls into the category of fun and zany.  A primary focus in the workshop will be on creating patterns and textures and applying color to the surfaces of the boxes. You will design and build two to three small boxes. You will hone your skills by constructing your designs with the safe operation of power tools and hand tools. You will practice different designs and construction for each box.  You will investigate different approaches and forms that a box and vessel form can take on, using both hand tools and machines. during class, participants will use carving tools, chisels, files and rasps, and some machinery. Be prepared to veer off the path into creative territory. This class is perfect for the beginner who is curious about making things from wood and is also very good for the expert who is looking to create something new and fresh.

Materials and lunch are provided.

TOOL LIST (guidance for students) 

Please Note: If you are needing one or more of these tools, the Guild may be able to help you. If you have questions about the tools or sharpening them, Larry Wade (President of the Oregon Carvers Guild) will be happy to assist you.

1. 9/3 gouge.   If you don't have one then opt
for a 9/2 or a 9/4 (this one is getting a bit large so try to find a 9/3)

2. 12/6 V-gouge.  Most important to have this one.  If you can't find a 12/6 then buy one slightly larger or smaller, but make sure it's in the 12 family.  

3.  8/5 gouge.  Any gouge close to this profile will work.  

4.  9/10 gouge.  Any gouge close to this profile will work.  

5.  5/30 gouge.  A 3/20 or 5/25 will also work. Having said that, I find the 5/30 to have a wide range of uses and it's easy to use.

6. One set of rasps:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074KCB13T/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_i_A0VMQEYB7TP8RGDFT04V  or equivalent

7. Carver's mallet (make sure it's good wood and not metal  or rubber.)

Check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for the various scholarship we offer.

If you have questions about the class, please email Chip Webster.

Please register online and remit payment at once. Your registration is not complete without payment.

Review Shop Safety and Covid Information.

• Have your COVID vaccination on file in the shop computer. If not, email it to carol.boyd@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org within 3 days of the class or your registration will be canceled.
• You are in good health, not living with anyone who is ill, have not been exposed to anyone with COVID-19 in the last 14 days
• You have a face covering without an exhaust valve. This must cover your nose, mouth, and chin and is to be worn at all times. The Guild does have some for sale at the shop but we recommend that you bring your own.

Class Cancellation Policy