Masa is an experienced Japanese carver and woodworker who taught workshops for us before the pandemic.  

This carving workshop is open to current members of the Oregon Carvers Guild and Guild of Oregon Woodworkers.  

Masa developed a unique handle that fits in the crotch of your hand between thumb and index finger that provides better control and drive.  Students will make their own handles from supplied pre-cut Basswood blanks which they will shape to fit their own hand geometry. 

A goal is to encourage students to assert more control over their own handles and evolve them to fit their body and work styles.

Basswood and one blade are included in the class price, but students can provide their own blade, perhaps by repurposing an old tool by removing its handle.

The handle needs to be sawn to fit your hand, and this can be done with a coping saw or a band saw.  Only Guild members who are certified to use a band saw will be allowed to do it themselves; all others will have the sawing done by a class assistant.  This applies to any other power tool that might be used.

Once sawn, the handle needs to be formed to final shape by carving with knives, gouges, or using rasps.  Bring any of these tools you have , but some will be available to use in the class.

Oregon Carving Guild members must be manually registered by sending an email request to Julie Niemeyer, or Larry Wade, review the CARVING SAFETY MANUAL by clicking here, sign a liability waiver at the class, and present proof of COVID-19 vaccination at the class.

If not a member of the Guild of Oregon Woodworkers, consider it by visiting the Membership webpage and  Join Now.  Guild members can check out the Guild Scholarship Program to see if you qualify for various scholarships.

• 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

Class Cancellation Policy

The class coordinator is Tom Rich, tom@tomrich.me, 503-941-6570.