Cooperage is the craft associated with creating staved containers, most familiar to folks as buckets, barrels, or even butter churns. We will focus on creating smaller containers in the white cooperage style, as it is more approachable and less technically complex than making water-tight barrels. Students can pursue several different options for the project in class, but each will involve learning about shaping the staves, fitting the bottoms, and final assembly.

We will begin by studying several different types of staved containers, learning the discrete vocabulary of the craft and of the tools used for making these special parts. We will spend some time sharpening and tuning the tools for optimum performance, making sure that everyone gains an understanding of how to do this work quickly and with minimal effort. This is an intermediate-level course for students looking to elevate their approach to hand tool woodworking. Good hand strength is required to complete the project.

Required Tools

• Some common woodworking tools will be required; a list will be provided by the instructor after registration.

This course will be part of Wood Week. Plan to arrive a day early for the Carvers Conference on Friday, March 6, which features demonstrations, speakers and community gatherings all day, offered as a benefit to students enrolled in Wood Week coursework.