Three Days - Fri-Sun

Mar 10-12 or Jun 16-18, 2023

This most classic American candle stand is patterned from an example that probably originated in the Shaker community at Mt. Lebanon, N.Y., around 1830. We will make an exact copy of one of these original tables – an example that is currently in the collection at Hancock Shaker Village in Pittsfield, Mass. Our copy will be made in air dried American Cherry as the original.

Please note: We will do all the final turning of the pedestals on our Barnes #3 pedal wood lathes. These lathes require pedaling backwards (!) and can give you pretty severe leg cramps at night until you get used to them. We are, however, committed to muscle power and will help out as needed.

Points covered in this three-day class:
• History and details of three original candle stands of this style.
• How many small details contribute to look of the table as a whole.
• Layout and cutting of sliding dovetails to join the legs to the spindle.
• Shaping the legs, using spoke shaves and card scrapers.
• Turning the spindle to final shape.
• Shaping the top support with planes and spoke shaves.
• Shaping and smoothing the edges and faces of the round top.
• How to make a metal "spider" to reinforce the leg-to-spindle joinery.

Materials: $150 payable to instructor during the class.