jerry h. lyons

Two Dates to Choose From: February 5th or March 5th, 2011
8:00am to 4:30pm (CST)
Machine Processing Parts: from Rough to Finish
How-To (HT) session
A one-day hands-on How-To (HT) session covering the basics of taking rough lumber and understanding each step required to make safe, accurate, and efficient finished project parts.  Instruction encompasses safety; process planning and estimation, hardwood/softwood characteristics, drying and moisture content principles, lumber grading, and processing terminology.  Pre-processing machines include the radial arm saw and bandsaw, but the primarily focus is on my six-step machine process method which utilizes combinations of a jointer, planer, and table saw.  This machining process is fundamental for tackling any fine furniture project, large or small.
Session Fee:  $125 per participant. 

Two Dates to Choose From: February 12th or March 12th, 2011
8:00am to 4:30pm (CST)
Templates and Fixtures: Designing and Fabricating
How-To (HT) session
A one-day hands-on How-To (HT) session for learning basic principles, techniques, and methods for creating safe and accurate templates/jigs/fixtures required in producing fine quality project parts.  These shop devices ensure personal shop safety, enhance quality, and provide a means for duplication.  The ultimate level of craftsmanship at the end of any project will be directly related to the time, effort, and skills invested in template and fixture making.  Participants will actually work in designing and building some typical templates and fixtures including router templates, table saw, bandsaw, and dovetailing fixtures in addition to numerous examples on display.  Participants will leave at the end of the day with at least one (1) template or fixture they can use in their own shop.   
Session Fee:  $140 per participant including materials.

Two Dates to Choose From: February 19th or March 19th, 2011
8:00am to 4:30pm (CST)
Veneering, Laminating, and Bending Principles
How-To (HT) session
A one-day hands-on How-To (HT) session that covers the principles of bending, laminating, and veneering including glues and adhesives, processes, procedures, and operations for creating beautifully designed project features and parts, flat or curved.  Participants will also learn concepts of mold construction, cauls, clamps, and vacuum systems and will leave with at least one useful shop tool they can use in their own shop that incorporates veneering, laminating, and bending.  This session may answer questions you might have had of projects that you asked “how’d they do that?”
Session Fee:  $140 per participant including materials.

How-To Session (H-T)
A one-day hands-on How-To (HT) session introducing participants to essential methods for maintaining woodworking machines and woodworking hand tools.  Instruction covers proper set-up for achieving top operating performance of bandsaws, jointers, planers, and table saws including sharpening concepts and methods for removing and replacing blades and knives.  Associated measurement tools for checking accuracy of machine parts such as guides, bearings, and fences will be addressed.  Hand tool maintenance instruction includes sharpening theory and the use of bench grinders to maintain sharpness of plane irons, hand chisels, and twist drill bits.  If you like, bring a couple (2) of favorite chisels from your shop and we can have them in tip-top shape before the day is over.  
Session Fee:  $125 per participant.