Our shop classes are hands-on the moment you arrive. Start with Woodworking 101 or a beginner build like a planter, step stool or owl nesting box; learn hand-tool joinery such as dovetails and mortise and tenon; turn bowls, boxes and candlesticks on the lathe; or strike your first arc in a beginner welding class. Intermediate classes and parent-and-child welding (ages 10+) are on the schedule too.
The shop is at Manor Mill in Monkton, in Northern Baltimore County, convenient to Harford County and southern Pennsylvania and just 20 minutes from Baltimore City.
with Tom Parmelee
In this two-part class, participants will make their own cutting boards to use in their homes. Students will learn about different species of woods to use for food safe projects, how to join pieces of wood together, and different oils for sealing them. We encourage you to take Woodworking 101 before signing up for this class to become comfortable with the tools and machinery, though it is not a requirement.This class meets on Tuesday, 10/27 and Thursday, 10/29 at 6pm.
$175.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
with Dennis Hearn
This handcrafted, turned Candlestick could be a wonderful display of your possible hidden talents until now, coming out as a woodturner when complete. You only need a desire to learn and enjoy. You, your hands, and eyes will safely learn to turn a candlestick on a lathe! The teacher is a retired Baltimore County Industrial Arts / Technology Education teacher and presently a woodworker and woodturner in Monkton working for Fine Woodworker Josh Brumfield LLC. This talented teacher will teach you to turn a beautiful piece of wood into a unique hand-turned object while learning the proper safety and operation of a lathe and related tools. You will each have your own individual lathe, woodturning tools, and several different pieces of hardwood like cherry, walnut, or white oak to select from.
$125.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
with Tom Parmelee
In this class you will learn the ins and outs of a modern woodworking shop. What tools do what and how to use them. Safety being key to the long term enjoyment of any woodworking endeavors will be the focus for all tools used. By the end of the class you should have all the knowledge needed to purchase and take a raw piece of lumber and turn it into whatever your imagination can come up with. You will leave this class with your very own finished item be it a serving tray or your very own custom clipboard! 16 or older (younger allowed with the presence of a paid for parent). Do you have nut allergies- believe it or not but milling walnut lumber can trigger someone with nut allergies. If nut allergies are a concern, walnut will not be used during the class.
$140.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
with Tavi Harwood
Dive into the elegant art of marquetry with a hands-on Double Bevel Marquetry Workshop! Using the scroll saw and double bevel technique, you'll cut domestic and exotic hardwood veneers to create a beautiful bird picture. We'll set your finished design into the top of a walnut box that Tavi will make ahead of class. Whether you're a beginner or DIY enthusiast, you'll master this specialized technique and go home with a finished box showcasing your own craftsmanship.
$125.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
Michael Guarraia with MG Custom Lighting
Electrical Essentials is a practical, beginner-friendly class designed to help homeowners understand and safely handle common electrical tasks around the house. You’ll learn how your electrical system works, including circuit breakers, outlets, and switches, as well as how to safely test circuits and replace basic fixtures. With a strong focus on safety and real-world application, this course builds confidence and knowledge so you can tackle minor electrical projects, troubleshoot issues, and know when it’s time to call a professional.
$150.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
+2 more →
Michael Guarraia with MG Custom Lighting
Learn the basics of Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding in this make-and-take class where you'll make a bird out of common kitchen utensils. Topics include welding safety, equipment, processes, technique, and basic metallurgical properties. No experience necessary, and suitable for anyone age 12 and older. Natural fiber clothing (cotton, etc.) and close toed shoes (preferably leather) required. Course is held outdoors and all equipment and materials are provided.
$150.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
+2 more →
Michael Guarraia with MG Custom Lighting
Learn the basics of Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding in this make-and-take class where you'll fabricate a dragonfly out of common kitchen utensils. Topics include welding safety, equipment, processes, technique, and basic metallurgical properties. No experience necessary, and suitable for anyone age 12 and older. Natural fiber clothing (cotton, etc.) and close toed shoes (preferably leather) required. Course is held outdoors and all equipment / materials are provided. *The class takes place in an outdoor setting that is covered, and is subject to Maryland's seasonal weather conditions. Please take these factors into account when signing up for this workshop during the winter and summer seasons, as our cancellation policy is firm. All necessary equipment and materials will be supplied.
$150.00 drop-in
with Dennis Hearn
This handcrafted, turned Bottle Opener or Pizza Cutter could be a wonderful display of your possible hidden talents until now, coming out as a woodturner when complete. You only need a desire to learn and enjoy. You, your hands, and eyes will safely learn to turn a Bottle Opener or a Pizza Cutter on a lathe! The teacher is a retired Baltimore County Industrial Arts / Technology Education teacher. This talented teacher will teach you to turn a beautiful piece of wood into a unique hand-turned object while learning the proper safety and operation of a lathe and related tools. You will each have your own individual lathe, woodturning tools, and several different pieces of hardwood like cherry, walnut, spanish cedar or white oak to select from. In this woodturning class you will learn to safely set your lathe completely on your own with detailed instructions and encouragement from your instructor. You will learn how to use the square, round, and diamond carbide cutters. You will be introduced to the parting tool, a high speed steel tool(not carbide) You will learn to use Headstock Centers and Tailstock Centers.
$125.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
with Tom Parmelee
Join us for a fun and easy class assembling nesting boxes that are suitable for barred owls. You will be assembling pre-cut pieces of pine that make up your nesting box as well as drilling the entry hole. You may build a box as an individual or as a partner project (note partners only make 1 box). The Barred Owl can be recognized by the “barred” feather pattern running horizontally across its chest and down its belly. Barred Owls have a very distinctive call that sounds like “Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you all?” Barred Owls can be found throughout Maryland at any time of the year. Barred owls are monogamous and mate for life, raising one brood each year. Breeding season runs from December through March. To attract a mate, males “display” by swaying back and forth, raising their wings and sliding along a branch. Calls are important during the barred owl mating ritual, as the bird performs various gurgles, cackles, hoots and caws. Females lay a clutch of two to three pure white, rough-surfaced eggs. Incubation lasts for 28 to 33 days. During incubation and after the chicks hatch, the male will hunt for and feed his mate and offspring. Young become sexually mature at two years of age and can live up to 32 years. Place about 3-4” of pine shavings at the base of your nesting box and it’s ready to install! Nesting boxes need to be AT LEAST 15 feet above the ground. We recommend using a pulley system or cable wire instead of nails since they are less damaging to the trees. We will give each participant recommendations for installing your box as well as a reference for someone who you can hire to install your box for you! Your nesting box may not become occupied in the first year of hanging- but it could happen! We recommend installing it before the end of January.
$120.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
with Tom Parmelee
Join us for a fun and easy class assembling nesting boxes that are suitable for Screech Owls. You will be assembling pre-cut pieces that make up your nesting box as well as drilling the entry hole. You may build a box as an individual or as a partner project (note partners only make 1 box). You can also choose to customize your box by branding it with our letter set! You’re likely to spot this small, nocturnal hunter in dense woodlands, urban parks, or even backyards with mature trees. With a mottled brown and gray plumage, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings, making it a challenge to spot. As an apex predator, the Eastern Screech-Owl plays a vital role in Maryland’s ecosystem. Its diet consists mainly of insects, spiders, and small vertebrates like mice and birds. This owl’s presence helps regulate pest populations, contributing to a balanced environment. Eastern birds utter a mournful tremulous, descending trilling call, described as a whinny. Western birds emit a series of short whistles described as a bouncing ball call. Both birds “bark” when alarmed. Eastern Screech-Owls begin nesting in February in southern states but may wait until July in far northern habitats. Provide birdbaths for drinking and bathing and nest boxes for seasonal nesting, as well as for roosting and storing prey year-round. Western Screech-Owls use nest boxes less readily than their eastern counterparts. Nesting habits: Males bring food to females at potential nest sites. Once chosen, the male guards and defends the area surrounding the nest site. Eggs: Four to five white or cream-colored eggs. Egg-laying: he first few eggs are often laid two days apart, then one per day. Incubation: 26 days. Female incubates; both parents feed young. Days to fledge: 28 days after hatching. Place about 3-4” of wood chips or dry leaves at the base of your nesting box and it’s read y to install! Place in shaded areas in sparse woods, streamside forests, farmland, suburban backyards, and city parks. Avoid facing the nest box north. Face the entry hole east or south where possible, as the birds like to sit in the entranceway (even during the day) to soak up sunlight. Nesting boxes need to be AT LEAST 10 feet above the ground. We recommend using a pulley system or cable wire instead of nails since they are less damaging to the trees. We will give each participant recommendations for installing your box as well as a reference for someone who you can hire to install your box for you! Your nesting box may not become occupied in the first year of hanging- but it could happen! We recommend installing it before the end of January. (Note that this box is also suitable for American Kestrels- but we do not see them as much around here).
$100.00 drop-in
Registration Dates & Times
Dennis Hearn retired from teaching Technology Education/Industrial Arts with Baltimore County Public Schools after 32 rewarding years working with middle and high school students. Throughout his career, the hands-on design process was at the heart of his instruction, and he remains passionate about teaching people of all types, ages, and abilities.
Since retiring from full-time teaching in 2017, Dennis has continued to teach part time. He currently teaches engineering and robotics to children ages 3 to 10 at a private school in York, PA and for a high-end furniture maker in Monkton, MD, where he handles the majority of the woodturning needs of the woodshop.
Ask Dennis whether he loves teaching or woodworking more, and his answer is simple: both. He is deeply passionate about each. As he likes to say, "Life is Good.
Early interest in mechanical things from childhood. Trained in engineering with teaching career exceeding a decade, becoming nationally recognized STEM educator at NASA. Taught hundreds of students welding in classroom engineering curricula. Currently balances education nonprofit work, small metal-art business, and lots of time outdoors.
Have questions about our shop classes? Send us a message and we'll get back to you.
