PNA Community Woodshop

About the Community Woodshop

The PNA Community Woodshop is a space that builds and supports a broad community of fabrication and woodworking. We welcome members who are enthusiastic about learning, teaching, sharing, and inspiring one another with creativity, skill, and community service.

Before it was a place for community and craftsmanship, the Woodshop was a 400-square-foot room containing a monstrous 102-year-old radiator, 4-foot tall fan, broken windows, and ugly green paint. It took the vision of founding members Emily Li and Mark Schiller to bring the idea of a community woodshop to life. From there, a dedicated group of volunteers led by former PNA staff member Bill Fenimore turned that vision into an innovative professional woodshop.

On May 19, 2023 the PNA officially dedicated the Community Woodshop to Bill Fenimore in recognition of his visionary leadership and commitment to building a community around the idea of “slow woodworking” (drop in sometime and ask us what that means).

Ready to get involved? The PNA Community Woodshop offers classes where beginners and experienced woodworkers can learn new skills, as well as shop time (by reservation) and a community of supportive experts to help guide your woodworking journey.

Start Woodworking

Step 1: Become a PNA Member

The Woodshop is open to current PNA Members only. Join or renew today to get started in the Woodshop!

Step 2: Community Woodshop Orientation

There are two required courses to use the Woodshop. This free Orientation shows you the space and tools, and lets you know what to expect. No experience necessary.

Step 3: Intro to Woodworking & Shop Safety

The second required course teaches you some woodworking basics and skills for staying safe in the Woodshop. Prerequisite: Community Woodshop Orientation.

Step 4: Reserve Shop Time

After taking the two required courses, you’re ready to get woodworking! Upon completing the Shop Safety class, you will receive a link to reserve shop time online. Don’t know where to get started? Our expert volunteers can give you ideas and inspiration!

Classes

In addition to the required Community Woodshop Orientation and Introduction to Woodworking & Shop Safety classes, the Woodshop offers a variety of classes just for fun. These are the perfect chance to get some inspiration, learn new skills, and meet other woodworkers. New classes are offered quarterly and space is very limited, so sign up today!

Design Drawing for Woodworkers ($30)

October 18, 2023 | 6:30-9:30 PM
Prerequisites: none

Drawing is a useful tool for getting your ideas from your mind to your workbench. Participants will learn basic and effective drawing skills enabling them to explore, understand, and communicate their ideas.

Shaker Style Bentwood Trays ($60)

October 28-29, 2023 | 2:00-5:00 PM
Prerequisites: none

Students will learn basic woodworking skills while building three Shaker style bentwood trays over two weekend afternoons. Specific skills you’ll pick up include bandsaw use, combination disk/belt sander, clench nailing, and steam bending wood.

Support & Get Involved

Volunteer

The PNA Community Woodshop is currently seeking volunteers with experience in woodworking to facilitate classes and shop hours. Interested? Contact us to get started.

Donations to the PNA are tax-deductible and support the Woodshop’s mission of building community around woodworking. Your support helps us maintain equipment and continue offering classes and shop time.

More DIY Hub Programs

Contact Us

PNA Community Woodshop
6615 Dayton Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
(in the northeast corner of the Phinney Center Brick Building)

gro.r1712954266etnec1712954266yenni1712954266hp@po1712954266hsdoo1712954266w1712954266
(206) 783-2244
Note: the Community Woodshop phone and email are monitored by volunteers. Please allow up to 3 business days for response.

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