About Us

Mission Statement

The mission of the School of Fine Woodworking is to provide quality instructional courses to individuals who are interested in furthering their knowledge of woodworking at all levels of interest and skill. 

"This school is a result of my touring and consulting with the owners of successful woodworking schools throughout the United States. I have visited many schools from Maine to Oregon and feel we have put together an excellent school that reflects the positive attributes of those schools. We have designed our courses unlike any other school in the country as we stress teaching the “process” of fine woodworking. We also want to offer courses in fine woodworking in order to preserve the art and craftsmanship for building furniture by hand."
                        -Ronald G. Peyton, Owner

About the Woodworking School

It is the intent of the school to offer classes for students with little to no experience in woodworking to those who have moderate and advanced skills. The difference in our school as compared to others is that we stress teaching "the process" in building fine furniture as opposed to actual building of "the project".  We offer project courses, however, we want the novice to spend a little time learning "why" they do what they do and not just come to build a project. 

"Your courses are amazing and the instructors are so knowledgeable and friendly.  I was not intimidated as I thought I might be, being a beginner.  The Food was good also.  You have a great set-up there.  Wish you luck.  I am getting much better with my joinery,"  -Charlie, Birmingham, AL

Course Presentation Levels

Introductory      
This level is for the individual with little to no experience

Intermediate   
This level is for the individual who has mastered the basic skills of using hand and power tools

Advanced          
This level is for the individual who has an elevated understanding of woodworking and is experienced in building furniture.
 

COURSES

The Institute offers several courses that appeal to all levels of experience.  Course length depends on content and degree of complexity.  The following is a list of courses presently being offered.  More courses are being added and it is reccommended to visit our website for the current listing and updates at www.dogwoodwoodworking.com

THE SIGNATURE FOUNDATIONS SERIES:
Foundations For Fine Woodworking Series is exclusively offered by the Institute and has been designed for participants who wish to learn Fine Woodworking from the basics to the advanced levels of woodworking.  This program is offered in two different formats:
      1.  The Extended Format - participants enroll in five separate courses: Foundations 1, 2, 4 & 5 consists of 2-days each and Foundations 3 is a three-day course.  The participant selects these courses from the course schedule and takes them at their leisure.
      2.  The Condensed Format - participants take Foundations 1, 2 & 3 all in one week (5 days).  Foundations 4 & 5 are taken as "stand-alone" courses, however, offered back-to-back.