Instruction

I offer one on one instruction in my own shop, which includes both power and hand tools.  I teach a hybrid style of woodworking where the initial rough work is done with power tools and then refined by hand tools.  

We can either work on a project you’ve thought about, or started and need help with.  I also have specific courses that teach a variety of skills that are a great base to launch from.  These course costs will vary slightly depending on the woods you select.

Feel free to contact me to discuss these or any ideas that you have.

Testimonials

“What I like so much about your teaching style is that you give a lot of why things work, which for me, makes ideas stick better and that we can extrapolate from.  Thanks tons!”

Sue Calverley

Toronto, ON

“Steven Der-Garabedian clearly conveys proven techniques for creating high-quality items from wood using both traditional hand tools and modern shop equipment. Students of all skill levels will expand their ability to tackle a wide variety of projects while learning from a genial and talented instructor. The fit and finish of his own furniture and cabinet work demonstrate advanced design and construction methods in addition to an exemplary grasp of the fundamentals of this craft. By readily sharing the lessons gleaned from his experience, he encourages students to develop the habits of care and attention to detail necessary to undertake tasks in a safe and efficient manner. Steve’s classes receive top consideration when I’m looking to increase my woodworking competence.”

Chris Abbott

Halton Hills, ON

“I really appreciate Steve’s ability to take a complex task (like cutting dove tail joints or making a wood plane) and breaking the task into easily manageable steps that a novice is able to accomplish.  The constant counter-intuitive reminders to “work slowly” help to turn wood working tasks into a meditation that a Jedi warrior would approve of.” 

John Arciuch

Toronto, ON

“I have had the pleasure of attending many of Steve Der-Garabedian’s woodworking seminars over the past few years including: veneering, making a bow saw, making a wooden plane, making a portable work bench.  I have thoroughly enjoyed all of these workshops.  Steven is a very patient and knowledgeable instructor offering a lot of practical woodworking tips and general information.  His demonstrated techniques, tool use and methods of work are easily picked up and valued by the novice or the more experienced woodworker as he provides step by step guidance and written notes on various projects.

I would recommend his seminars without reservation.”

Andrew Garay

Toronto, ON

“I’m grateful for the knowledge, experience, and wisdom you share with your students.  You are truly a master craftsman, and personify the best of what the term teacher means!”

Blair Francey

Toronto, ON

“You teach in a way that shows you know what you’re doing, and by sharing practical, tested insights (the Carpenter’s Triangle, for instance) you’re giving those of us who are hungry to learn the bigger picture we need to do our best work.”

Doug Reid

Toronto, ON