We're very happy to start offering open studio classes! These will be supervised, semi-private independent study hours for intermediate and advanced students only. Select your experience level when adding this class to your cart. Please check out the information on this page to answer your questions on how our open studio classes work.

What are open studio sessions like?

The first part of the session are for the students to check in with the instructor. You'll briefly go over what project you're working on, the machines and tools you plan to work with, and any questions you have. Each student will have their own large workbench for the duration of the session. The instructor will be available to provide project advice, troubleshoot problems with machines, give short tutorials on machines and tools, and lend a hand with tricky glue-ups. For in-depth one-on-one lessons, please book our private lessons. The bulk of the session will be for you to work on your independent project! The instructor will let you know when it's nearly time to turn off the machines and put away the tools. The last 20 minutes of each session are reserved for shop cleanup, and no tools or machines may be used during that time.

How many people can sign up for Open Studio classes?

Sessions are limited to a maximum of 3 students. Machines and tools will be shared with the other students in the session. Please be aware that there may be short wait times for machines. This also means that students are unable to dominate one machine for a long period of time without breaks for sharing with the other students.

Who can book your Open Studio classes?

Anyone who has taken either Intro to Woodworking or Intro to Joinery within the last 3 months can book our open studio hours. Those with more experience, and who have recently been working independently on the machines, may sign up as 'Advanced' at a reduced rate. Please be accurate about your experience level, as it's crucial for keeping everyone safe. Each student must assume responsibility for their own safety while minding that of others.

What if I only want to use hand tools and sanders?

If you don't plan to use any of the machines, you can opt to book time with just the hand tools and sanders. You must have experience with the tools you wish to use, both for your own safety and for the well being of the tools.

When can I move from 'Intermediate' to 'Advanced'?

We hope that all our Open Studio students will gain enough experience to begin working more independently. Like any skill, using the machines safely to produce desired results takes time, and most of all practice. Please talk with your instructor about what you need to do to become an advanced student.

What machines and tools do you have available?

Large Machines
Jointer x2, 12" and 6"
Tablesaw, Sawstop PCS, DADO stack and crosscut sleds available
Planer x2, 12"
Bandsaw x2, 1/2" blade and 1/4" blade
Router Table and a small selection of bits
Drill Press
Various Sanders

Hand Tools and Misc
Hand planes
Hand saws
Rasps and files
Chisels
Mallets
Carving gouges and hooks
Measuring and marking tools
Personal Protective Equipment
Random orbital sanders
Sanding discs (within reason)
Vacuums
Hand drill/driver
F-clamps
Parallel clamps
Steam box for steam bending, 5' long

Not provided
Wood
Adhesives
Finishes
Hardware

Can I bring in my own tools?

You may bring in your own hand tools, personal protective equipment, and small power hand tools, such as drills or domino cutters. Please refrain from bringing any power saws.

Do you have space for me to store my project at Allied?

At this time we do not have project storage space for our open studio students. Please let us know if this is something you would like us to add in the future.

How did you determine the price?

Open Studio at Allied is more than shop access. These sessions are designed to be semi-private classes for intermediate and advanced woodworking students who would like to start working more independently. With a maximum of 3 students per session, each student will receive ample individual guidance and personalized tutorials.

Something came up and I can't make it. Can I reschedule?

Please refer to our Refund/Transfer policy for all our classes.

Prohibited activities at open studio classes:
Spray finishing
Epoxy pours
Power carving