2901 Preston Houston, TX. 77003 / Phone 281-785-1914
 
School of Woodworking
Instructors
Van Odell operates a full-time woodshop in Katy, Texas, where he specializes in building fine jewelry boxes and chests. Using exposed joinery and sculptural carving, his pieces invite visual and tactile inspection by the observer in such a way to bring the individual into the work process. He has a fascination for decoration and ornamentation that make his work eclectic and “out of the box.” He not only uses the traditional ornamentation techniques of marquetry, carving, dyes, and inlay, but he experiments with the use of rocks, metal, blowtorches, grinders, and occasionally chainsaws to enhance his work. His work has recently expanded into custom furniture built for a local Texana style designer. Van has achieved the level of Master Woodworker from MASW and is degreed in Forestry Management and Wood Products giving him a prospective of the woodworker’s medium, from the planting the seedling to the finished product. Van has taught woodworking classes in South Texas for the last three years and enjoys working with students in ways that encourage creativity and self -expression.
Van Odell
 
 
 
 
         
Ruben Ornelas, owner of The Saw Mill Wood Shop, is a retiree of Dow Chemical USA. He left the petrochemical industry after twenty-three years to pursue his lifelong dream of custom homebuilding and woodworking. In 2002, he founded The Saw Mill Wood Shop and began producing high-end cabinetry and furniture. Ruben’s craftsmanship and integrity have led to his commission by several of Houston’s award-winning remodelers. In addition, his work has been featured in such magazines as Beautiful Home and Texas Builder, in which a cherry wood project in northwest Houston won the title of “Best Specialty Room.”

The Custom Homebuilding and School of Woodworking extensions of The Saw Mill Wood Shop began in January of 2006. Currently, new homes are under construction in the southeast Houston area. Ruben’s mission for the School of Woodworking is to bring the woodworking enthusiast and do-it-yourselfer to a centrally located training facility where it is convenient, enjoyable, and most importantly, fun, to do woodworking.

Ruben Ornelas
 
 
For questions and updates on courses and class schedules please email Ruben Ornelas at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com
Classes and Schedules
Basic Woodworking Skills
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 10
Date: March 18-19, 2006 Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Overview: This foundation course introduces you to the wonderful world of woodworking. You will learn how to tune and use the table saw, jointer, bandsaw, planer, router and router table, stationary and portable sanders, as well as basic hand tools. Safety will be emphasized with each machine. Each student will complete a hands-on project of a small jewelry box using basic joinery techniques.

This introduction class will give you the basic knowledge you need to begin using all of the main woodworking machines and tools with confidence and skilll.
Tuition: $185.00
Material Fee: $25.00
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914
Understanding Finishing - Demonstration and Hands - On Class
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 10
Date: March 25, 2006 Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Overview: Finishing is one of the least understood techniques of woodworking. Have you ever tried to put a good fininsh on a project but were disappointed with the results? Attend this class to investigate all the options available to the finisher, such as preparing the wood surface, tools for applying the finish, pore filling, staining, and finishing.

During this workshop, you will learn to apply 5 excellent finishes that you can then use immediately on your next project. The techniques for appling oil, oil/varnish, shellac, lacquer and varnish finishes will be disscussed and attempted in the classroom.

Our goal is to provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to choose the right finish for your special project and to use your newly acquired finishing techniques to tackle that next finishing challenge.

This course guides you through the finishing process with classroom discussion and hands-on training. So bring your notebook, questions and be ready to finish!

  
 
 
Tuition: $95.00
All finishing supplies will be provided.
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914
Joinery Class - One Week Advanced Joinery Overview
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 8
Date: April 10-14, 2006 Time: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Overview: This course teaches the terms and uses of common joints and several specialty joints. Students will learn to use the best joint for a particular job and how to cut and glue up the joint in the correct manner. Although this is not a project oriented class, you will create many different joints that you can take home and use for future reference. This workshop is designed to give you a powerful skill set that you can use in all of your future woodworking endeavors.

As you learn to lay out, cut, and fit a complex joint, you will gain confidence in your woodworking skills. You will learn how to cut dovetails, lap joints, blind dovetail, miter joints, and decorative joints. We will also hold demonstrations and projects on adhesives and squaring wood. By the end of the week, you will have broadened and strengthened your hand and machine woodworking skills.

  

Tuition: $500.00
Material Fee: $50.00
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914
The Hand Cut Dovetail
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 10
Date: April 22, 2006 Time: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Overview: The hand cut dovetail is the most beautiful joint in the woodworking craft. It is a symbol of excellent craftsmanship, yet surprisingly, less than 5% of woodworkers can cut dovetails. This hands-on workshop will guide you through a step-by-step process that will allow you to cut by hand through dovetails and half blinds once you leave the class. Investing time in learning how to hand cut a beautiful dovetail joint will make you a better craftsman and will give you the confidence to add a highly recognized feature to your furniture.
Tuition: $75.00
Tools: Students should bring their bench chisels, handsaw, marking gauge, 4" or 6" square, sliding T bevel, and pencil.
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914
Mortise and Tenon Joinery
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 8
Date: March 26, 2006 Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm
Overview: The mortise and tenon is the workhorse of joinery. It is used in every type of fine furniture construction, including chairs, stools, tables, beds, and cabinet doorframes. This lecture and demonstration class will show you how to make the joint using hand tools, plunge router, table saw, band saw, and hollow chisel mortiser. After attending the class, you will have a great understanding of the mortise and tenon joint, and it is an excellent companion course to our Hand Cut Dovetail class.
Tuition: $95.00
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914
French Polishing
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 8
Date: April 5, 2006 Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30pm (3 to 4 hours)
Overview: French polishing is the technique used for applying a beautiful deep finish to your fine furiture project. Very few woodworkers can apply finish using the French polish technique, and its uncommenness and use of exotic vocabulary gives it a mystical feel. Upon completion of this hands-on class, you will have learned skills to properly apply the technique to your next fine furniture project. Join us and in a few short hours we will unravel the mysteries of French polishing.
Tuition: $95.00
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914
Router Basics
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate Woodworker
Class Size: Max. 8
Date: April 19, 2006 Time: 6:30 pm - 9:30pm (3 to 4 hours)
Overview: The router is the most versatile tool in the woodworker's tool chest. It is used to make molding, specialty cuts, repairs, smoothing, and curves. This course will explore all aspects of the router. Router basics will be taught, as well as safety, maintenance of the router, router jigs, bits, and specialty cuts.
Tution: $95.00
If you would like to sign up for this class or would like more information, please email Ruben at ruben@sawmillwoodshop.com or call 281-785-1914