Woodworking 101 with David Bielewicz

Learn the basics of wood shop machines, processes, and safety in this introductory course! 3-Hour Workshop Date: Wednesday, October 21, 2026 Time: 6pm-9pm Description: This designed-for-beginners course will explore the basics of woodworking in a judgement-free environment! Using the core machines of the wood studio, students will learn the lumber milling process—turning a rough-sawn board into dimensional lumber—which is the launching pad for nearly every wood project. Folks will build familiarity with the studio space, tools, and safety considerations and will walk away with several sample pieces demonstrating knowledge and confidence in the woodshop. If you’re hesitant to jump into one of our project-based workshops or curious if woodworking is even right for you, this is a great place to start! Tuition: $80 + $20 materials fee Materials: All materials will be provided. Location: Contemporary Craft Timmons Studios (5688 Butler St., Pittsburgh, PA 15201) Cancellations and Refunds: Workshop cancellations are decided three business days before the start date. If workshops must be cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, the entire class fee will be refunded by check, to your credit card, or Contemporary Craft account for future workshops. Refund Policy: Student refund requests must be made at least three business days before a class begins. There will be a $25 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given without three-business days notice. Processing of refunds takes approximately three weeks. If you require accessibility accommodations, please let us know by calling 412.261.7003 and we are happy to assist you. About the Artist David’s love for woodcrafting started as a child when he served as a carving and painting artist’s apprentice to his grandfather in the upstate Finger lakes region of New York. He studied stagecraft, theatre, and construction at Point Park University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts, trained at the KML Carpenters school through the Carpentry Union, and Woodworking fundamentals through the Backchannel School of woodworking; all studied here in Pittsburgh. Since 2021, he has been the owner of the small Pittsburgh based wood working business, Uncommon Craftsmen; and when he’s not at work you can find him under a pile of sawdust, clay, paints, or design drafts problem solving his way through his old Observatory Hill fixer-upper. David is also an avid boardgame enthusiast, a songwriter, and the proud father of two kiddos!