Woodworking Course: Steam Bent Shaker Boxes

What you'll learn

Learn how to make steam bent shaker boxes with our woodwork courses in Sydney!

This course introduces you to traditional steam bending techniques and to create small boxes using a variety of processes.

Steam bent boxes can be found in several cultures, from the traditional Magewappa Japanese Lunch box to the classic Shaker Box reminiscent of the 1800s American Shaker Culture.

In this class, you will learn how to prepare the materials and create a steam-bent oval box in the style of the traditional American Shaker Box. There will be the opportunity to make several boxes using different timbers, and to finish them with shellac and traditional milk paint.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this woodwork course, you should be able to:

Understand safety requirements and the basic techniques of using machines to cut and shape timber
Have an understanding of accurate layout, marking up and drilling methods
Use a variety of hand tools
Have an understanding of different speeds to operate the drum sander
Have an understanding of steam bending concepts
Be able to assemble a box and apply a finish
Go home with several boxes made by you

Course content

What will be covered in this woodwork course?

Introduction to steam bending and the variety of uses
Introduction to the bandsaw and disc sander
Preparing and marking out timber ready for cutting and shaping
Using a scalpel to cut, shape and feather the fingers that hold the band together
Steam bending the bands using a hot water bath and bend the timber around a drying form
Assemble the box using copper tacks
Cut and shape the box lid and base to size
Remove machine marks using drum sander and/or hand planes
Use a hand drill to drill fine, accurate holes and assemble the box
Use a small hand saw and sandpaper to finish the box
Finishing workshop learning to prepare and use shellac, milk paint and wax

Intended audience

Who is this woodwork course for?

This course is for anyone interested in creating their own steam-bent shaker boxes - no prior experience is required.

Course venue

Timberbits

12 Gerald Street, Marrickville NSW

This venue is within walking distance from Sydenham station (600m).

Course materials

Materials provided

All tools and materials are provided.
All PPE will be provided during the training, including but not limited to, eye protection, dust protection and hearing protection.
Please wear closed footwear in class.

Additional information

Please note the following:

Please be advised that classes held by Timberbits do not permit class credit, transfers, or refunds for any enrolments.
Meal breaks – Lunch will be from 12:30pm to 1:30pm. You will need to bring your own lunch. We have a fridge and freezer to store your food as well as a microwave and kettle if required.
Please ensure you will be able to attend all sessions of the course. If you miss one or more sessions, it will become quite difficult to catch up and learn the skills safely.
Please don't wear your best clothing
Please don't wear any jewellery
If you have long hair, please tie it back
Wear closed-in shoes

Course tutors

Classes Online Courses

Woodworking Course: Steam Bent Shaker Boxes

Sat 25 May 2024 - Sun 26 May 2024

2 sessions, 13 hours total

9am - 4pm (UTC+10:00) (first session)

Timberbits - Wood Academy Marrickville

Timberbits

Important Note: Please note this course is exempt from all discounts including the learning membership. Please see terms and conditions. Additionally, all classes held by Timberbits do not permit class credit, transfers, or refunds for any enrolments.

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 25 May 2024	9am - 4pm	Wood Workshop - Timberbits - Wood Academy Marrickville
Sun 26 May 2024	9am - 3pm	Wood Workshop - Timberbits - Wood Academy Marrickville

Woodworking Course: Steam Bent Shaker Boxes

Sat 9 Nov 2024 - Sun 10 Nov 2024

2 sessions, 13 hours total

9am - 4pm (UTC+11:00) (first session)

Timberbits - Wood Academy Marrickville

Timberbits

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 9 Nov 2024	9am - 4pm	Wood Workshop - Timberbits - Wood Academy Marrickville
Sun 10 Nov 2024	9am - 3pm	Wood Workshop - Timberbits - Wood Academy Marrickville

If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Woodworking Course: Steam Bent Shaker Boxes