NOTICE: Class postponed

A reschedule date will be posted at a later time. Thank you for your consideration!

Learn how to measure and mark wood, gain familiarity with the functions and operation of a drill and driver, and make cuts with a circular saw, a miter saw, and a jig saw. In this introductory course, we’ll also discuss settings, blades, and applications for each tool, and cover other common household tools that will make your next build/home improvement project a breeze.  Bring along any questions you might have that will inform current or upcoming projects.

By learning the basics of power tools, you can begin to take charge of home or garden improvement projects, address fixes with greater confidence, and live more sustainably through creatively reusing local and salvaged materials. Join us to affirm the joy and empowerment of working with the hands in a community setting--an antidote to our fast-paced culture of outsourced builds and disposable designs. 

Below is a more detailed look for how we expect to spend our time together. Class plan is subject to change. Please pack a lunch and snacks for the break time between sessions; a fridge and microwave are available for students to use. 

• 9:30AM-12PM // Intros; Circular Saw, Drill and Driver (demos and practice)
• 12PM-12:30PM // lunch break
• 12:30PM-3PM // Mitre Saw, Jig Saw and Reciprocating Saw (demos and practice); Questions and Outro

Perks: As a bonus, attendees have the option to take home their own speed square and carpenter's pencil for future projects. Attendees who do not wish to keep these items can leave them with the Horn Farm Center for later building classes. 

What to bring: 

• Measuring tape (extras are available to borrow for those who need) 
• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
• Clothing suitable for the outdoors and working with power tools (expect saw dust!)
• Lunch & snacks

What we're providing: (attendees are welcome to bring their own if they have these items)

• Safety goggles
• Ear protection
• A fun and informative experience working with power tools! 

Before registering, please review the Horn Farm Center's Cancellation & Refund Policy. 

About the Instructor: Alex Catizone 

Alex is a maker from Northeastern Pennsylvania, who has received her training in woodworking, carpentry, and design through Lohr School of Woodworking, Yestermorrow Design/Build School, years of self-directed learning, and experience in the field.  Her journey and fascination with craft all began with a camper renovation in Austin, TX, and the rest has been history.  From there, she continued her education and worked in a traditional furniture shop building chairs.  Alex came to Yestermorrow in 2022 to work as a Shipping Container Teaching Assistant and a Semester Design/Build Teaching Assistant.  Since that time her professional focus has been on design and carpentry.  She is passionate about affordable housing solutions, the effect of built environment on human behavior, and empowering people through the design/build process.

Alex is currently finishing a tiny cabin that she designed on family land in Pennsylvania, and has a piece of furniture she designed and built on display at the University of Madison, Wisconsin. Samples of Alex's work can be seen on her website at alexandracatizone.com/