Woodworking Special Topics: Multiples

This class will address the design of multiples – the object itself and the process for accurately and efficiently reproducing it multiple times. Woodworkers and craftspeople regularly make “production runs” of items whose design and fabrication they have refined over time. Students should have introductory woodworking experience. Working with faculty, they will advance their design and technical skills by designing a small wood item for a production run of at least three duplicate objects. They will begin by designing and making a prototype of the item to test and refine the concept. They will then design the fabrication sequence, identifying materials and the requisite tools and equipment, and designing and building supplementary tools and jigs to expedite the making process. Students will explore how design constraints of time and materials can inspire creative solutions. They will gain experience working safely and effectively with basic woodworking hand and power tools, and sequencing operations to expedite the production of well-made multiples. They will acquire a deeper understanding of how the mind, hand, and tools work together to shape expressive and functional forms.