Understanding Wood Grain Class

Saturday 2/21, 1-5pm

Every piece of wood tells a story before a tool ever touches it.

Understanding Wood Grain opens The Windfall’s yearly programming because it sits at the foundation of all good woodworking. Grain direction governs strength, movement, and surface quality. Learn to read it, and your work becomes calmer, cleaner, and more durable. Miss it, and the wood will push back.

In this focused, hands-on class, students will learn how to observe grain patterns, anticipate wood movement, and make informed decisions before cutting. This is not a technique-driven course—it’s a way of seeing that carries into every tool, joint, and project.

You’ll learn to:

Read grain direction in boards and rough stock

Understand how grain affects strength and seasonal movement

Prevent tear-out and failed cuts before they happen

Make better choices in joinery, shaping, and layout

Learn traits and uses for different species of wood

Who it’s for:
All skill levels. Ideal for beginners building strong habits and experienced woodworkers sharpening their fundamentals.

Michael Waldeck Munroe is a master woodworker and educator known for his deep material knowledge and disciplined, process-driven approach to craft. His work emphasizes understanding wood at its most fundamental level—how it grows, moves, and responds to the maker—allowing students to work with clarity and confidence across styles and traditions.