Bent Lamination Workshop
A 6 Day crash course in design, curves, shaping, bending and combining them all to add beautiful curves to your custom furniture. Laura Kishimoto will be leading a workshop on designing and prototyping bent wood tables. Each project will be individually designed by the student and expertly guided through the process.
Plus an online design review session on Tuesday, May 11, 2027, 6:00 to 7:30 PM Central time.
Taught by Laura Kishimoto · kishimotodesign.com
- Skill level
- Upper Beginner
- Materials
- IncludedMaterial (various) is included
- Where
- 1600 W Stassney Lane, Austin
- Tuition
- $1,275
About the class
Bent Lamination Workshop
Have you ever wanted to create a piece of furniture with a curved or bent element but can't figure out how to get started? Then this is the class for you. Laura Kishimoto will lead a workshop on designing and prototyping with bent wood. Each project will be individually designed by the student and expertly guided through the process by Laura. Students will explore the material science behind bent lamination and learn how to think critically to determine the most appropriate mold type, milling strategy, and joinery techniques to address their project's specific aesthetic and structural needs.
The in-person portion of this workshop will meet at the Austin School of Furniture May 18th to 23rd, 2027 but there will be a virtual design session the week before on May 11th. This class is great for upper beginners with some experience woodworking and furniture making.
What you take home
Students will walk away with tons of great information and inspiration, jigs and fixtures, and a full or partial prototype. Students should not expect to have a complete finished piece of furniture at the end of this workshop.
What to bring
Required
- Safety glasses
- Hearing protection
- Dust mask (N95 or higher) or respirator
- Combination square or engineering square (4", 6", or 12")
- Sketchbook / notebook
- Pencils, eraser, sharpie
- 6" or 12" metal ruler
- Tape measure
Optional (the school will have communal tools available)
- Card scraper / Stewmac scraper
- Spokeshave with convex sole
- Marking gauge / marking knife
- Digital calipers
- Cloth measuring tape / flexible curve ruler
- Drafting compass and/or French curve set
- Block plane
If you have done some woodworking, and have some tools you think would be useful, feel free to bring them. It does not hurt to bring more than you need.
What the class covers
- Basic design principles
- Creating templates for curves and bends
- Material and glue science / selection
- Mold types and mold making
- Vacuum forming
- Fixtures and Jigs for curved parts
- Types of joinery for curved parts
- Shaping and surface preparation
Book a seat
Your seat at the bench.
A few short steps: pick your date, tell us about you, sign the waiver, pay. One booking covers every session.
Booking for a partner or friend too? Add seats as you book. Each student signs the waiver from a link we email.
Save your seat
If plans change
Our refund policy, at a glance.
What you get back depends on how far ahead of class you cancel. Send your cancellation in writing. Phone calls, texts and comments don't count.
of your payment refunded, less the 5% cancellation fee.
of your payment refunded, less the 5% cancellation fee.
Missing all or part of a class counts as a cancellation.
Why we hold to itClass income pays staff and instructors, buys lumber and keeps the lights on. We run on a tight margin, and this policy protects the school.
If the school cancelsIf we cancel a class, every student gets a full refund.
The whole policyRead it in full on our Refund Policy page.