‍Meet member Sue Kohler and see what she’s been inspired to create at Saratoga Joinery.

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Sue Kohler, a retired chemist, started woodworking at Saratoga Joinery last August, joining with very little prior experience. “I’ve just always thought woodworking would be fun, and the people here are so friendly.”

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In the short time Sue has been practicing the craft, she has learned a variety of techniques and skills and completed a number of projects she’s proud of – including cutting boards, a lamp, and animal boxes for her grandkids. (See them all below!) 

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When she became a member, the Joinery got her up to speed on the machines she wasn’t yet familiar with - like the jointer and the planer - and she got to work on her first project: a step stool for her kitchen.

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“When I have questions about things, people here are always really helpful about saying, ‘Here’s a good way to do this.’”

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She recalls having to overcome some first-time nerves to start that first project, but once she got into the shop, those jitters went away. “I just told myself, ‘Yes, you can do it. Just go and try. What’s the worst that can happen?’ When I have questions about things, people here are always really helpful about saying, ‘Here’s a good way to do this.’”

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Sue has also benefitted from several Saratoga Joinery classes, including a cutting board class, one on creating a mortise and tenon joint, and a class that teaches Kumiko, a type of Japanese woodworking.

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But most of the time, she’s just learning as she goes. “I come in whenever I can – usually a couple hours a day. And I really miss it on Mondays when it’s closed. It’s a lot of fun and I just enjoy doing this stuff.”

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She also appreciates that the Joinery is trying to encourage non-traditional woodworkers like women and minorities. “I think that’s a really good mission to have.” 

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What Sue has already made 

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Sue describes what she’s accomplished so far, in fewer than six months, at Saratoga Joinery!

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“I like to try new things so that I can continue learning. Everyone at the Joinery has been incredibly friendly and helpful when I ask for tips on how to do things. What a great place!”

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Interested in becoming a woodworker like Sue? We’re here to help you learn! Our shop is always staffed with experienced woodworkers who are here to provide guidance and training to anyone who needs it. If you want to try it out first, register for one of our beginner classes! If you sign up for membership within seven days of completion of your class, you’ll receive an $85 voucher for use on membership fees, class registration, or lumber.