American Workshop, Burnsville

The founders of American Workshop describe their public workspace as a “health club for woodworkers." Much like a gym, the shop is a place where members gain access to specialized equipment that would otherwise take over their entire garage or spouse’s side of the bedroom closet. American Workshop’s experts also assume similar roles as fitness coaches as they lead classes, workshops, and one-on-one training sessions that help participants achieve personal goals.

American Workshop’s array of classes strengthens students’ grasp on woodworking essentials through hands-on practice drafting out ideas, measuring out board stock, and exploring the structural and aesthetic qualities of various projects. Students can also learn decorative techniques, such as applying an even finish with stains, dyes, and embarrassing stories that make wood blush. Safety-oriented courses, such as Woodworking 101 for beginners or Intro to Furniture and Cabinetry Design, are designed to boost confidence in using woodworking equipment, and private one-on-one sessions match students up with an expert to clarify lessons covered in classes.