October Workshop

Michael Mocho – Big Table, Big Adventure

This presentation will document the many challenges involved in the making of a large 103” x 42” dining table out of two large and exceptionally figured book-matched Claro walnut slabs. The design evolution includes the process of selecting and flattening the slabs, building a scale model, addressing structural, joinery, and wood movement issues, building forms for bent lamination, and effective shaping techniques using a variety of tools. There will be plenty of information about strategies for dealing with the typical surprises often encountered in this type of project.  

Michael Mocho has been in the woodworking trades full time for over 47 years, and has developed skills in commissioned furniture making, architectural millwork, carving, lutherie, contract wood turning, and patternmaking. He has been artist in residence at the Arrowmont School of Craft, the Anderson Ranch Arts Center, and the International Turning Exchange program at the Woodturning Center in Philadelphia.

His 30 years of teaching experience includes many of the top craft schools across the US, 9 years at the SFCC Fine Woodworking program, presentations for local, national, and international symposia, and over 100 chapters of the American Association of Woodturners in the US and Canada. He has recently joined forces with Rick and Jacob Thaler in a large workshop and sawmill in Corrales where he builds furniture, does contract woodturning, and teaches small classes in a wide range of woodworking techniques.

North Domingo Baca Multi-generational Center