Essick Woodworking School, Grass Valley CA

My sister found Dugan Essick of Essick Woodworking in about May of this year. She knows that I have always been interested in woodworking so when Dugan's school popped up in her internet search she wanted to give me an amazing gift of a 5-day class, (I'm sure all the pictures of Dugan's lovely dogs Lucie and Willie sealed the deal since we love dogs). I chose to built a Router Table. I picked this build because I would be learning many techniques and using various tools (large and small) in the shop. What drew me to the router table project was I would learn how to make a cabinet, various drawers of different sizes (some with slides), attach different types hinges and hardware. Dugan is a wonderful patient teacher. He instantly made me feel comfortable and we were laughing and having a great time day one while learning. (having those cute dogs come in and put throughout the day helped too.) I had never used any large tools like drill press, table saw, or large belt sander before and to be honest those larger tools can be intimidating. Safety is the most important thing to me and being able to get that hands on instruction of the way the tool works and how to use it correctly was key. Dugan was very thorough of how each tool works and he was incredibly patient with all of my dozens of questions. It is very apparent how much Dugan loves to teach and share is passion and art of woodworking to others an its quite infectious. Before my 5-day class was over I had already enrolled in another class. I can't wait to go back in March and learn more from Dugan. If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Dugan goes out of his way to make you feel comfortable and are having fun. I had such a great time learning about something that I love and laughing with my new friends in Grass Valley Dugan Essick and his most adorable dogs Lucie and Willie. If you are a beginner like me it was amazing to have step by step instructions by someone who made in fun, and if you are an experience woodworker, (like the other person in my class), you will learn additional techniques from Dugan's wealth of knowledge. I learned so much and laughed a bunch, you cant't beat that. Thank you Dugan

Wonderful school with all the tools you need. Well thought out process to build the Morris chair and the result was beautiful. I would highly recommend Dugan and his school.

When I first attended the Sawdust 101 class I was so excited with the experience I vowed to myself that I would return. And that is what I did as soon as I was vaccinated. This time I came with my husband and we made 9 cutting boards to give as gifts this Christmas.
Dugan has created a beautiful space in a beautiful area. It's a creative oasis. His guidance is just enough to help you build something that looks professional, but not too much that you don't feel like you did it yourself.
Looking forward to going again in the future!

I have done three one-plus week sessions with Dugan at his wonderful shop in Grass Valley, making an entertainment cabinet of my wife's design, a craftsman table and a rocking chair. All were wonderful experiences, requiring skill well beyond my pay grade but with Dugan at my side, I can build almost anything! This is a fantasy camp for wanna-be woodworkers who will never have their dream shop. The cherry is stacked at his shop for the desk I will be making for my wife as soon as the Covid 19 pandemic is over! And the gravy is Lucie and Willie, his two yellow labs who always help out with lunch and welcome you each morning when the shop opens. Five stars for the dogs and, well, for Dugan too! I plan on coming back regularly.

Dugan helped me enlarge one of his planned class projects, a step-stool, and be made from teak. The teak stool is functional, beautiful, and sturdy. Being water resistant, it was used in the shower to help my wife recover from pneumonia and is still used in the shower regularly. Dugan's classes are well organized, flexible, and productive and I will definitely be back.

When I get a chance to see Dugan’s woodworking out in public, I tell my friends that this is a fellow woodworking friend. He has a bigger shop and more tools than me; but, he is better at sharing his tools and experience with others. He reminds me of my high school wood shop teacher back in the 70’s. Thanks Dugan for your patience, experience, and positive attitude. You make woodworking fun. Thirstythursdays.

As a beginning woodworking student, I took Dugan’s beginning class & was successful creating a small step stool & cutting board; I’m proud of both! He sizes classes to allow for maximum one-on-one time & I enjoyed the camaraderie of the group. The shop is gorgeous, with tons of space, Is well lit with natural light & full of all the equipment needed for the projects. Dugan emphasizes safety, & organized the class so we’d all finish in the time allowed. I’d recommend his classes & workshops to anyone who’s new to woodworking & to those who are more advanced with a desire to learn more. He’s an excellent teacher & has many years of experience.
If you’re interested in purchasing uniquely crafted wood furniture or objects d’art, Dugan has many of his own lovely pieces displayed In the shop. I also commissioned him to create a Custom fireplace mantle for my home, which I love.
In addition, Grass Valley is a fabulous place to visit! Dugan’s place is close to town and easily accessible. If you decide to take a class or two, you’re in for a treat! Happy woodworking!

As a more experienced woodworker, I was impressed by Dugan's depth of knowledge, as well as his mastery of so many techniques and approaches for completing projects while working efficiently. I learned a lot in the week at his studio. I brought a drawing of a hay rake table with a single cherry board top that he helped me turn into an heirloom.

I just finished Essick Woodworking School’s 5 day class. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone at any woodworking skill level. Dugan’s school is in a beautiful setting with an incredible class space. The shop is huge with every tool imaginable and some you might have never imagined. Dugan’s teaching style is helpful and he has clear communication; there’s great attention to detail, but the atmosphere is relaxed and fun. Each class is limited to a small number of students so that there is plenty of one-on-one attention and instruction individualized to each student’s skill level. Students leave with a quality finished project that they can be proud of.

I just finished a class with Dugan, a master craftsman, designer, artist and very nice guy. What an experience! Dugan has a first class wood working school filled with the very best tools of every kind. My project was complicated and I was guided patiently thru the process. I’m an experienced wood worker with my own shop and I learned many advanced techniques here. I ended up with an heirloom to be treasured, thanks to Dugan. No matter how talented you think you are, you will learn a lot.
The cost of this school is very reasonable compared to what you will get from it, a beautiful piece, better technique and much knowledge.
I highly recommend a class with Dugan, 5 stars!

Thank you Dugan,
Don Anderson

I gave my husband a gift certificate for a week-long class. He absolutely loved the class and I enjoyed the quiet!

I had a great opportunity to attend one of Dugan’s week long woodworking classes and it was a really wonderful experience. As a beginner woodworker I was a bit apprehensive about attempting to build a chair, but with Dugan’s instruction I was able to complete the project. Dugan is an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced woodworker, remarkably patient, a very competent instructor, and walks you through every step of the building process. With only two students per class you get an enormous amount of individual attention and help. The workshop is every woodworker’s dream with lots of space plus the use of all of his tools. Not only did I successfully complete my project, I also learned a great deal, and had a fun time throughout the week long class. My brother received the chair (guitar stool) as a gift and I know he will cherish it forever. Many thanks to Dugan for showing me that anyone can learn to build something functional, elegant, and beautiful!

I enrolled in a my first one week long woodworking class to learn
turning techniques on a lathe. I turned spindles, bowls, art objects and even a rolling pin made of maple and walnut. I attended my second week long class with my son where I made a beautiful Morris chair and my son created a large hardwood plank table with matching benches. Dugan is an excellent instructor willing to impart his knowledge and secrets gained from a lifetime as a professional woodworker and acclaimed furniture maker. His shop is state of the art and fully equipped with the best woodworking tools to be found. I look forward to taking another class in the future.

Over the past three years I have taken four classes with Dugan an I have learned so much. I first met Dugan when my wife and I were on the artist tour thru Nevada City and Grass Valley. I got to tour facility and wow, what’s facility it is. Months later we bought a house nearby and sure enough it had a wood shop. I had this idea that I wanted to build a Murphy bed. I went to Dugan with some plans I got on line and asked if we could build this in one of his weeklong classes. We did and it turned out spectacular.
I later had a thought to redo my fireplace. Once again I went to Dugan. This week I learned about vanier as well as how to build a very tricky mantle. Once again I had a blast and learned so much. Oh and by the way the fireplace looks super.
My third experience with Dugan was a weekend class on making ia stool. Not any stool however, this stool is special. I learned quite a bit un the use of a grinder. There were five others in this two day class and once again a great experience.
Most recently I took Dugan’s 101 class. My friend wanted to learn woodworking and I decided I would take the class with him. By this time Dugan knew what I did and didn’t know, mostly I call him a lot with questions. This five day class was the best. My friend is now in the process of building a shop in his garage. He has the fever.
Dugan’s classes reflect his personality. He is funny as well as knowledgeable. The environment is perfect for learning. He has two dogs that are great as well. They greet you when you arrive, dine with you at lunch and bid you farewell when you depart.
I can’t say enough about Dugan and his classes. I am hooked on woodworking and that would not be the case had I not taken those classes. I don’t think I can post pictures on this review but if you go to his website I think my Murphy bed is on there.

What a treat it was to learn from a master! My father and I took a two-day wood working class with Dugan, I made a cutting board and stool. I was 6 months pregnant at the time and made the stool for my daughter (who is now 3) and she uses it daily! The cutting board is still in excellent condition as well and gets used constantly.

Regardless of if we use the products we made or not, we had a blast. Dugan is patient, smart and provides a safe and comfortable environment. I can't wait until I have time to take the class again.

I cannot say enough about Dugan's school, it is more than a class it is an immersion into woodworking. Not only can you learn about woodworking, but his school is located in the heart of the historical gold country of California which you can explore when your not learning how to create cool projects. It is difficult to describe what Dugan Essicks has created in his class, the best analogy I can think of is a scuba diving cruise if you have ever been on one. You eat, sleep and scuba dive. It is an immersion into the sport. That is what Dugan has created in his workshop. You are surrounded by his own creative examples and projects that are sure to inspire and motivate and if you are coming from out of town, there are bunk rooms to stay at just off the shop if you are so inclined, if he is still doing that. And as my analogy of a dive boat, Dugan has a parlor area off the shop were you can immerse yourself in creative woodworking literature as well as an extensive library of woodworking videos. I could go on and on but you get the point. One last thing, Dugan's philosophy is that you should walk out of the class with a completed project that I am sure you will be proud of, from what I have heard that is not always the case at other schools. I made this chair in Dugan's class but I did have to the finish at home as it was a extensive build for a beginner like me. In my opinion I am not trying to over sale the Essick woodworking school, it is just that good.
Thanks to Dugan for upping my game.

I attended Dugan's one week chair building class. The class was excellent. The project I chose was to build the rocker in the attached picture. You can choose your own material. I selected 8 quarter walnut. Material requirements are supplied ahead of the class. All cuts, grinding, gluing, forming pieces to templates, joining, laminating, etc.was done during the week. Sanding and finish were done at home over the following month or so. Dugan knows when to provide guidance and when to let you work on your own. You get an great selection of tools to use in a really nice shop with help as needed to apply to your project. I highly recommend the class, it was lots of fun and would be good for people at all skill levels.