About us and our classes
BHSW gives woodworkers a chance to spend time with professional builders who are also experienced teachers. Classes are held year-round, except for the first two weeks of August (during the Sturgis Rally, when hotel rooms are impossible to get).

Hands-on classes are taught by noted woodshop author John English, or by guest instructors who have at least twenty years of experience. Curriculum is designed by Meg English, who has been teaching since 1981 and is currently a doctoral candidate in educational administration at the University of South Dakota.

To see some School project photos, click here.

We offer some classes for women only, when we build an Arts & Crafts end table, a wine rack and similar projects. To view a blog on the table class, click here. Cost for five Saturday morning or Thursday evening sessions is $249, and that includes all materials and taxes. You leave with a beautiful table and a lot of confidence.

Our couple's workshop has two people building two Adirondack chairs in two days that fit into your schedule. Weekends will work. The chairs are executed in white oak (extremely weather resistant), and the cost is $595 which includes materials and taxes. You can combine the two chairs and make a single loveseat if you prefer. To book a session, send us an e-mail.

We also offer professional classes for specific groups such as our week-long intensive for woodworking magazine staff. This series, limited to six students per session, walks publishing pros through the workshop experience. In a hands-on atmosphere, they build a table and take it home with them. The goal is to help bridge the gap between freelance project builders/writers, and the editorial staff.

Similar sessions are offered to architects who want to experience the hands-on creation of architectural elements and joinery, and to furniture industry executives who feel that a few days in the shop would give them a better understanding of how their design/build team works.

Our one-on-one intensives begin when a student brings a photo or plan to us and in four shop days we'll help you get the project built to the point that it can be taken home for sanding and finishing. Cost is $699 plus materials. The School operates a small retail store on-site which carries a good selection of prime hardwoods, hand tools, woodworking books, router tables, bits and so on.

We are located in the upstairs of the old City Hall building at 606 6th Avenue in Belle Fourche (about half an hour from Rapid City).

From Mount Rushmore to the Black Hills, with wineries, lakes, caves, National Parks and countless other attractions, the area is a vacationer's dream. Add a few days to explore, if you can.

BHSW, Inc. is a registered South Dakota corporation located at 105 Spruce Lane, Spearfish, SD 57703.