We Use the Tools We Sell!
Friends of the Shop (FOTS) is a non-profit retail company providing tools & accessories to Woodworkers. Our mission is to provide high quality woodworking tools and accessories for the students of Red Rocks School of Fine Woodworking.
We are creating our inventory based upon the tools we really use/used in our professional woodworking experiences. These are the same tools the instructors have listed in their "recommended tools" list.
We are not making our decisions based upon profit. If we can purchase a quality tool and sell it back to students of woodworking, and provide them with a significant savings, we will try our best to carry that tool. Our profit margins are small, there are no paid employees of FOTS, often instructors who teach the FOTS workshops are working for gratis. What profit we make is re-invested into the company or donated to the school.
- Products
- Materials
- Workshops
- Projects
- The School
The picture on the left is directly from our recommended tool list, and was one of the first products we brought into our inventory. The Glen-Drake company has produced the marking gauge that every marking gauge wants to be compared to - there simply is no comparison - This is the best marking gauge on the planet
We are bringing in more and more products everyday. For a complete list click on the link. Please note that we will not ship your products, you need to pick up your purchases at the RRSFW shop. Full Line-up
Materials are a major portion of any woodworking class. In an effort to save you money and time, we have put together many packages which correspond to the materials you need for various classes. Our goal is to utilize the pow ere of bulk purchases in order to save you money. Furthermore, the material will be prepared for you so that you are best prepared for your class.
While we do not have the capital to buy all the materials for all the classes, we will try to expand our offerings as we can. We are bringing in more and more products everyday. For a complete list click on the link. Please note that we will not ship your products, you need to pick up your purchases at the RRSFW shop. Full Line-up
The school has tons of classes available, but sometimes for a small workshop it a lot easier on everyone involved to do the class as an independent workshop. Very often the teacher for this class will be donating their time, in order to benefit the Friends of the Shop organization. Workshops we have had in the past include, Sharpening, BowSaw making, Handcut Dovetails, and Hand-Tools Intensive. These workshops are quick-condensed hands-on classes. If you would like more information, or have suggestions for other workshops you would like to see – please e-mail us at workshops.
One of the things that makes Red Rocks great is the variety of woodworkers in the shop at any one time and the variety of projects. We feel it is important to expose students to the whole process from bid-proposal –to- design –to- construction –to- delivery. We are just starting to make this available to people outside the school, and we are doing this through FOTS. For right now we are focusing on high-end custom workbenches.
This bench was bid/ designed/ constructed/ delivered as the originator of the plan (for more pictures). This was a great project, and had a very unique method for the trestle assembly. Like most things, a picture is worth a thousand words – so check out the quick SU movie, by clicking on the image to the right.
The school we work with is one of the best in the country and one of the few places you can go to get a degree in woodworking. The school caters to professionals and hobbyist alike. You can choose to take a few classes - or go after a degree or the Master's Certificate. The Red Rocks School of Fine Woodworking is a unique school.
The school currently has over 20 instructors, and has classes from morning to night. All classes take place in the Lakewood, Colorado location.
Featured Tool
Probably the most under appreciated tool in the shop. A scraper is an essential tool regardless of what you do in the world of woodworking. These are my personal favorites, the Swedish Bahco - really are the top of the line. You won't find a better price anywhere.
What's New at the School
The Spring Showcase was our largest showcase to date, with over 560 people in attendance. For pictures and more information please visit the RRSFW main page.
Featured Workshop
Tyler Chartier is returning this Fall, for another hand-tool intensive workshop. Tyler has been blowing our minds for the past few years with his exquisite workmanship. His passion for woodworking is only matched by his ability.
The Foundation
Our ability to survive in a community college setting is dependant upon the generosity of our Sponsors. These sposors make it possible to maintain a quality shop, while staying within an ever restictive budget. The
FOTS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity.
