For Cabinetmaking and Wood Product Design student Tom Fritz, woodworking is about more than precision and technique; it’s about creating pieces that tell a story and last for generations.
This spring, Fritz completed two standout projects: a custom oak and walnut dining room table with built-in board game storage and a Queen Anne–style dresser that pushed his craftsmanship to a new level. Together, the pieces reflect both personal inspiration and the technical skill developed through the program.
The dining room table was inspired by Fritz’s family and their love of board games. Designed with an opening beneath the tabletop, the piece allows games to be stored neatly while remaining part of the furniture itself. From start to finish, the table took approximately four weeks, or about 100 hours, to complete.
His second project, a Queen Anne–style dresser, was a true test of patience, precision, and perseverance. Constructed from walnut with sapele veneer, brass pulls, and hand-cut dovetail drawers, the dresser required more than 125 hours of work. Fritz said he was most proud of this piece, particularly the intricate side panels.
“The workmanship on the side panels was the most difficult,” Fritz shared. “Figuring out how to cut that curved shape twice on each side took a lot of effort, but it was worth it.”
Throughout both projects, Fritz used a wide range of hand-operated power tools, including a wood lathe, molding machine, band saw, miter saw, and the program’s recently acquired wide belt sander. He also spent countless hours manually sanding and carefully constructing each component, ensuring the finished pieces met his high standards.
Instructor Doug Krauss praised Fritz’s work and the creativity behind it.
“Cabinetmaking uses imagination and skills learned to make projects like these a reality,” Krauss said. “This profession is for someone who is creative and enjoys working with their hands to make something beautiful, like Tom’s dresser and table.”
Looking ahead, Fritz is excited to give his furniture a long life beyond the classroom. He plans to enjoy the pieces in his home and hopes to one day pass them on to his children, an enduring reminder of the skill, care, and craftsmanship that went into every detail.
About Hennepin Technical College
Founded in 1972, Hennepin Tech is the largest stand-alone technical college in Minnesota. With campuses in Brooklyn Park and Eden Prairie, the college offers degree and non-degree courses in over 40 programs in the skilled trades and high-demand career fields. Achieving a high job placement rate, Hennepin Tech prepares students for high-paying employment opportunities.