I structure the courses so that participants will learn how to handle their tools and fine tune them to perform to perfection. There is a world of difference between a well tuned plane or tenon saw and one straight from the box so that using them becomes a joy rather than a grunt. This gives the confidence to begin making your first piece within the first two or three days,
a simple box or table, emphasising the importance of accurate measuring and marking, planing and cutting. Tools are then prepared as they are needed for the next process. You will then be ready to start something more adventurous and demanding.

In addition to the full term and introductory courses I am
now running specialist courses for those with some experience (albeit very limited in some cases). These include home cut and commercial laminations, the pros and cons over steam bending the making of them, moulds and their use in for example chair making. Home cut and commercial veneering - their advantages in some structures and their use. Also cabinet design and all the components of successful cabinet making including structures and, of course. drawer making and fitting. The length of these courses can be varied.

I give a series of technical lectures throughout my courses
on the nature and growth of wood, its faults, glues,finishing etc. so you understand at a very deep level the nature of the material we love to use. I also cover business planning and marketing as well as visiting wood yards and exhibitions.

You will be given sound advice on basic to advanced techniques, to suit your level of skill from simple jointing to dovetailing. Even if you have never handled a chisel before
you will be delighted with your achievements.

My aim is to make your stay here instructive and informative. Wood is such a delightful natural material it is fun to use its structural and aesthetic properties to achieve one’s aims of making beautiful furniture.