Our Students make beautiful furniture ...

Over the last two Saturdays , our budding woodworkers worked diligently to create their beautiful hall tables.

During this time students are taught, the fundamentals of what makes a good design , introducing knowledge of various timber species and their appropriate application.

Then comes the fun part where our students get their hands dirty - and begin the wonderful journey of creativity.

Learning the safe and proper use of the drop saw , biscuit joiner and other associated woodwork machinery is an integral part of the workshop.

These skills will be for life and make the difference between a so so woodworker and a competent safe one.

The importance and proper utilization of adhesives and abrasives is practically taught in these two days also .

The finish of a piece of furniture is as important as the construction and our students discover this for themselves during the construction of their table.

Its a very productive, fun two days that see our students achieve a great deal.

And its the very best feeling leaving with your own custom made piece of furniture

Tools of the Woodworking Trade

Essential to our craft, hand tools are many and varied in our Woodworking Workshop.

They are treasured items, sometimes given as gifts to the craftsperson, sometimes they are found by chance in an out of the way Antique/junk shop, and sometimes they are handed down by a family member or friend.

Whatever the reason they become an integral part our furniture making and restoration processes.

There are times when a machine won’t do the fine, intricate things needed in say carving a dining chair back legs or repairing a veneer to an antique commode.

The tools of our trade can sometimes look dusty, worn but that just adds to its character and seasoning and like a fine wine only improves with age.

Hand planes in their varying sizes.

A mix of English and Japanese mortice chisels which Stuart has had for over 32 years and are still going strong.

Japanese bench chisels are the “go to” chisel for our Fine Woodworking Classes.