Transforming Beginners into Skilled Woodworkers

For the last two Saturdays, our woodworking students have been hard at work, learning new skills and putting them into practice

. In a hands-on environment, they've learned essential techniques such as gluing, sanding, routing, and shaping. They've also embraced key design principles that allow them to create pieces tailored to their personal style.

The result? Stunning tables, each one uniquely crafted by the students to suit their individual preferences. Using beautiful rosewood timber known for its excellent durability and aesthetic appeal, these novice woodworkers have produced remarkable works of art.

We’re incredibly proud of their accomplishments. This is what woodworking should be about—not cookie-cutter projects, but unique creations that reflect the maker's vision and effort.

If you’ve never picked up a chisel or held a piece of sandpaper, don’t worry. Our classes are designed for complete beginners and aim to transform enthusiastic amateurs into skilled woodworkers. Join us in 2025 and and create something truly personal and beautiful.

the journey of a woodworker is a rewarding one

In prep for our first Woodworking class for 2024

We cannot wait !!

Our first class for woodworking will begin in earnest this Saturday !

Our timber masterclass , will see 6 eager students begin their journey of woodworking this weekend .

During the workshop our budding woodworkers will learn the fundamentals of woodworking .

They will become educated in timber and design , gain essential hands on knowledge in a professional workshop and craft their own timber salt and pepper shakers in a morning of fun and productivity

March 2023 Woodworking Legends

Last Saturday, our wonderful students completed their timber tables.

Final glue ups were done, sanding assembly and the all important polish was applied.

The end result was 4 beautifully crafted tables.

A credit to our students for being quick enthusiastic learners and producing beautiful timber work

Our March Furniture Making Workshop

It was with much joy that we welcomed our first students for our March Introduction to Furniture Making Workshop…

Our 6 eager students began by finalising the design on their table, albeit a small coffee table, a sofa table or a minimalist desk.

In our class, students are encouraged to work out exactly what they need/like for their own circumstances ie a smaller table for that tiny nook in the corner, desk for after dinner work, or a coffee table for the centre of the loungeroom. We offer our students choices and encourage them to flex their design muscle so that they can create something that is exactly what they need .

We also offer a variety of available timbers , so that along with the design aspect the hue and ambience of the timber is something that will work in their home and that they will be truly happy with …

The design process, an integral part of the creation journey

So much satisfaction from starting your first project

Learning traditional techniques is the basis of good construction

Satisfaction out of learning a new skill is immense

First part of the journey, its definitely something to smile about

Beautiful finished tables

Our students worked dilegently over the 2 Saturday’s to design, learn , create and be a part of something that they should all be very proud of

Beautiful timber heirlooms for their home.

Our next Introduction to Furniture Making class is on May 7 and 14

Two fun filled Saturdays, if you would like to secure a position, please enquire

We would love to help you discover your inner woodworker

"I'm Still learning ..."

So said Michelangelo at age 87 and rightly so.

The quest for learning and for challenging oneself we believe should never wane.

That is why we take so much proud in our Woodworking classes.

Whether it is our traditional woodworking classes, learning the art of Surfboard Making or creating a hall table our classes are geared for the absolute beginner and aimed at fuelling the inner woodworker

We dont know who gets more satisfaction out of our classes ; the student who has just created an amazing surfboard, or our team on seeing and feeling the great satisfaction of our students.

That feeling when you’ve just made your very own surfboard !

Keeping our classes small ensures there is lots of time and space for personalised tuition. Being in a relaxed yet professional environment serves as a great base for our students to learn.

A lot of our students have no woodworking experience or have even stepped inside a woodworking workshop , so being able to gently guide and encourage learning in a productive and fun way is paramount to us.

If you think 2020 is the year you want to do something beautiful and creative for yourself, step away from the screens and immerse yourself in something new and challenging we urge you to peruse our Calendar of Learning Page and see what may interest you.

Of course you have questions and we are just an email away to answer any of your queries.

See you in class

Our Introduction to Woodworking Class

We recently had the pleasure of conducting our 2 Day Introduction to Woodworking Class held over Friday and Saturday October 18 and 19 at our Boondall Workshop.

Our students chose various timber and design choices according to their personal preferences and to match their existing decor.

Chris chose American Ash for his hall table

Rolf opted for Tasmanian Oak Top and Rosewood legs

On the first day , our enthusiastic students made the parts for their hall table.

Milling all the timber, cutting to the desired length and jointing the rails to the legs

They then finished their first day with biscuiting the top together and cutting the top to length.

It was an intense productive day, where new systems were learnt and information overload for our enthusiastic team players.

Day two Saturday sees our woodworkers

Check all their measurements of

*legs

*top

*rails (check twice cut once )

Cut all these to desired length

Biscuit the top together

Glue the underframe

Tighten joints if necessary

Clean up

and apply a Lacquer finish for a stunning end result.

Chris setting the hall table top

Rolf inspecting his great work on the hall table top

After these two days , our students have been given a great grounding to continue on their woodworking journey.

They have created a beautiful piece of furniture (heirloom) that they should be so proud of

A ver proud Rolf ( and rightly so) what a beautiful Hall table

Wonderful workmanship from Rolf with his Tasmanian Oak and Rosewood Hall table

Congratulations Chris, beautiful workmanship on your hall table

Beautiful lines in the American Ash Hall table Chris made in our 2 day intro to woodworking

We thoroughly enjoyed teaching our wonderful students the joys and intricacies of woodworking.

We can’t wait for our next class !

A gift made from the heart ...

Our woodworking students always give us great joy when it comes to their dedication and persistence.

Bill , a Monday night student has worked tirelessly over the last few months working on a beautiful coffee table for a wonderful surprise birthday present for his wife.

Made from Melaleuca , which is part of the Myrtle tree family this elegant table uses resin as a centre feature to highlight the wonderful warm patina of the grain .

Finished off with light coats of lacquer, this gift made from the heart is one we are sure will be a treasured heirloom for many years to come.

Congratulations to Bill on such a wonderful achievement.

Working with Wood Show - Brisbane 2015 -

It was all very hands on at the recent Working with Wood Show at the RNA last weekend...  

We had an overwhelming response and interest in not only our Wooden Surfboard and traditional woodworking classes, but also our custom making and furniture restoration services. Thank you to Carbatec for making this possible. Much appreciation to Michael Hoffman and David Wardrop for their invaluable help and enthusiasm over the weekend.

Bywater Design Student Work - December 2014

We are so proud of our hardworking ever enthusiastic woodworking Students. Throughout the year they embark on designing and making their own projects.

They are all wonderfully varied and the finished product shows the skills and techniques that they have learned throughout the year.

Peter has been working on these beautiful chairs through out the year, and with Davids expert guidance he has created these stunning chairs , made from jarrah and Qld Maple.

These are a credit to both Peter and David and will be a beautiful accompaniment to the Table Peter completed before hand.

Brisbanes Only Hollow Wooden Surfboard Classes for 2015 - At Bywater Design

HOLLOW SURFBOARD CLASSES FOR 2015 Semester One

THE ONLY WOODEN SURFBOARD CLASSES IN BRISBANE

2 day shaping class

This 2 day shaping class is where all the assembly work is done for you.

You come in and shape your board to your individual requirements, rail shaping and fin placement, and it is ready for glassing after the two days.

Of course Bywater Design offers you the choice of timber, deck patterns, and various board sizes from our catalogue so you are still getting the timber board of your dreams; just the messy assembly work is done for you.

Or the classic

Tuesday night surfboard making class

For those that like to take their time we are offering the 8 week course of 3 hours a night each week to build your board from our components supplied,

Of course Bywater design offers you the choice of timber, deck patterns, and various board sizes from our catalogue so you are still getting the timber board of your dreams, and you get to do all the assembly work, the board is then ready to be glassed.

2 DAY SHAPING CLASS

FEBRUARY; 14 AND 15   (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY)

MAY; 16 AND 17 (SATURDAY AND SUNDAY)

CLASSIC WOODEN SURFBOARD MAKING CLASS

MARCH 3 – TUESDAY NIGHTS FOR 8 WEEKS

MAY 26^TH – TUESDAY NIGHTS FOR 8 WEEKS

As your surfboard is custom made prices will vary but the cost will start from $1100 and vary according to timber, and size choices

For more information; including surf pack, timber catalogue choices and detailed pricing please email us on;

surf@bywaterdesign.com.au

Places are strictly limited so best to act now and reserve your

POSITION IN BRISBANE’S ONLY HOLLOW WOODEN SURFBOARD CLASSES.

Wooden Surfboard Fins from Japan

It was a great delight to see in Australia and in Brisbane Nobuhito Ohkawa (aka Nobbby)  who made a special visit to my workshop.

Nobby makes beautiful wooden surfboards and surfboard fins in Chiba City, just outside of Tokyo .

We have become friends over the last few years, sharing experiences, and  I was lucky enough to see his workshop whilst I was in Japan last year, and I was happy to return the hospitality this week when Nobby made  a visit to our Northgate workshop whilst he was in Brisbane .

Nobby personally delivered my custom made fins which are made from walnut , rock maple and purple heart.

I cannot wait to attach these on to one of my boards and test it out in the water

Summer Board Making Class - December 2014 ...

Summer is almost here !! Hooray !

And we have time for one more board making class before Christmas.

Classes will commence Tuesday October 28 and run until December 16.

We have a few places left so be quick and contact us now surf@bywaterdesign.com.au Hang Ten !

Build your own Wooden Surfboard . 3 Day Intensive Class . August 2014

Winter is the perfect time to build your own Surfboard. In 3 challenging yet fun days, you will be able to make your very own surfboard.  Ready to glass or polish.

Our intensive class is designed to optimise the use of a full working day, where you will be able to complete your wooden surfboard in this time ready for glassing or polishing.

Spaces are Extremely  limited ...

So book your position now;

surf@bywaterdesign.com.au

or Phone;  07 3256 9000 for more information

Shaping a Wooden Surfboard...

One of the joys of making your own Surfboard , is taking the time to create something exactly the way you want it to be. Being involved in all of the processes.

  Come and experience the fun of making your own Classic Wooden Surfboard. Classes Tuesday Night & Our Intensive 3 Day Workshop August ; 13, 14 & 15 !

Wooden Surfboard Classes

Due to popular demand; Bywater Design are very proud to introduce their Wooden Surfboard Classes intensive course.  

In the space of three days you will be able to make, shape and complete your very own wooden surfboard.

All ready to glass

Dates for this class are  Ekka Week ;  August ; 13, 14 and 15.

* June Special; Enrol this month  to receive your complimentary new fins for the board you are making

What are you waiting for  ??

Positions are limited, so contact us now to reserve your position.

Surfs Up !

*conditions apply

Designed and Made...By Students

The students  of Bywater Design School of Fine Furniture continually make us proud with their ongoing achievements.  We love sharing their journeys , their finished pieces as it is inspiring for both teacher and students... The recently completed Qld Maple Entertainment Unit by Bruce, highlights the construction techniques, dovetailing and finishing methods that Bruce has learnt in class...

 

Congratulations Bruce on Designing and Making your Entertainment Unit !

If you would like information on Creating your own beautiful furniture Have a look here .

 

The Art of Learning

Our very popular Woodworking Classes  are now in their  7th year  !  We enjoy seeing our students learn new skills and nurture their passion for woodwork .  Over the course of this time we have been lucky enough to teach students from all demographics and from all over Brisbane including The Gold and Sunshine Coasts . The high standard to which our students produce work is testament to their willingness to learn and the dedication to our craft.

One such student, who displays these qualities is Daniel.

Daniel is a vibrant and energetic gentleman in his 90's !  ! Daniel has been a student under the expert guidance of David for well over a year.

During this time, Daniel has produced work of a very high standard.

Apart form his love of woodworking, Daniel is a fierce golfer and enjoys learning Latin Dancing !!!

We would like to congratulate Daniel on his enthusiasm, joy and happiness he contributes to the class.  He is an inspiration .