What you will cover

Our beginner courses are designed to cover a range of skills through the project of making your own bespoke box. Over a 6-week course you will cover the following:

• Measuring & marking – using steel rule, try square and marking knife to create the foundations of accurate, high quality work.
  
  
• Cutting wood – practical use of hand saws with bench hooks and other saw guides to achieve clean, accurate, square cuts.
  
  
• Shaping – shaping and smoothing timber with hand planes, chisels and the disc and belt sanding machine.
  
  
• Drilling – straightforward drilling methods for solid fixings, pilot holes, and simple decorative details.
  
  
• Basic joinery – an introduction to wood joints such as butt, mitre, rebate, and dowel joints, with the option to try more advanced joints such as finger and dovetail joints.
  
  
• Assembly, gluing and clamping – clear techniques for accurate assembly, dry fitting to make adjustments for square and accuracy, efficient gluing and clamping.
  
  
• Sanding & finishing – working through the grits and applying oils, stains, or varnishes for a clean, durable finish.
  
  
• Fixtures and fittings – fitting hinges and clasps as appropriate.