Woodwork classes at Ed’s Workshop
Our upcoming courses are now fully booked. Please email Kim to join the mailing list EdsWorkshop@peterrowe.co.uk
Beginner classes
Our beginner woodworking course introduces fundamental woodworking skills. Designed for those with little to no experience, our small class sizes ensure a supportive environment and plenty of hands-on practice. If you’re looking to build confidence with tools and practical skills our classes are the perfect place to begin.
Meet your tutor: Jo (afternoon course)
Jo has extensive experience teaching woodwork including 20 years as a D&T teacher, working as a Carpentry and Joinery Technician at Sheffield College, and as a Carpentry, Joinery and Technical Drawing Tutor for a women’s training scheme. She has also taught in community groups for artists and makers. She holds a degree in Fine Art, a PGCE in D&T, a City & Guilds Carpentry and Joinery qualification with distinction and is qualified in teaching post 16s.
Across her career Jo has worked with groups facing personal and social challenges. She fundamentally believes that anybody can use their hands to make things and that doing so can have the transformative power of building self-esteem, confidence, and problem solving and social skills.
Meet your tutor: Phil (evening course)
Phil has over 23 years of experience as a Design and Technology teacher in diverse educational settings. He now runs his own jewellery studio alongside tutoring woodwork at Ed’s Workshop. His core mission is to make learning deeply engaging, enjoyable and memorable while working in a relaxed environment.
Recently, working with adult SEN students has inspired a new chapter in Phil’s teaching journey. He creates calm and nurturing learning environments and finds effective ways to connect with his students. As well as his extensive experience Phil holds a BA in Metalwork and Jewellery, a Btec NC in Jewellery Design and Making, and a PGCE and NQTS.
What you will cover
Our beginner courses are designed to cover a range of skills through the project of making a bespoke decorative box which can be customised to your taste. 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.
- Basic joinery – an introduction to wood joints including rebate, dowel, finger and dovetail joints.
- Assembly, gluing and clamping – 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.
- Safe use of basic woodworking machinery –including the chop saw, bandsaw, pillar, drill and bench sander.
The details
Our 6-week courses run on Wednesday evenings 6pm – 8pm and Wednesday afternoons 1.30pm – 3.30pm. For both the cost is £180 (£15/h). This includes all materials, use of machinery and refreshments. Our next courses are running on the following dates:
Dates:
Afternoon course (This course is now fully booked*)
Wednesday 7th October 1.30-3.30pm
Wednesday 14th October 1.30-3.30pm
Wednesday 21st October 1.30-3.30pm
(No class Oct 28th for half term)
Wednesday 4th November 1.30-3.30pm
Wednesday 11th November 1.30-3.30pm
Wednesday 18th November 1.30-3.30pm
Evening course (This course is now fully booked*)
Wednesday 7th October 6-8pm
Wednesday 14th October 6-8pm
Wednesday 21st October 6-8pm
(No class Oct 28th for half term)
Wednesday 4th November 6-8pm
Wednesday 11th November 6-8pm
Wednesday 18th November 6-8pm
Please contact Kim on EdsWorkshop@peterrowe.co.uk to book or find out more. If you can’t make the upcoming course dates, please email Kim to be added to the mailing list.
*This course filled up quickly, but please email us if you are interested; we may be able to put on another course if there is enough demand.
Classes are held in Carver House, a former cutlery works in the heart of the city that embodies Sheffield’s industrial and crafting heritage. Its history continues to inspire Ed’s Workshop’s makers and craftspeople today.
Ed’s Workshop
Floor 3
Carver House
Carver Street
Sheffield
S1 4FS
Entrance marked ‘Carver House’ opposite the Carver Lane carpark entrance. Ring Ed’s Workshop buzzer for entry. We are just off West Street for public transport links.
At Ed’s Workshop we firmly believe in the accessibility of making for people of all abilities and experience levels. We are proud of our kind and tolerant community. If you would like to discuss accessibility or learning needs with regard to our woodwork classes please get in touch with Kim at EdsWorkshop@peterrowe.co.uk or call on 07905 855586.