No more excuses. You can start learning woodworking skills right now from expert teachers. There is a great range of ongoing woodwork classes that you can attend on evenings, weekends and during holiday times. You can find these right here.
But why not fast-track your entry into the world of woodwork by signing up for a course with a specific focus, say a visiting master craftsperson, or a special technique?
We made a few calls to see what was happening over the winter period. Looks like there are plenty of reasons to come out of hibernation. Check out these woodworking intensives on offer:
June 23 – 27
Winter Workshops
Brisbane School of Fine Woodwork, Qld
Start woodworking with one of Roy Schack’s five-day winter workshops. There are two options: No.1 is Workshop Basics: hand skills, marking out, joint cutting, sharpening and material prep. No.2 is Building a Hall Table. Under Roy’s guidance you’re bound to advance in leaps and bounds. See here
June 23 – July 4
Kevin Rodel course
Erasmus School of Creative Arts, WA
Not far from Perth, at the Erasmus School of Creative Arts, US master craftsman Kevin Rodel will teach a two-week intensive. Kevin is a maker and author famed for his Arts & Crafts expertise, however within this course participants are free to work on a project of their own choice. As well as Kevin Rodel, expert makers and tutors Neil and Pam Erasmus will also be hand. See here for info.
July 7
Shaker Bentwood Box Course
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking, Vic
These classic containers were designed and made by the Shakers to hold everyday items of every description. ‘In an age before machines, thin wood strips were rived from a straight billet of wood and made ready for bending by hand planes and scrapers’, says the course info. Students can make up to three boxes in a class and finishing options will also be discussed. Book online here
August
One-month, full-time course
Brisbane School of Fine Woodwork, Qld
In addition to the workshops mentioned above the Brisbane School of Fine Woodwork also offers a month long intensive where you will learn all techniques required to complete a cabinet on stand. See info here
August 2 onwards
Small Cabinet Making Course (5 x 3 hour sessions)
Perth Wood School, WA
This new five session course focuses on building solid wood cabinets, in this case a beautiful 600x 400 x 150mm hanging cabinet with multi-purpose potential! The first course in July sold out within 48 hours after word got out, so book early so don’t miss this one. Info is here.
August 4–8
Machine training intensive
Phoebe Everill, Drummond North, Vic
A few times a year furniture designer/maker Phoebe Everill offers a special 5-day intensive for two students only. Machine training is the focus and participants will make either a tool cabinet or a workbench while they learn fundamental machining techniques. See here or call 0419 517 500
August 8
Sharpening and Handplane Tuning with Alastair Boell
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking, Vic
This comprehensive one-day sharpening course aims to bolster a critical skill. The basics of sharpening hand planes, chisels and scrapers will be covered. Book online here
August 9 – 10
Kevin Rodel Weekend Course
Sturt School for Wood, Mittagong, NSW
The aforementioned Kevin Rodel is Sturt School’s visiting guest teacher for Term 3 but will also offer a very special weekend course on building a reproduction Arts & Crafts Charles P. Lambert table. If you have basic wood skills this course is not to be missed. More info here.
August 13 – 15
Make a Wooden Surfboard
Stuart Bywater School of Fine Furniture, Qld
Dream of summer while participating in Stuart Bywater’s winter surfboard making intensive. In just three days, under Stuart’s skilled tuition and watchful eye, you will make a very cool wooden board of your own. Check it out here
August 15–17
Perch Stool making intensive with Jon Grant
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking, Vic
Here is an entry portal into the world of Windsor chairmaking. Over three days participants will learn the techniques and rationale behind this ingenious construction. At the end of the course you’ll take home an attractive and ergonomically intelligent seat. Book online here
August 18 – 29
Electric Guitar Making
Centre for Fine Woodworking, Nelson, NZ
Build your dream instrument with guidance from Robert Bentley over an action and technique-packed two-week period. More info here
September 22–26
5-Day Woodcarving Workshop
Grant Vaughan, NSW
Grant Vaughan is one of Australia’s leading wood sculptors and enjoys taking others on the journey with him. A five day bowl carving intensive with Grant at his Rock Valley, NSW studio will see you return home with a piece you’ll be amazed you made. Info is here