12-Week Furniture Making Course
The 12-week course will give you a solid foundation in furniture making and an introduction to design. Intensive and practical: You will learn about wood and material choice, hand skills, power-tool and machine-use through several practical making projects. Theory from timber technology to 3D-construction will support the practical work, and you’ll have the option of a level 3 qualification. Using your new found skills you will also make a final piece of your own design.
If you are thinking about joining a short course we are always happy to discuss which course or series of courses are appropriate for you. Unless specified, you will not need to bring anything else with you. Sensible clothing/footwear is advised.
The first day the course starts at 0900.
After the first day all courses run to the normal workshop times of: 0830 to 1730
- Tea breaks at 1030 and 1530
- Lunch 1300 to 1400
- 1530 on the last day
You will start by sharpening the tools and developing your understanding of wood as a material. With visits to local woodlands, sawmills and timber suppliers you will learn about the value of woodland management and longevity in approach. You will work exclusively with homegrown timber or found and recycled material. Design-work will build on the following principles; to eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials and regenerate nature.
Although the course is focused on furniture making and design, inspiration is drawn from the boat building environment and you will be introduced to steam bending, scarf joints, riveting and other traditional techniques.
- Sharpening
- Hand tool use
- Sourcing of materials
- Timber technology
- Timber preparation
- Steam bending and laminating
- Veneering
- Finishes and application methods
- Joint making
- Power tools
- Safe machine use, setting up and maintenance
- Machine jointing
- Furniture construction
- Batch production
- Sketching
- Model making
- Technical drawing
- Marquetry
- Turning
COURSE DATES:
5 January 2026 - 27 March 2026
11 May - 31 July 2026
Bursary assisted places are available for this course, please click here for further information
Zone South West