This course is designed for those with little or no experience of fine woodworking or cabinet making, who would like to explore working with hardwood timber and to acquire the skills which could lead on to making your own furniture designs. During this course, through demonstrations and practical work, you will make a small side table – a project designed to take you step-by-step, through all the various processes necessary to produce a table.
Working with traditional cabinet makers’ hand tools, which are sustainable in a home workshop, you will construct a side table from hardwood. The principles behind all important sharpening and maintaining tools, using your own or the College's, are also covered. Other topics include understanding wood grain, setting out and cutting mortise and tenon joints and oil finishing. This course could be a stepping-stone to making your own furniture.
During the first evening session, you will consider the table design and discuss the stages involved in its construction, and you will be introduced to the tools that you will be using. The primary focus is to be able to work to a high degree of proficiency and accuracy, which is sustainable in a non-commercial or home workshop.
At each stage, the tools required and how they should be used will be covered. You will learn the basic principles behind sharpening and maintaining the tools used. If you want to buy your own tools in the future, the course is also an ideal opportunity to learn about the various factors to consider when purchasing tools.
The specialist woodworking workshop will be fully set up to ensure a smooth-running course, with tools and equipment available for your use throughout.
HB Pencils
Reading glasses, if worn
Sturdy comfortable and covered footwear is essential (not sandals)
Any tools you already own which you think may be useful to bring, including planes and chisels. (clearly labelled)
The tutor will supply timber for the project. This charge will be approximately £95. This should be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or BACS.
Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio, this includes stout covered footwear (no open toes or sandals).
Arrival day - first date of course
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 6.45pm for registration
Student welcome, followed by dinner: 6.45pm (dinner included)
Teaching session: 8pm-9pm (attendance is essential)
Daily timetable
Course teaching: 9.15am-5pm
Morning session: 9.15am-12.45pm including coffee/tea break
Lunch break: 12.45pm-2pm (lunch included)
Afternoon session: 2pm-5pm including coffee/tea break
Teaching finishes: 5pm
Evening working: students may have access to workshops until 9pm, but only with permission from the tutor and provided any health and safety guidelines are observed.
Departure day - last date of course
Course teaching: 9.15am-3pm (lunch included)
Teaching finishes: 3pm
Residential students will need to check out of rooms by 10am.
Please note, the tutor may make slight variations to the daily timetable as required.
Tom Kealy has designed and made contemporary furniture since
training at Parnham College in 1979, and for ten years was senior
craftsman in the John Makepeace workshops. He runs furniture making
classes from his workshop, and teaches at the Centre for Furniture
Craftsmanship in America and the Building Crafts College,
London.
Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.
Our Foundation Degree specialising in Furniture is designed to give you well-rounded woodworking theory and craft skills to become a self-employed maker or craftsperson, to continue your studies in higher education or to find employment in the creative industry sector. Find out more
