Simple furniture making – beginners with Tom Kealy

Ref: SLW37716

Location: West Dean
£486
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Places available

About this course

Learn basic woodworking techniques as you make a small bench. Timber is supplied and all essential tools, hand planes and chisels will be provided.

Course Description

If you would like to make simple furniture, but have no previous woodworking experience, this course will help you to learn some fundamental woodworking techniques. You will use tools provided by the College to make a small bench from solid timber (see note advising cost in Materials).

You will be introduced to the use of hand planes, chisels and other essential tools required to make the bench. The tutor has designed the bench so that you can learn, step-by-step, all the necessary construction processes.

Enjoy a combination of tutor-led demonstrations and practical work, as you gain an understanding of how to use the tools that you have been introduced to and the techniques needed to make the bench.

Course Materials

What students need to bring

  • Glasses, if you need them
  • An HB or B pencil
  • comfortable covered shoes are essential (not sandals)

Available to buy

Available from tutor:

  • The tutor will supply timber for the project; the approximate cost of this is around £95 each. This charge must be paid to the tutor before the end of the course, by cash or BACS.

Additional information

Please wear appropriate clothing/aprons for the workshop or studio. This includes stout covered footwear, i.e. no open-toes or sandals, and safety boots, if specified.

Timetable

Arrival day
Residential students can arrive from 4pm, non-residential students to arrive by 7.15pm for registration. Students arriving earlier are welcome to purchase dinner in the College Dining Room from 6pm.
Students meet their tutor in the Bar at 7.30pm prompt to go to studios.
First Teaching session: 7.30pm - 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*
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
Course teaching: 9.15am - 3pm
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.

*Lunch can be purchased on campus, view options

General Information

Tutors

Tom Kealy

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.

Accommodation

Residential option available. Find out accommodation costs and how to book here.

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Interested in a career in woodworking?

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