In-person course
in Birmingham Maker & location details

Introduction to woodworking: design & make a chopping board, rolling pin & kitchen utensils (5 day)

Description

Are you curious about woodwork but not sure where to start? Do you want to make beautiful, tactile wooden objects but don’t know the techniques or processes required to take an idea and transform it into high-end, saleable, object? Based in Aston, Birmingham, this introduction to woodworking 5 day course is suitable for both beginners with no experience, as well as those with some knowledge that want to explore woodworking further. Our kitchen utensils course is designed to give you a taste of all the basic woodworking steps needed to take a project from start to finish. The goal being that you leave the weekend confident you can continue practising on your own projects at home. It is worth noting that our course is likely different to the other wooden utensil courses you may have seen, as we opt for dry rather than green wood - we also don’t mind using the odd power tool here and there. So why we do we used dry wood rather than green? Green wood is far softer and therefore easier to use when it comes to traditional hand carving. However, due to the high moisture content of green wood it also means that pieces need to be dried before they can be completely finished – which can take weeks if not months. During our time with us, we want to introduce you to as many techniques and processes as we can – this coupled with the fact that we come from a commercial carpentry background where speed and efficiency are not only desirable but necessary basically puts green wood out of the picture. Not only will we teach you the skills needed to carve and sculpt with with dry wood but we will also talking you through the finishing processes and by the end of the weekend you will have a fully refined piece/s. In order to achieve this goal we are more than happy to use power tools where needed to get things done. It is worth considering the timeliness of techniques if your intention is to start a business with the skills you have learnt. All our courses are informal affairs but it's important to us that you walk away with both knowledge and skills that you can actually use. So, whilst all our courses have an outcome, our main priority is that you get a good grasp of the techniques. This is aided by the fact that our class sizes are limited to a maximum of 4 people. Course Breakdown (2 day & 5 day): • Final outcome – selection of utensils, i.e. spoons, butter knifes, forks etc • Health & safety in the workshop • Discussion on Form vs Function – this will help inform your designs • Pros & Cons of Kiln-dried vs Green Wood • Rough out Shapes & Profiles on Bandsaw • Different carving techniques both traditional & modern • Sanding & finishing - we will also show you how to make an oil and wax finish and give you a pot to take home. • Polishing & Buffing • Discuss how these skills are transferable to other projects. • Laser engraving onto your utensils - If you’re interested in engraving designs on to your items we can show you how. • Information & Data sheets for you to continue making from home. Course Breakdown Extras (5 Day) • Design your own chopping board & rolling pin • Learn to turn on the lathe • Gluing and clamping wood • Working with the grain We hope this has answered your questions, however if there is anything else you’d like to know please don’t hesitate to get in touch.