10th April is now sold out. Thank you.
I'd like to welcome you to our workshop and in this one day introductory course to hand tools and basic DIY you will learn how to use non power tool options to woodworking. I feel some power tools are essential in the home or home workshop, a battery powered drill for instance is inexpensive and can be used for dozens of jobs around the home.
All courses are taught in the Great British Woodshop as seen on the Discovery Channel TV series by presenter David Free.
Students will learn how to use handsaws, hand planes, marking out and cutting, drilling, how to install door hinges and much more so it is a practical hands on course not just theory and you will learn how to use the tools properly and safely and you will have learnt skills to use around the house to repair most common problems or feel comfortable in tackling the next flat pack job.
Social distancing
Class numbers will be restricted to no more than 5 people.
Those attending class will be asked to bring their own masks and gloves please.
Benches and tools will be wiped before use
All safety equipment is provided but wear clothes suitable for being in a workshop.
Course content
- Drawing plans and working from them
- Battery powered drills
- Different types of squares and their uses
- Marking techniques and measuring on metal and wood
- Drilling
- Drill bits (twist drills, brad point, masonry, forsner bits, hinge bits, speed bits)
- Hand planes
- Chisels
- Fasteners (nails, screws,wall fixings, concrete anchors, expanding fixings)
- Handsaws, Hacksaws, Coping saws
- Files and rasps
- Mitre blocks and Bench hooks
- Timber selection for your projects
- Making basic joints (lap joints, half joints, mortise and tenon, pocket screws, box and dovetail joints)
- Hinge types
- Mortising for hinges and locks and how to install
- Basic jigs to make your life easy
- Spirit and Laser levels
- Sanding and preparing for finish
To book please click on the 'Make a booking request' link above.
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.
Those attending class will be asked to bring their own masks and gloves please.
Tea and coffee are available throughout the day. There is no lunch provided so bring your own or there is a local shop 1 min drive away.
Local train station is aprox 10 mins walk and parking is available at the workshop.
This craft course provider has been awarded Gold status for receiving 10 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
great class, really useful and great teacher!
David started us at the deep end. He talked about the theory of choosing wood by cut. He talked of the types of jointing that we would learn. He talked of the correct usage of tools in the workshop...and then he made us do it.
I found that my sawing was OK, but my drilling needed adjustment. The use of the biscuit cutter was unexpected but very rewarding. Always we were questioned on the theory - what was this called? / why would we do that? / what is this called? (again!).
Loved the course. I thought I was an OK DIYer but it turns out that learning by experience is not always the best way...this course paid for itself when I realised how important clamps are. Some of you reading this may already use them - but that was just one of the basic woodworking techniques we were both shown and tried.
I would highly recommend this course. I wasn't sure what to expect, but came away with so much knowledge and understanding, which is testament to David's style of teaching. It has definitely taken away my fear of making something and given me some principles to think about when completing jobs around the house.
David provided such a relaxed but focused course, that we all felt comfortable asking questions, which he more than answered. He gave us so much information and got us using so many tools, and took the time to understand what we wanted to learn and guided us to what we might need around the house. I think similar courses could just involve being given tasks and then being left unattended. This course was the complete opposite; we practised with new tools and techniques, but very efficiently so you felt as though you were constantly benefiting from his experience as we were never left to our own devices.
The workshop and location is incredible and you'll hear a few interesting stories. On a personal level, David is welcoming, generous and engaging, and it was a pleasure getting to know him. Who knew woodwork and DIY could be fun! I'm looking forward to booking my next course with him.
My daughter and I went along to this course with an open mind. David immediately made us feel welcome with his enthusiasm as he guided us through many new skills. Any questions we had he answered by plain explanation and also demonstrated various possibilities or solutions. We had use of the ample supply of tools in David’s workshop and he gave clear and concise advice and demonstrated which tool to use for which job. David is an excellent teacher and both of us came away more confident with the knowledge we gained of DIY.
I just completed the basic woodwork course. David is a great tutor, who is patient and approachable, and took his time to cover not only the set programme, but any other concerns and questions I had about the project I hope to tackle. At the end of the day, I felt not only more knowledgable on how to carry out my project, but much more confident. The workshop itself is a delight! Kim
I enjoyed this course very much and I recommend it to anyone interested in taking woodwork as a hobby. The course gives you an overview of all basic woodwork techniques and gives you the opportunity to watch a woodwork master in action.
If you lack experience or just confidence in a workshop or around power tools then I would definitely recommend doing this course with David at the Great British Woodshop.
He took time to ensure he knew what I wanted to achieve from this course from the start and noted these on a white board as our top objectives as opposed to just following a list of subjects that must be covered. We went through some basics to allow him to see where I was already competent so no time was wasted on areas I already felt confident with.
David went over all the tools I was interested in and their alternatives, I was able to gain experience in using all of them in several scenarios, working with different materials; he explained everything clearly and happily engaged in two way discussions rather than just instructing, he made me feel very comfortable in the workshop and was very easy to get along with.
In addition to the course, we talked over a few specific projects I had in mind with David giving me great advice advice on how best to approach them including materials and tools.
David was very knowledgable and approachable and i could ask all the questions i wanted. He made sure that the day covered topics that would be relevant to me and offered useful advice on items i might want to consider purchasing as basic essential tools for the tasks i plan to carry out. I feel a lot more confident to carry out basic DIY and woodwork jobs in our house. Thanks David.
I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in getting started with some woodwork and DIY projects. The way the course is structured allows you to gain an understanding in how to work with wood and learn more about the tools and range of techniques available, while also putting it all in practice on the day. David is very knowledgeable and has a very personal approach so he tailors the content to your experience and what you're trying to get out of the day.
I highly recommend this course. David is a natural teacher, very generous with his time, good company and was keen to make sure the course covered the specific learning aspects relevant to me. I was looking for a course which covered the broad aspects (both manual and with power tools) of wood preparation, (cutting, planing, sanding), drilling into various materials, use of various screws, nails, plugs, hinge types, joints and basic box-style construction. He has a fabulous, incredibly well-equipped workshop, which should include every tool anyone may want to use. It's given me the confidence to start on basic woodwork & DIY projects, which is what I was looking for.