In-person course
in East Sussex Maker & location details

Green wood chair making 5-day course in Sussex woodland

Happy customers

Chair making students

Chair making workshop in east sussex

Pole lathe made Windsor chairs

Windsor chairs Sussex green woodworking

Danny Harling and sons

Students on chair making course

Windsor chair in progress East Sussex

Pole lathe building course

Description

Spend 5-days in a beautiful Sussex woodland, using locally grown hardwood to make yourself a beautiful finished product that you can cherish for life. Starting with a simple log, you split, drawknife and then turn the chair parts on the pole-lathe; an amazing, primitive, foot powered wood turning lathe. During the five days, you will steam bend wood, use an adze, learn to turn, experience the magic of a cabinet scraper and learn about dozens of unusual, traditional tools and techniques. By day five, you will be assembling, finishing and oiling your own hand-made masterpiece. The tools and techniques used are all traditional; handed down from craftsmen to craftsmen, with little changed over the generations. Using simple hand tools avoids the noise, dust and danger of modern carpentry techniques, and allows you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of this small forest. In this small sanctuary, away from the noise and distraction of everyday living, you can enjoy the chatter of the birds and the whispering of the wind to the trees. The woods themselves are owned and maintained by woodsman, furniture maker and tutor Danny Harling, who for over twenty years has been caring for this land and teaching his craft. He prides himself on ensuring that everyone who attends, leaves with a piece of furniture they can be proud of. You might just surprise yourself! The space is safe and inclusive, so come and join a small group of like-minded group of people for chats around the fire-side over lunch.

What's included in the price?

The fire is kept alight all day, and so tea and coffee always on the go. Lunch is soup and bread or something else warm and wholesome. The world's best flapjack could make an appearance.... All tools and materials are provided. Camping is permitted at no extra cost, although the facilities are basic. There's a loo but no shower. The courses are suitable for anyone with an interest in green wood-working; from complete beginners to more experienced wood workers.