Finbarr Lucas

Contact name: Finbarr Lucas

23
Total bookings

Rating

(13)

about 2 years
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Finbarr Lucas is a master-craftsman with a portfolio of furniture work stretching back 25 years. He has made work for the RHS at Chatsworth, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sheffield Botanical Gardens. He has also created numerous hardwood pieces for private and commercial customers, and he was the Workshop Expert on BBC’s Jay’s Yorkshire Workshop.

Courses, kits & gifts

gold award

Sheffield

Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

3 days

Next date: 22nd May 2026

(13)

£395.00

gold award

Sheffield

Sharpening course for chisel and plane blades

4½ hours

Next date: 7th Feb 2026

6 places left

£149.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

19 Jan 26'

Angela reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"Amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Finbar is a great teacher and he takes you every step of the way to building your own table. Even if you have zero experience with woodwork like me, you’ll come home with a perfectly assembled table and knowledge and tips on different aspects of woodworking, from how to use tools, to tips on how to make and use jigs to where to buy wood. Facilities are excellent too, and you have a really good cafe next door. Parking is no problem, just next to the workshop. I highly recommend this course."

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"I’m really grateful that you’ve taken the time to write this positive review Angela. It was fantastic to meet you this weekend, and help you as you worked through the processes involved in making your hardwood table. It was really interesting to learn more about bonsai trees as well! I trust you’ve gained useful knowledge you can apply to further projects, and I hope I’ll see you again on another course sometime."

21 Oct 25'

Matthew reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"Fantastic course. Finbarr has an impressive eye for detail and is a patient teacher, as well as good company. There were only four people on the course which meant plenty of 1-1 instruction. The workshop itself is well organised and equipped and in a nice location. I would happily come back and make another piece to accompany the table."

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thank you Matty - It was a really lovely three day course, and you were fastidious in your work, producing a really lovely little table that was a testament to the care you took. I was delighted to meet you and the others, and hopefully I'll see you at another course soon! "

11 Oct 25'

Aileen Burgess reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"I really enjoyed this three day course making a hardwood side table. It was extremely well organised and this enabled me, as a beginner, to produce a table that I am very pleased with. Finbarr’s organisation and processes enabled me to learn a lot about wood working over the three day course. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in learning about and producing a high quality piece of furniture. In addition, as a tutor, Finbarr sensitively managed and encouraged individuals within a supportive and calm environment."

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"I’m really grateful for your considered and detailed review Aileen! Thanks so much for joining the course - I really enjoyed meeting you and the others and facilitating your experience of making a table. You produced a really lovely piece of furniture, with carefully made joints and fine finishing. I hope I’ll see you again on a future course!"

30 Sep 25'

Michael Milner reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"Had a great time and learned so much, thank you!! Finbarr is an outstanding craftsman and teacher, and creates a relaxed, friendly environment in his workshop. Learned numerous techniques using primarily hand tools, along with some power tools and machines, and made a beautiful oak table to take home at the end. Also excellent cakes. Highly recommend this course! "

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"I’m so pleased you enjoyed the course Mike, and thank you for this positive review. It was fantastic to have you in the workshop, and help you as you created your table. As we discussed, the course is a bit of a hybrid, using mainly hand tools but employing some machinery as well, giving I hope a good range of activities and skills to practise, and also ensuring everything gets made in the three days! You worked diligently and carefully and your table reflected this approach, with lovely neat joints and finely sanded oak parts. Well done!"