Peter Lanyon Furniture

Starting with an unseasoned log you will learn how to create a beautiful and unique chair which will last for generations. This is one of the most satisfying green wood projects and the course is suitable for complete beginners and experienced woodworkers alike. The "post and rung" construction uses the natural properties of green wood to produce incredibly strong, glue-free joints. During the course you will learn to split wood accurately, and shape it using draw knife and spoke shaves. Using the unique qualities of unseasoned wood and following a...

Much more than a green wood chair making course! Learn to make a free-form windsor style chair of your own design in the beautiful surroundings of the Cerdeira artisan village in the mountains of Portugal. The term 'windsor chair' is used to describe any chair consisting of a slab of wood for a seat, with sticks jointed into it to form the legs and back components. In six days you will learn all the basic green woodworking techniques, and you will take home a completed chair. This is not a...

A six day course run from the Devon Green Wood Centre on the beautiful South Devon Coast. Combining the skills of traditional Windsor chair making with techniques of free-form green wood furniture construction, this course will enable you to design and develop a chair or other seat with a strong sculptural presence. A chance to work with irregular shaped wood to create a visually stunning piece. This course is a creative exploration of the possibilities of green woodworking and is suitable for beginners, for people wishing to undertake more challenging...

During this longer course you will learn a variety of techniques and develop your own dining/ kitchen/ patio table design, or other table of your choice. It is spread over one 6-day week (part 1) , then after a drying period, a three-day weekend (part 2) which is to be booked separately. During week 1 you will use a froe, axe and drawknife to cleave and shape components. We will make a trip to a local saw mill where we will select seasoned timber for your table top. You will...

Following on from Week1, Week 2 is for assembly of the now-dried components. You will be guided through the design and making process and will finish the course with a table which will last for generations. This course is only suitable for intermediate learners with some previous experience of green woodworking. (please see my Introduction to green wood furniture making on this site) It is especially suited for couples wishing to make their own table. All the skills and techniques use readily available hand and portable power tools. There is...

This shave horse is a hybrid, combining the best features of a number of tried and tested designs. I have added a few of my own touches to make this extremely versatile and portable horse. It can be set up and folded away in a matter of seconds, is fully adjustable, suits all leg lengths and tucks comfortably under one arm. It can be hung on the wall, taking virtually no room in your shed or workshop. A very useful and convenient tool. During this course you will use a...

A two day course learning the skills and techniques of green woodworking, with an emphasis on contemporary design and detailing. Maximum of 6 students. You will make either a low stool or a side table using a variety of edge tools. Starting with a fresh cut log you will learn how to cleave the wood with a froe and wedges, then shape it on the shaving horse with drawknife and spokeshave. Joints used will be through-wedged-tenons. Use of contrasting timbers, and sculpted free-form table tops or seats are all available...

Steam bending opens up creative possibilities for woodworkers. With some simple in-expensive equipment you can start bending wood, and opening up a world of creativity. This course will give you a thorough understanding of the almost magical art of steam bending, and the confidence to take on projects on your own. We will cover all aspects of steam bending - theory and practice. You will learn how to select timber, make formers and setting jigs, different methods of steam box construction. We will carry out 2d, 3d composite bends and...

Sharp tools are the essence of good woodworking. On this one-day course I will show you how to get your tools into tip top condition. All the main green woodworking tools will be covered - draw knife and spoke-shave, whittling and hook knives, travisher, chisels and planes. Learn the theory and practice of tool sharpening. Bring your own tools. I will provide sharpening stones but please bring your own sharpening equipment for assessment and possible use. I can also advise you on a sharpening kit to bring with you, and...