Learn Woodworking: Woodwork Beginners Course

Learn the fundamentals of woodwork and get started on your maker's journey on this woodwork introductory course. Over the eight evenings or four days you will learn traditional woodworking skills whilst constructing a softwood toolbox (perfect for all your future woodwork tools!).

At the end of this course, you will have a toolbox to take home and a strong foundation of woodwork skills that will enable you to carry out basic woodworking projects at home or to progress on to the next level of classes.

Choose from either 8 consecutive Tuesday evenings (6.20 - 8.45pm), 5 Thursday or Friday daytimes spaced to suit your availability (10.30am - 3.40pm), or 2 consecutive weekends (Saturday and Sunday 10.30am - 3.40pm).

What you will learn:

  • Sawing techniques and skills
  • Joint making- how to accurately measure, draw out, and cut
  • How to use a range of hand tools such as chisels and planes effectively
  • Fit and finish a woodwork project

This workshop course is suitable for those with no previous woodwork experience or more experienced woodworkers wanting to improve their skills and accuracy.

Age restrictions: 16+

Adult (16yrs+) £325

How to get there

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Refreshments available
  • Toilets
  • WiFi

COVID-19 guidelines

  • Tuition is given on an individual basis at each student’s bench to ensure a fully COVID-secure working and learning environment
  • Participants can request in advance that masks be worn by others for group demonstrations and by the tutor for close up tuition

On the day

  • All materials are included in the course fee and you can just wear regular clothes. Shoes must have enclosed toes.
  • There is plenty of on-road parking around the learning centre but Cabot Circus car park is also less than a 15 minute walk away.
  • Tea and coffee is available in the workshop but if you're coming for the whole day you're welcome to either bring a packed lunch or sample Glen's tasty Caribbean food in the cafe next door or felafels from Baba Ganoush just down the road.

Changes happen, don't worry

How to change dates
Change of plans? You can easily rebook the next available slot up to 14 days before your experience.
How to get a refund
Can't make it? We understand things happen! You can cancel and get a full refund up to 14 days before your experience.
Please note that this refund policy does not apply to gift bookings. You may reschedule your gift if outside the time period stated above. However, all gifts are non-refundable and expire exactly 1 year after the date of purchase.

You'll be hosted by

The Makershed

This Bristol host gives you the opportunity to learn new crafts and skills from a team of talented tutors and makers. They provide affordable and inclusive courses to support you from beginner level to independent project work.

The Makershed's mission is to help people discover what they can make and unlock their potential. Experience a state of flow when you're making something by hand and the sense of achievement this brings too.

Sam Drowley

Sam's enjoyment in furniture making began at the Makershed when he signed up to the Woodwork for Beginners course back in 2016. Since then he has gone on to complete his Level 2 City and Guilds in Furniture Making qualification and has also worked as a Furniture and Woodwork Trainer, helping to train young people and apprentices.

Jenny Smith

Jenny is a woodwork enthusiast with a background in bespoke furniture making, in particular with reclaimed hardwoods. She is an experienced woodwork joinery tutor, and is passionate about teaching skills and getting people making here at The Makershed.

Any questions?

Ask your question directly to The Makershed.