Before I moved to Wales from the South East I used to offer one-to-one woodworking courses for keen woodworkers who wished to improve their skills and make a piece of furniture for their family or home. I now offer courses in my new well equipped modern workshop, where driven by enthusiasm I am keen to pass on my experience to anyone wishing to learn the craft of woodworking. To date over 500 men and women have benefitted from a course and pictures of the many pieces which have been made by first-time woodworkers can be seen by clicking here to view the Picture Gallery..
 
I also offer Woodworking Holiday Courses, staying in our self contained Lodge, spending the mornings in my workshop and then the afternoons are free for you to enjoy the Welsh countryside. Courses are usually three or five days depending on what is to be made. Details of the Lodge can be seen by clicking here.
 
Many home woodworkers about to embark on a project need some short-term advice and guidance to avoid making unnecessary costly mistakes, most of which can be avoided with a few hours one-to-one instruction. Planning a project is often where the first problem arises, whether it be the correct wood to use or how to construct your project correctly, both of which can be covered in a morning session.
 
Most frequently requested subjects are - Setting out and marking out a project to maximise material as economically as possible. Understanding and using safely a table saw, mitre saw or band saw. The correct application of a router and router table, biscuit jointer and pocket hole jig. Cutting out joints require sharp accurate tools so learning how to sharpen chisels and planes is essential. All of these techniques can be learnt in a few hours, which will save you time and money.
 
Alternatively, if you have a project in mind which you would like some help with a day's course will often suffice. Many of the projects in the Picture Gallery have been made in a day. Next year I plan to offer a residential two-day course over a weekend staying in my very comfortable Woodhall Lodge so if this might be of interest then please call me. More of this later as it is my intention to make this a weekend away for couples in the beautiful Wye valley.
 
These courses are held at my workshop in Trellech, Monmouthshire which is fully equipped with the complete range of DeWalt corded and cordless woodworking tools together with a full range of Stanley hand tools, which will enable you to try a tool before you need to buy it.
 
Courses can cover any subject you need help with for a duration of hours or days to suit you.
 

Sometimes a workshop is not available so one of the advantages of working in miniature is that it requires far less space and a much smaller investment in tools and equipment. This four-hour course is held at my workshop in Trellech, Monmouthshire where I will give you One-to-One instruction on how to make an item of your choice and how all the different Proxxon Micromot range of machines work as a perfect miniature woodworking system.
 
These tools will enable you to make a range of small useful and decorative items such as jewellery and trinket boxes, cutlery trays, desk sets and a huge selection of pens and key rings. All these items make excellent presents for families and friends.
 
The full range of Proxxon tools can be seen by clicking on the Proxxon Tools page.
 

Please call 01600 460268 to arrange a time to suit you.
 
                                          

Pen making is a very rewarding hobby which can be learnt quickly without the need for a workshop or any significant financial investment. The lathe can be set up on a table top anywhere in the home as it only weighs 2.5kgs and is very quiet running. This course is held at my workshop in Trellech, Monmouthshire where I am able to provide individual instruction using the Proxxon Micro Woodturning Lathe.

During this four hour course you will learn how to select the correct grained wood, drilling and gluing the barrels ready for turning on the lathe and then final finishing techniques to give a long lasting appearance to complement the 10ct gold or chrome fittings. A choice of pen kits and materials is included in the cost.

Pens, Roller balls, Biros and Pencils are all made in the same way and make very acceptable presents for family and friends.

 Please call 01600 460268 to arrange a time to suit you.