This one-year course is aimed at those who might be looking for a career as a maker in an employed role. No distractions, no designing to worry about – just pure making. This may appeal to those who want to concentrate just on making, maybe find the design element daunting or are just not interested in it at this stage of their learning or career.
You will cover subjects that will enable your skill level to grow as a maker, even if you have no experience with woodworking to begin with. A high level of craftsmanship is taught with attention to detail being paramount.
Three or four projects are usually completed in the year, the projects can be set by us or be designed by you with guidance from your tutor. Our photographer will produce your portfolio, which you can use to help gain employment. We also often have guest lecturers and take trips to exhibitions.
Our year course lasts a full 50 weeks, with 1 week off in August and another over the Christmas period. So, you can get as much practical experience as possible during your time here.
Next start date: 22nd April & 9th September 2024 | Cost: £18,00
Hand tool selection – New, old, tuning and sharpening. Use of hand tools and accurate measuring
Glues – Different types, strength comparison, and correct uses.
Abrasives – Different types and correct uses
Machinery – Maintenance, identification, and applications
Health & safety
Hand power tools – Routers, router tables, biscuit jointers, domino jointers, sander, drills
Joints – Cutting, assembly, identification, construction
Templates
Jigs and small batch runs
Drawing – Sketching, working drawings, rods, CAD
Cutting lists
Ordering timber – Costing and estimating waste
Timber study – Movement, moisture content, drying, defects, and conversion
External timber yard visit
Veneering – Selection, storage, preparation, hand pressing, vacuum bag
Laminating – Cutting, thicknessing, invisible glue lines
Curves – Steam bending theory, coopering, laminating
Finishing – Types, applications, polishing oils, bleach, colouring
These topics may be studied in addition to core topics, subject to availability and schedules
Steam bending, coopering
Power carving
Materials
Metalworking – welding, brushing, cleaning, stainless, mild steel, powder coating, spraying, casting, lathe and milling
CAD one week, CNC machines
Course cost
50 week course cost: £18,000
Deposit: £3,000
Please contact us for details on the instalments for the remainder of the cost
Other costs
A budget for tools should be allowed, we can advise on what is needed
A budget should also be allowed for materials for your own projects. Materials are provided for small samples and test pieces
Schedule
Our student intakes are in January, May, and September. Occasionally we can accept students outside of these dates, please email us to enquire about this
Teaching is 9am until 4.30pm
Some out-of-hours and weekend practice time may be available, subject to terms and conditions
