Understanding the technical side of wood as a material is critical to creating work that functions as intended and lasts. You’ll learn about the growth structure of trees and how this dictates the appearance and strength of the wood we use; the difference between hard and soft woods; about shrinkage; durability; wood grain and woodworking best practice.

The design process can be challenging, but it is also fundamentally exciting, as you generate original ideas. Spend a half day with John learning how to apply simple design techniques and open-minded thinking to expand and develop concepts into solutions.

This class offers a balance of explanation, demonstration, and practice, with the emphasis on practice. John will discuss the types and purposes of chisel and plane blades, sharpening stones, hones and grindstones.

Build your own flexible compact workbench as you learn to use machinery safely and accurately, over three days.

Getting used to the table saw by trial and error can be a disconcerting experience. Learn how to correctly set guards, rip and crosscut, groove and cut angles, all safely and efficiently.

Learn how to use these hand-held machines safely. You’ll learn how to select cutters and more simple ways to use these super useful machines with control and accuracy.

This half-day workshop will help you get much more out of the bandsaw. Find out how to improve the performance of your saw and use it safely. Blades guides and maintenance will all be covered.

Flat surfaces and straight edges are made quickly and accurately by the jointer (aka planer). The thicknesser then works with these surfaces and makes the timber even in thickness. Find out what makes these machines tick, how to use them correctly and safely and how to keep them running sweetly.

Enjoy a few days discovering this beautiful part of the craft and expect to make at least two planes, and learn to get the best out of them.

Learn how to make four different mortise and tenon joints over three days: by hand, by router, by domino and with a chisel mortiser.

Over the course of two days, you will learn about techniques, jigs, cutters and safety for handheld and table-mounted routers. Using your new understanding of the router, you will create a handsome wall mounted shelf.

Expand your capabilities by learning how to use these shaping and finishing tools effectively. You will also make and take away your own stock or chairmaker’s scraper and gain the knowledge of how to make more on your own.

Learn how to set up and use planes, scrapers, sandpaper, wax, shellac and oil to prepare and finish surfaces.

Get to know this fundamental woodworking technique with John Shaw, as you construct a simple wall hung display case.

Discover the satisfying process of steam bending as you make a hoop-handled tray. Enjoy the magic; the wood becomes pliable and changes shape before your eyes.

A weeklong course, you will build your own three-legged stool from scratch.