Course: Make a Table
Duration: 6 days 10:30am – 4:30pm, 12 afternoons 2:30pm – 5pm, or 12 evenings 6:30pm – 9pm, Mondays
Cost: £650 (includes VAT)
Next start date: See table below for next start dates.
Suitable for: Absolute beginners. No prior experience in woodworking or woodcarving is required for this course.
About: Learn traditional carpentry skills using a mixture of hand tools and modern drills to create a beautiful softwood coffee table.
In this throw away age, when all the furniture we own is assembled and not built, we are pleased to offer an opportunity to spend some precious time learning how to use ageless tools to make something everlasting from wood – a beautiful softwood coffee table.
These 12 afternoons/evenings are a perfect starting point for many aspects of woodwork that will give you confidence to choose and replicate basic wood joints into other projects.
Using a mixture of traditional hand tools and modern drills and saws, our experienced tutor will guide and inspire you as they teach age old techniques in carpentry. As you begin making wood joints traditionally constructed from seasoned pine, you will learn how to use and care for chisels, saws, planes and spoke-shaves.
You will work on a variety of exercises – designed to incorporate simple to advanced joints and tools that build confidence and independence.
There will be lots of practical exercises in each of the first six sessions. You will then begin to make a simple frame with birch plywood top that you will take home.
Step I – We will get familiar with some tools of the trade:
- Introducing basic tools. Equipping a toolbox for home carpentry.
- Timber selection/marking out and cutting. Tips on woods, saws and drills.
- Using a plane, different types of planes. Sharpening tips and practice.
- Using a chisel and its uses. Sharpening tips and practice.
Step II – You will use planes, chisels and marking tools:
- Simple joints and why we use them.
- Half joints, lap joints. Practice using chisels and planes.
- Bridle joints and a mortise and tenon
Step III – You will make a simple project to take home:
It’s fast paced but with the support of the tutor, you will complete your own project to make a simple frame and legs for a small table with a smart birch plywood top.
- Work from selected pine and measure, mark and cut pieces.
- Choose and make joints, assemble and secure with adhesive or screws.
The use of all tools and materials is included.
Len Conway
Len Conway has over forty years of experience in further education. He has taught carpentry, Joinery and multi skills to a high level. His interests include music, architecture, art, mountain walking and boating.
Monika Leszczewicz
Monika is a passionate woodworker and maker. Monika has designed this course as the next step in woodturning.
General Information
You will receive a courtesy reminder by email 1-2 days before the workshop/course begins.
Refreshments
Coffee, tea and biscuits are included in the course fee, but you will need to bring lunch with you or visit a nearby venue to purchase food.
Access
If you have any specific access or special needs, please contact us confidentially in advance by email info@thegoodlifecentre.co.uk. There is a small step to the entrance, and the toilet is on the ground floor.
All sewing workshops and occasionally lampshade making, tassel making and bookbinding workshops are located on the second floor. There is no lift access.
Refunds and cancellations
Please refer to our terms & conditions below.
Disclaimer
The information given is accurate at the time of publication. However, The Goodlife Centre reserves the right to cancel or amend courses if circumstances require.
Terms & Conditions
| Start day | Date | Start time | End time | Course name | Course length | Price | Good to Know | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | 14/09/2026 | 14:30 | 17:00 | CARPENTRY FOR BEGINNERS - 12 EVENINGS - WOOD TABLE | 12 Weeks | £650.00 GBP | Make a wooden table! | Details |
