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12-Week Furniture Making Course

The 12-week course will give you a solid foundation in furniture making and an introduction to design. Intensive and practical: You will learn hand skills, power-tool and machine use through several practical making projects. Theory from timber technology to cabinet construction will support the practical work, and you’ll have the option of a level 3 qualification. Using your new found skills you will also make a final piece of your own design.

This course includes 480 hours of scheduled bench time supervised by the tutors and with plenty of 1:1 guidance. You’ll have your own bench and all tools will be provided. You’ll also have dedicated use of the adjoining machine shop.

Course Content

Comprehensive hand-outs are given to support learning, and The Woodworkers Manual, Jackson and Day, is provided as a study aid. Individual tutorials are held between you and your tutor where feedback is given in confidence.

  • Sharpening
  • Hand tool use
  • Timber preparation
  • Joint making
  • Power tool
  • Safe machine use, setting up and maintenance
  • Machine jointing
  • Batch production
  • Steam bending and laminating
  • Veneering
  • Finishes and application methods
  • Sketching
  • Model making
  • Technical drawing
  • Marquetry
  • Timber technology
  • Furniture construction

Weeks 1–3: Introduction to tool use and joinery foundation

Weeks 4 and 5: You will make a tool cabinet which can be customised to your requirements

Weeks 6-9: You will make a side table with a drawer and a mitred cabinet with lockable door. Those taking the optional L3 qualification will be assessed on these pieces.

Weeks 10-12: You will make a personal project piece. You will work closely with your tutor on the design of your final piece. It will highlight the skills learned so far, and acts as a brilliant showcase of your abilities. Timber, fixtures and fittings for the project is the only element of cost not included in the course fee.

Course dates

25th September 2023 - 15th December 2023

  Spaces available

Course fee

September 2023 £6,950

How to book

Potential students are asked to visit the Academy and send a simple CV. This process allows you to get a feel for the life and work at the Academy and enables you to make an informed decision.

If you are unable to visit, we will conduct a telephone/zoom interview at a mutually agreed time.

Enquire Online