Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals for Beginners

What you'll learn

Learn how to use hand tools with our woodwork short courses in Sydney!

Interested in learning more about woodwork and improving your hand tool skills? Our range of woodwork fundamentals courses cover core hand tool skills, safety, and creativity across 6 evenings or a four-day intensive course.

Woodwork fundamental courses include: Making a timber saw-bench, side table, barstool or children's desk.

Through the construction of a simple project you will be introduced to the basics of working with reclaimed wood and using simple hand tools. This course is great for people with little woodworking experience and those that have no access to a well appointed workshop.

In conjunction with the timber and milling services offered at Among the Trees, this course will gives you the skills and confidence needed to take on reclaimed woodworking projects of their own at home.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this picture framing course, you should have:

an appreciation of the value of second-hand timber.
an understanding of the structural properties of timber and timber joinery
the knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools
an understanding of different woodworking glues and finishes
been introduced to woodworking terminology
used a number of woodworking devices and jigs
your own functional, handmade timber item
the confidence to start your own projects at home

Course content

What will be covered in this Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals course?

General workshop safety
Timber selection and an understanding of second-hand timber
Grain direction and strength and weaknesses
Project outline and assembly
Use of various woodworking tools and equipment
How to use woodworking glues
Sanding and finishing

Intended audience

Who is this Woodwork for Beginnners course for?

Knowledge required

This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork. It is open to anyone 18 years and over.
The course is run using entirely hand tools so you need to be aware that there is an element of physicality involved.

Information for booking students under 18

Among the Trees is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We care deeply about the children’s well-being and are committed to acting in their best interest at all times. You can read our full Child Safe Policy.

Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:

Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.
Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.

For all students under 18, the full name and contact information for parents and guardians must be provided when booking. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

Course venue

Among The Trees Workshop

27 Sydney Street, Marrickville NSW 2204

We encourage students to utilize the numerous public transport options nearby or ride their bicycle to Among the Trees, there is a bike rack on site. Street parking is limited during the day and onsite parking is off-limits for course participants during business hours (Wed-Sat 10am-4pm). Please contact Among the Trees directly if you have access concerns or requirements, there is an accessible parking spot available that we can reserve if requested. Outside business hours there are 3 onsite parking spots available.

About Among The Trees

"We can’t get enough of reclaimed and recycled timber, and we believe it should be accessible to everyday people. There’s nothing like working with wood, and to use and love a product that would otherwise have been sent to landfill or be burned off helps keep the story of that piece alive.

We want to show you how and why we love this material and share with you how to work with it. We are Among The Trees, and we can’t wait to say hello."

Course materials

Tools and materials

This course will be taught using entirely second-hand timber. You will be taught to use a variety of woodworking tools and materials including:

Reclaimed Timber, where to find it and how to use it
Measuring and marking tools
Timber and metal hand planes
Timber finishes

All tools and materials to be provided by Among the Trees.

What to bring

You are encouraged to bring your own face mask, protective eyewear and ear protection, however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use. A face mask can be provided for each student when booking any course that includes sanding
You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).
Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.

Additional information

Please note the following:

Concessions or discounts cannot be applied to classes hosted at the Among The Tree venue.

Please advise Among The Trees about:

your emergency contact (name, relationship and contact phone number), and
any special requirements (e.g. wheelchair access) if applicable

A 30-minute lunch break will take place halfway through all-day classes. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Alternatively, there are cafes and takeaway restaurants nearby.Hand tool woodwork fundamentals

Course testimonials

Joanne said: The course was exactly what I wanted. I was pleased the cost of materials was included. Shane’s teaching was so clear & concise, I learnt a lot & have a great tool box
Fiona said: It was a pleasure learning from someone who is so passionate about sustainability; reclaiming and recycling wood; and using woodwork hand tools (that have been lovingly restored). Luke was very knowledgeable and patient with our group. He demonstrated each step of building a small saw bench carefully and methodically, and then helped us with our individual projects, when required. Liz was often also on-hand to help, and to give us extra tips on how to work with the wood, and Pete stepped in to assist with the on-site woodwork machines, for one of the lessons. It was a very friendly, supportive, and safe environment to learn in. This course is highly recommended to anyone wanting to discover woodwork and build confidence using hand tools. If, like me, you spend your days in front of a computer, this is also a great way to get ‘out of your head’ and to get ‘hands-on’ for a change.
Alexandra said: 5 Stars
Hilary said: Great course. Small numbers made it really enjoyable and easier to learn and get personal help. Instructor was great.
Amanda said: Developing a sense of confidence in working with wood, using power tools and experimenting with my project. Che was a great instructor who has an obvious passion for her craft. The venue was pretty good although sometimes a bit lacking in minor resources (eg pencils, rulers, Stanley's) but was pretty easy to work around. I'd definitely be keen to participate in the Intermediate Course when it comes up next.

Course tutors

Among The Trees

Among The Trees is Sydney's one-stop reclaimed timber spot, running workshops and artist studios as well as their timber shop. They can’t get enough of reclaimed and recycled timber, and believe...

View Among The Trees's profile

Show full classes

When	Time	Where
Wed 16 Oct 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop
Wed 23 Oct 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop
Wed 30 Oct 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop
Wed 6 Nov 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop
Wed 13 Nov 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop
Wed 20 Nov 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop
Wed 27 Nov 2024	6pm - 9pm	Carpentry Workshop Space - Among The Trees Workshop

This course has no current classes. Please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals for Beginners