Woodwork Course for Beginners: Build a 3-Legged Stool

What you'll learn

Learn basic woodworking skills with our woodwork short courses in Sydney!

In this course, you will construct a simple 3-legged stool which will introduce you 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.

The 3-legged stool is an excellent introduction to many useful hand tools such as saws, hand planes, braces and bits, and spokeshaves, as well as learning how to use geometric principles to measure and mark pieces accurately. Your finished stool will work as a great low chair for adults and children, or a great stand for plants or other items.

In conjunction with the timber and milling services offered at Among the Trees, this course will give students the skills, confidence and equipment needed to take on reclaimed woodworking projects of their own at home. After completing this course, you are also able to book in for Among The Trees’ Rent-A-Bench service, including use of any tools you have learned to use in this course.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this woodwork 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
• the ability to book in for Among The Trees’ Rent-A-Bench

Course content

What will be covered in this woodwork 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 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

27 Sydney Street, Marrickville 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. Please check us out at our website.

Transportation and parking

• Among The Trees is a 7 minute walk from Sydenham Station. There are bus stops for the lines 418, 423, 425, 426 and 430 all 4-6 minutes walk from ATT.
• There are 3 onsite parking spaces available and street parking on Sydney Street and surrounding area.
• If you are riding your bicycle, there is space inside ATT for you to store your bike.

Tools and Materials

All tools and materials are provided by Among the Trees.

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
• Handsaws
• Chisels
• Handplanes
• Spokeshaves
• Drills and drivers
• Wood glue
• Timber finishes

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.
• 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:

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

Lunch

For Classes running all day, a 30 minute lunch break will take place halfway through the class. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch, alternatively there are Cafe's and take away restaurants nearby.