Essential Tools for Woodworkers Course
Description
The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking is excited to offer this 3-day Essential Tools for Woodworkers course. For this course, you will learn how to make a mallet, marking gauge, dovetail marker and a double bevel marking knife. These 4 tools represent an essential kit for anyone interested in fine woodworking.
The design of the mallet and marking gauge have been borrowed from the North Bennet Street School (Boston, USA) and are a compulsory component of their 2-year full time program. The dovetail marker and the double bevel marking knife have been designed by Alastair Boell of the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
All 4 tools are critical in the production of beautiful hand-made woodworking projects. Each tool offers a unique set of skills that you will be guided through. For example, the mallet requires an understanding of wood technology, which will be explained to you thoroughly. This will be followed by an extremely practical way of gluing up your laminated mallet and turning it on the lathe. You will be shown how to proficiently use several turning tools, including callipers, roughing out gouge, parting tool and the spindle gouge. The length and weight of your mallet will be decided by you.
All the tools will be made from salvaged timbers from in and around Melbourne, and subject to availability, for the dovetail marker and double bevel marking knife, we will be able to use some exotic Australian desert species.
For any woodworking enthusiasts or anyone interested in pursuing woodworking, these 4 tools are a ‘must have’! Apart from this, the course also gives you a great insight into general tool making and we are sure it will give you the confidence to make more of your own tools into the future.
What you will learn
- You will learn how to make a mallet, marking gauge, dovetail marker and a double bevel marking knife.
- These 4 tools represent an essential kit for anyone interested in fine woodworking.
What you will get
- Expert tuition from a teacher in trade, training for over 20 years
- All materials included
What to bring
- Just your curiosity, enthusiasm and creativity!
What to wear
Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes (preferably steel capped shoes if you have them).
Appropriate for
Anyone interested in woodworking
The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills.
The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation ofcraftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.
The Guild offers 13 Open Courses a week where students are able to bring in their own projects. Also during the year on a regular basis we offer a number of short intensive classes on varying woodworking topics. Our student to teacher ratios are very low with a maximum of 8 students in the open classes.
The school itself is conveniently located two minutes from the Blackburn Rd exit off the Eastern Freeway. Parking is readily available right at the school’s door.We promise to do our very best to provide you with endless opportunities in a stimulating and supportive community.
We invite you to take your place at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
Your Teacher
Alastair Boell was awarded a Bachelor of Education (Arts and Crafts) at Melbourne University, majoring in ‘Furniture Making’ in 1990. A month after graduating, he moved to Japan, where he taught English and made furniture for his own pleasure for eight years. While living there, he became heavily influenced by the Japanese design aesthetic.
In 2003, Alastair travelled to Boston, in the USA , where he studied furniture making at the world-renowned North Bennet Street School . This school specializes in 18th and 19th Century hand skills. He is the first Australian to have graduated from this school. During his two years in the USA he also helped to restore an old diner and took part in a traditional barn raising.
Alastair returned to Australia in 2005. This same year, Alastair won ‘The Carba-Tec Award for Craftsmanship’ at the ‘Touchwood Exhibition in 2005’. He has also appeared on the front cover of the 49th issue of ‘The Australian Wood Review’ magazine. In 2006, Alastair was chosen to exhibit his work in the ‘Masters Exhibition at the Timber Working with Wood Show’. Alastair also won ‘The Box Making Award’ for his toolbox at the ‘Timber Working with Wood Show in 2007.’
In 2008, Alastair completed his dream of establishing a workshop and school – ‘The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking’.
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking has an average rating of 4.5 for their other classes.
See other reviewsCancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
- A refund can be requested 28 days before class starts. Free of charge.
- A transfer can be requested anytime before the class starts. Free of charge.
- A credit note can be requested 28 days before the class starts. Free of charge.
No changes will be allowed after these times.
Terms & Conditions
Anyone partaking in any classes or coming to any events at Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking or organised by Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking must agree to these terms and conditions.
1.) LIABILITY WAIVER
I agree to take on full responsibility for any damages, injuries and for physical and/or personal property, which I might incur whilst participating in classes and/or events organised by Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
2.) PHOTO & VIDEO
I agree to give Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking unrestricted publishing rights for any photographs or videos taken at Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking classes and events or on Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking's premises. (For use of Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking marketing materials).
3.) REFUNDS
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking requires 4 week's notice in writing prior to the class for a full refund or transfer.
4.) CANCELLATIONS
We require a minimum of 4 students for this course to go ahead. In the event that a class is cancelled, students will be notified via text message or email and entitled to a full refund or credit.