Beginner Woodworking Course Term 2 2024

Intro: 

Want to become more skilful and confident with power tools and woodworking machinery? Want to learn skills and techniques that will help you build your own furniture and wooden items?

School of Wood in partnership with NORM Makers Warehouse are hosting beginner woodworking classes running for 10 consecutive weeks with each class running for 3 hours and hosting 4 students per term. Sessions run every Sunday morning from 09:00am to 12:00pm at the NORM Warehouse in Coburg. In-house Bench space, Tools, and machinery will be used by all attendees to build their own unique project. During woodworking classes, students will be taught how to safely use the machines and tools to handcraft beautiful furniture and other wooden items. Classes and project ideas can be tailored depending on the skill level of the participants. 

Purchasing this ticket gives you access to the 10 week term starting on Sunday 14th April and running up until the 16th June.

Projects:

School of Wood has a number of project designs which are ideal for Beginners. Students are encouraged to select a project which is both functional and meaningful for them, but maintains itself within the Beginner Woodworking realm. If you're not sure, get in touch with us in advance of the first week and we can help discuss options for you. Projects need to be kept to a small and medium size, sorry no dining tables or computer desks. 

Suggested Projects: 

• Coffee table
• Bed side table(s)
• Display Shelf/Cabinet
• Plant stands
• Stools
• Side table/entrance table
• etc. 

Typically for beginners it is best to keep things square, however we can always apply a taper or splayed legs if it's suitable. 

What will you learn: 

• Familiarise with basic hand held tools, power tools and woodworking machinery
• How to plan and design/draw a project and make a components cut-list.
• How to select suitable timber from a timber yard
• Safe and appropriate use of these tools/machines, and how to maintain some of them
• How to mark, measure and cut timber in a precise way
• Simple joinery techniques and assembly, including biscuit jointing, doweling, screwing and basic joinery
• Different finishing and sanding techniques
  

Who can join?

This course is targeted to Beginner level woodworkers, those who are new to using tools and who may have tried their hand a few times before. People who may have a project in mind, but don't have the confidence, knowledge or experience in using woodworking machinery to make it a reality. At this time, Adults only (18+) are allowed to attend due to safety restrictions of the machinery and tools being used. School of Wood and NORM value inclusivity and welcome all makers of all ages and genders. 

Timber: 

Timber is not supplied and students will be required to purchase their own timber. Should there be a good ammount of interest, a visit to a local sustainable timber yard can be arranged to make sure students feel comfortable about the process of selecting and purchasing timber for their project. Beginners are encouraged to work with softwoods since they are far more forgiving and easier to work with. However some hardwoods may be suitable depending on what is available at the time and depending on the project.

Supplies: 

All equipment and consumables are supplied to students to use as needed, this includes scrap timber, drawing consumables, wood glue, blue tape, rags and oil-based finishes. A limited range of timber finishes are available since there are a plethora of options and styles. Typically, Danish Oil, Tung Oil, and Mineral Oil/Beeswax are available.

If a Student prefers to bring their own PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) they are more than welcome to. However it will be supplied and available during each class.

Other Information: 
The NORM maker space will sometimes be shared with NORM Dwellers (residents) and Casual makers however each person attending this class will get a dedicated work bench with a bench vice and access to the tools as needed.
Usage of Wood Lathe is restricted, however may be able to be made available depending on tutor availability. Wood Carving is also not available, however the usage of routers is completely fine.

Refunds: There are no refunds for cancellations or people who are unavailable for one or more weeks.

Unless a Student has purchased a casual pass for the space directly from NORM, they are only permitted to utilise the space during set class times.