Learn the basics of carpentry with our Woodwork courses in Sydney!

"People love chopping wood. In this activity one immediately sees results." - Albert Einstein

Are you a wood lover? Then come along to this DIY course, demonstrating basic carpentry knowledge and skills to construct a simple storage crate from reclaimed material.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this introduction to carpentry course, you should have:

Knowledge of general safety in the workshop
Understanding of second-hand timber
Knowledge of good woodworking practices
Understanding of correct marking out and how to work accurately to a plan
Hands-on experience and guidance with drill, driver, jigsaw, handsaw and circular saw
A storage crate to take home

Course content

What will be covered in this introduction to carpentry course?

Introduction
Safety and Housekeeping
Project outline
Properties of timber
Introduction to saws and sawing technique
Measure, mark, and cut post to length
Introduction to glue
Intro to nails and hammers
Nail and glue rails of crate
Intro to drills and drivers
Glue and screw base of crate
Intro to jigsaw
Create handles for crate

Intended audience

Who is this introduction to carpentry course for?

This course is for complete beginners who have had no experience with woodwork.

Course venue

The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre Workshop
107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016

The entrance to the Bower workshop is at the rear of 107 Redfern Street and is opposite no. 23 Turner Street. You will see a hand-painted sign "The Bower Woodworks". If the door is locked, please press the doorbell on the left-hand side of the garage door. Please note, the doors for the venue will be open from 12:30 pm. If you have trouble locating the entrance or encounter any emergencies, please contact the workshop manager at 0422 840 471.
Public transport is the best way to get to the workshop space. The space is located close to Redfern Train Station, a local transport hub.
Most nearby parking is 2-hour-timed (including some paid parking on Redfern St) though it is untimed after 8 pm. Untimed parking is available on Pitt St between Phillip and Wellington St.

Course materials

What to bring to class

Any drills or tools from home you would like to use
The following PPE:
- A face mask
- Safety glasses or googles
- Earmuffs or earplugs

The Bower has PPE sanitised and available to borrow. Students must sanitise before and after use.

Additional information

Please note the following:

Please don't wear your best clothing
If you have long hair, please tie it back
Wear closed-in shoes, no heels, please
Please do not wear jewellery

Introduction to Carpentry Workshop - June 2025

Choose your tickets

General Admission ticket