Want to level up your wine and cheese nights?

Reclaim timber and take home your own cheeseboard with this one-day course!

Audience: Adults, beginner to intermediate skill levels
Outcome: Each participant will leave with a handcrafted, food-safe, live-edge cheeseboard

Wood Selection & Design Planning

Introduction to live-edge wood (types, drying, grain, features)
Participants choose their own live-edge board from a selection
Design your board:
- Decide board orientation
- Choose handle style (cut-out, rope, none)
- Optional: add-ons like juice groove, inlays, or personalized branding

Cutting, Shaping & Sanding

Demo: trimming the ends and shaping the board (table saw, bandsaw, jigsaw)
Participants work on shaping their boards to the desired look
Sanding progression:
- Begin with coarse grits to remove tool marks
- Work up to fine sanding for a smooth, touchable finish

Routing & Fine Detailing

Demo: using a router to soften edges or add a juice groove
Optional: brand your board with initials or logo
Continue fine sanding up to 400 grit
Hand sanding details and touch-ups

Finishing

Learn about food-safe finishes (mineral oil, beeswax blends, etc.)
Apply oil finish to bring out the natural beauty of the wood
Buffing and curing process
Final detailing: add rubber feet, handles, or leather accents if desired

🧰 Materials & Tools Provided

Pre-selected live-edge wood slabs.
Finishing supplies: oils, wax, rags, buffing pads
Tools: saws, sanders, routers, clamps, etc
Safety gear: eye and ear protection, dust masks

Location

REDFERN The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre

107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016 (entry via Turner Street, opposite of 23 Turner Street, from the rear of building)

Entrance to workshop
Workshop entrance is via Turner Street at the rear of 107 Redfern St. If the doorway is locked and/or unattended pls ring the doorbell on the left of the roller door.

Transportation and parking
Bower Woodworks is located within 5-minute walking distance of Redfern Train Station. Both metred and unmetered parking are available nearby.