Chair Course (Small)

Chair making course
Over this full four day course you will make and assemble a complete chair from local Ash and Beech. Choosing from one of two traditional designs you will be responsible for shaping all components and joining therm using traditional wedged mortice and tenon joints

Family “greenwood” experience
Alasdair will take you through the basic principles of Green Woodworking and provide the knowledge, tools and materials needed to get you using a pole lathe. Turn as many items as you like using a variety of local hard woods and unlock the full potential of this ancient craft.
Introduction to pole lathing
During this one or two day course, you will get to practice the principles of green woodworking: cleaving and shaping the wood using side axe and draw knife before turning on a pole lathe to produce a range of items - as long as it is round!
Simply stools
This two-day course offers you the chance to produce a simple three or four legged stool with hard wood top and turned or draw knifed legs.
From tree to table
This three day course gives you time to produce a table or bench with stretchered legs using more advanced techniques. The addition of stretchers between the legs allows you to make larger items with more refinement.
Table making course
This four-day course gives you time to explore the intricacies of green wood furniture design to produce a dramatic and unique piece of furniture of your own design.
Chair making course
Over this full four day course you will make and assemble a complete chair from local Ash and Beech. Choosing from one of two traditional designs you will be responsible for shaping all components and joining therm using traditional wedged mortice and tenon joints
Make your own shaving horse
In order to make a traditional shaving horse you will need a pole lathe, in order to use a pole lathe a shaving horse is essential. Get around this catch 22 situation by making your very own shaving horse over two days in Alasdair's fully equipped Greenwood workshop.
Handle making and tool restoration
This is a one day course aimed at giving you the basic knowledge and skills required to make a tool handle of any sore from green Ash. Be it an axe, hammer, chisel or spade you can restore personalise and bring back to life any old tool. We will go back to the days when things were done 'proper' and a tool handle could last a lifetime of use.
Cleft hurdle gate making
Discover the ancient art of gate making using authentic traditional tools and techniques. Using the true nature of the wood to ensure both beauty and strength, start with a freshly cut log and explore the entire process of cleaving , shaping and jointing.
One-to-one tuition
Work and learn at your own pace - receive uninterrupted expert tuition in the art of green wood furniture making and have exclusive access to the range of hardwoods available in the workshop.

Did a great 1 day "introduction to pole lathing" course with Alasdair in August. Went through the whole process from log to rolling pin using axe, draw knife and turning chisel. Alasdair's experience covers everything from woodland management to green woodworking, so there's not much he doesn't know about wood. Definitely recommend this course and I can imagine the other courses he does will be equally enjoyable and informative.

Richard Lewis

We had 2 fantastic days with Alastair and Simon creating 3 shave horses. We had such fun and chat whilst learning green woodworking skills and appreciation for our environment. We certainly learnt great respect for the green wood furniture makers of the past. I would unreservedly recommend this course.

tony watson

Took 5 children along to learn carpentry. They all had an amazing time, each made a sword and a baseball bat (their choice). They did everyhthing from sawing the wood to shaping it. Alisdair was so good with them and made sure they each left with finished items. My son who has ADHD was engaged from the start and cannot wait to go again. The parents also had a go and really enjoyed the day too.

Elaine Russell

Loved the woodworking course, learnt loads and very pleased with the finished stool. Did the 2 day 'Simply Stools' course.

Matthew Bass

What a fantastic weekend the Simply Stools course was! While the course is primarily about green woodworking, you come away with insight into forestry, general carpentry, and a new appreciation for furniture-making. Working with the traditional tools and techniques is good fun, a great learning experience, and quite therapeutic. By the end of the first day, you'll find yourself working out how to fit a shaving horse in your living room! And of course, Alasdair and his assistants were great throughout -- very knowledgeable and always there to help and give guidance. Overall, a very enjoyable and fulfilling weekend. I can't wait to go back for other courses!

Zach Davis

Had a great weekend making a stool from scratch. Alistair and Simon were great teachers. Loved making everything from scratch using traditional methods and very please with the stool I took home.

Claire Fallow

Completed the 2 day 'Simply Stools' course this weekend and loved it. Alasdair is absolutely passionate about his chosen subject and incredibly generous in sharing both his passion and knowledge. I have not just learnt a huge amount but found the whole experience massively rewarding. I can not recommend completing any of Alasdair's courses enough and will be back as soon as I can. Thank You!!

David Smith

I chose the 'Simply Stools' course and had great fun making one out of a beautiful piece of Yew (for a soft wood, not that soft!) and Ash. Alasdair is an excellent teacher, informative, patient and passionate about his craft. All aspects of the wood and woodworking were explained and I also found out a great deal about sustainable forestry and conservation. The course takes place in a wonderful setting overlooking the spectacular Teign Valley and the forest which provides the material used. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and I would highly recommend it.

Simon Rippingale

Brilliant course in a lovely place. Alasdair is a great teacher. I'll be going back!

Steve Wills

I really enjoyed my recent course and made a great wee coffee table and shave horse. Alasdair is an amazing green woodworker and an even better teacher🤩😁. Definitely worth the trip from Glasgow to Devon.

graeme leitch