Handle making and tool restoration

One day course ASK A QUESTION 

* Courses can also be arranged on dates to suit your needs, fill in the booking form with your preferred dates and Alasdair will be in touch to confirm availability.

All tools and materials are provided.

“There is little more satisfying than using a tool that you know and understand fully. Nothing can cement this connection more than making the very handle that you grip when using it. It creates a profound sense of satisfaction and it is no doubt true that the more you love your tools the better they will preform.“

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.

Similar in format and structure to the other one day courses, this course often runs along side our other courses giving you a taster for what else is on offer. If you have an old (or new) tool that requires a handle please feel free to bring it along.

In detail

Making and fitting a green wood tool handle are two very distinct process, whatever the nature of the tool. Both however serve to reinforce our understanding and appreciation of the tool amkers skill and passion. The process will start with the cleaving of a green Ash log before sectioning it into the appropriate size blank. The process of shaping the handle then begins using only traditional tools and time honoured techniques. There are many things to consider when selecting timber for a tool handle and these will all be discussed and considered as you work on refining the shape and feel of the component. Once complete it is often necessary to season the timber before fitting but fear not, Alasdair will talk you through and demonstrate the methods and processes involved. We will also be on hand as ever should you need further advice. Alternatively book another day in a few weeks and come back to see your work complete and the tool fully restored.

Tools are about more than just the work they do, ahigh level of care and appreciation are required to get the most out of your wood working equipment. Alasdair will cover all aspects of tool restoration including sharpening and honing as well as tool maintenance and storage.

A perfect start on the journey into traditional woodland crafts. Whether you have no practical wood working experience or work with trees or wood in any way this course will offer a glimpse into the origins of woodworking, ancient techniques still relevant today. We will go through all the principal processes of cleaving, side axing  and shaving before turning a variety of items on a traditional pole lathe for you to take with you . Working with greenwood will deepen your connection with the woodland itself and allow you to understand how this amazing material behaves, grows and can be used to stunning effect. Be prepared never to look at a tree in the same way again.

We will take a brief look at woodland management and discuss the importance and condition of our ancient woodland. How they have been used and how they are used. The techniques of working with green wood and the required methods will be explored and demonstrated. Then it is over to you. By the end of the course you will be able to recognise suitable timber, have an understanding of how to cleave and shape the wood using traditional tools and operate a pole lathe. I also hope you will have a deeper appreciation for our native trees and woodland and just how valuable a resource they are and have been in the past. All participants will leave Alasdair’s work shop with the knowledge required to continue developing their knowledge and green woodworking skills and will hopefully be embarking on a new and rewarding pastime. Alasdair is available through social media and his web site to offer continuing support and advice to all customers.

On the day

Unlimited tea, coffee and biscuits are provided. Please bring your own pack lunch as well, there is always plenty of time to stop to eat and chat! If you have your own tools and would like to bring them please do so although I will need to check that they are suitable. Please wear appropriate clothing, sturdy shoes are essential absolutely no sandals or flip flops please. The covered work shop offers a good degree of shelter but please wrap up if the weather warrants it. The course can be quite physical so be prepared to warm up whilst working and wrap up whilst chatting. Hand washing and toilet facilities are available on site courtesy of Clifford Barton Holiday cottages.

About the workshop

Little Acorn Furnitures Green Wood work shop has been developed in the Old Sheep Barn at Clifford Barton, which is located on the edge of the Dartmoor National Park. The Farm now hosts family holiday cottages and courses, as well as providing a home for rescued dwarf ponies.

Surrounded by beautiful Devon coutryside and the breathtaking Fingle Wood, the workshop provides a covered area where the courses can take place.  However, there is also a large outside area overlooking the Valley where we hope to enjoy the fantastic Devon sunshine!

How to book

You can pay online or make an enquiry via our booking form or, alternatively, simply contact me directly.

Children under 16 accompanied by an adult are half price.

Gift vouchers are available to purchase online.

Group Bookings

A discount of 10% is applied to group bookings of four or more.

There are many advantages to making a group booking. By prior arrangement, the workshop will be yours exclusively for the duration of the course. Your time will also be your own to use as you wish, you can simply follow an existing course outline or work together on a larger project such as a table or chair.

This is a great way to experience the craft of green wood furniture making and working as a group a great deal can be accomplished in a short space of time.

Progress your skills with Little Acorn Furniture

Although all of our courses stand alone and there is no requirement to complete anyone before progressing to the next, it is possible to build your skills and experience by progressing through the various courses in order.

Starting with the one-day introduction which outlines the basic skills and principles you can progress to the two-day stool course, this will give a taste of the methods and techniques used to ‘join’ components together into a piece of furniture. The three and four-day course then provides an opportunity to be more creative and ambitious, building on all of your experience gained in the previous courses. Finally, the chair making course offers the chance to combine all of your knowledge and experience in one grand project.

On each new course you will be introduced to new tools and techniques that allow you to build skills and confidence and most importantly to us develop your own unique style and methods.

Booking a course as a gift

Why not include one of our Little Acorn Gift Boxes? See all gift boxes →

Little Acorn Gift boxes include a hand turned gift of your choice, an “about bodgers” card, left blank for your own message and an optional voucher for one of our green woodworking courses.

All presented in a beautiful gift box decorated with our tree logo.

Is this course available on other dates?

If these dates don’t suit you or you would like to book both courses consecutively why not contact Alasdair directly to arrange a time that suits you. However big or small your group we will be able to provide a course that suits your needs.

Please place your enquiry as soon as possible to ensure we can arrange dates that suit you.

Directions

By train

Exeter is the nearest mainline station. A taxi from the Station to Clifford Barton will cost approximately £20.

By car

From the North or East  (or South on A30): take the M5 past Exeter which then turns into the A30. Continue along the A30 for approximately 10 miles and exit at the Woodleigh Junction, signposted Cheriton Bishop. Having entered Cheriton Bishop turn left immediately before the  Old Thatch Pub – signposted Clifford Bridge. Continue along this road for 1.8 miles before turning right at the crossroads – signposted Clifford Bridge. After 0.8 miles turn right into Clifford Barton.

From the South on the A38: Take the Bovey Tracey turnoff onto the A382. Head towards Bovey Tracey and then stay on the A382 until you reach Moretonhampstead. In the centre of Moretonhampstead go straight across at the crossroads, then take the next right (Fore Street) and immediately left down Lime Street (opposite the library). Continue along this road, up and over Mardon Down ignoring any side roads and eventually come down to cross the River Teign at Clifford Cross. Shortly after the bridge there is a crossroads, go straight over signposted Cheriton Bishop. We are first on the left, signposted Clifford Barton.

Once at Clifford Barton, follow the drive with trees on your left. Once you reach the buildings go past the old Oak tree into the yard and park in the bays next to the timber clad barn, you will see Little Acorn Furniture at the end of the old cattle shed.

What three words

What three words location for the drive entrance ///slurping.counters.spicy

What three words location for the workshop ///darkest.surprises.boot

If you are unsure about finding us please call prior to your course as mobile reception at the work shop is limited.

Map

Little Acorn Workshops
Clifford Barton
Drewsteignton
Devon
EX6 6QB

07010 048 684

We advise you not to use sat nav for the last 5 mins because it is likely to take you on a very scenic, but long and windy route.

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