Can I book a course to build something specific? Or to learn a certain technique?
Yes, all my courses are bespoke and one-on-one. This is where my courses/masterclasses differ from others available - you can choose what you want to learn - and I'll do my very best to achieve that for you.
Do I need to bring any tools?
Yes, that’s important. My courses are designed for people who have already made the commitment to acquire their own tools. The tools may be new to you or you may have many years experience, that’s why my courses are bespoke so they can be tailored to your needs. So do bring what you have, and what you are using already. That way we can check whether your techniques are impacted by your tools/their sharpening/or the way you are currently using them.
Suggested tools are : at least a smoothing or jack plane, block plane, a couple of bevel edged chisels and cabinet scraper. If time allows I will also touch on the subject of saws (sharpening and adjusting the set) so bring a dovetail or tennon saw (preferably both rip and crosscut). Please ask to check whether what you have is suitable, particularly if you intend to buy tools.
Do I need to bring my own wood with me?
No, you don't need to, but of course if you are wanting to make something out of your very own piece of wood - do bring it - we’ll see if it is suitable, and take it from there.
Can I take home the finished piece I made?
Of course you can. (There may be a small extra charge for any timber used in your new masterpiece - that is not included in your course fee. I'll make this clear when we discuss what you are planning to make).
Do I need any previous woodworking experience?
A willingness to learn is more important than previous experience. However you will need your own tools and if you wish to make a piece, for example, I would expect that your tools would be in good condition so you may want to attend my tools course first.
How long is the course?
That depends on what you want to learn. I take a maximum of a 3-day course at any one time, but sometimes a student only wants a single day at a time. Of course, that does limit what you can do within that timeframe - but because all courses are bespoke - it is entirely your choice.
How many people will be there?
Just you - and me! All my courses are bespoke and one-on-one. This is where my courses and masterclasses differ from others available.
What are my course options?
1 - Bespoke course
By far the most popular course I hold because ……. As the name suggests the content of this course is up to you.
It may be that you want to learn a specific skill such as - how to laminate curves or use the ever versatile router.
Perhaps there is a project that you have been itching to make and you need some help and advice in a fully equipped workshop to get started?
Or have you an unfinished project that has ground to a halt due to the need to learn a new skill?
This course is entirely flexible to suit what you wish to learn - including the length of the course (1,2 or 3 days), or several single days as your project progresses. Course dates arranged for mutually suitable days.
You are expected to bring your own tools to this course :–
at least a smoothing or jack plane, block plane, a couple of bevel edged chisels and cabinet scraper. If time allows I will also touch on the subject of saws (sharpening and adjusting the set) so bring a dovetail or tennon saw (preferably both rip and crosscut).
Please ask to check whether what you have is suitable, particularly if you intend to buy tools. Other tools are also welcome as they can also be instructive, time allowing, info@daniellacey.com
2 - Introduction to tools
Whether you are just starting out or have been woodworking for some time; if you can’t get your tools to perform like they should - then this is the course for you.
This all important course covers the setting up and sharpening of your planes (flattening the sole, adjusting the frog, fitting the cap iron, relieving the mouth and sharpening the iron), chisels (flattening and sharpening), cabinet scrapers (sharpening).
Plus an introduction in the use of these tools - including measuring and marking tools and sharpening media.
You are expected to bring your own tools to this course - at least a smoothing or jack plane, block plane, a couple of bevel edged chisels and cabinet scraper. If time allows I will also touch on the subject of saws (sharpening and adjusting the set) so bring a dovetail or tennon saw (preferably both rip and crosscut).
Please ask to check whether what you have is suitable, particularly if you intend to buy tools. Other tools are also welcome as they can also be instructive, time allowing. info@daniellacey.com
Over the course of the 3 days under my expert guidance, you will learn how to set up and look after these tools as well as carrying out some simple tasks to test your newly setup tools. By the end of the course, you will leave with your tools confident that you and your equipment are ready for the tasks ahead!
3 - Wood dressing and joints
In this course you will learn how to use your tools, by dressing a piece of timber perfectly flat taking shavings as thin as 0.05 mm thick (that’s half the thickness of a piece of paper!) and then dressing the side perfectly square to that face. As well as making perfectly fitting edge joints with no visible glue line.
During this process you will begin to learn about the structure of wood: why it will cut beautifully smoothly in one direction and be painful on the soul in the other.
Using engineers' measuring tools, I will then guide you through marking out and cutting some simple joints using your saws and chisels. More than anything this will show you the importance of accuracy.
At this stage I will introduce you to simple paring aids and jigs and how important they are for repeatable accuracy and speed in a commercial environment.
I will also touch on how wood moves and what you can do to compensate for it which will allow you to begin to design your own joints that will last for generations. If time allows I will guide you through making some simple jigs to take home with you.
You are expected to bring with you fully functioning tools (as you would have after attending my first course or another similar course). Some of the tools you will need are: jack or smoothing plane, block plane, shoulder plane, 6 and 19 mm bevel edged chisels also both dovetail and tennon saws.
What age are courses suitable for?
Because we will be working with sharp tools, courses are only suited to responsible adults. Anywhere between 17 and 70 is a guide!
How do I find you?
The what3words location is ///much.magpie.novels
A7 heading north - in Langholm take the first left after the 30mph sign (Glenesk Road), past the Co-op. The studio is on the left after the old Edinburgh Woollen Mill buildings.
Do you have car parking?
Yes, there is room to park just outside the studio/workshop. There is also a car park a couple hundred yards up the road, opposite the Co-op (from which refreshments can be purchased).
What should I wear?
Stout footwear, and sensible not-too-baggy clothing. Dangly jewellery is inadvisable, although you will not be permitted to use the large machines in the workshop. I'd also recommend wearing layers, you may be more active during some parts of the day.
Do you provide refreshments?
Coffee and tea are available, but for your lunch - either bring a packed one, or purchase from the town or at the Co-op.
How do I book?
Contact me on the form below. Payment is made either by direct bank transfer, or through the website facility.
Can I buy the course as a gift?
Yes. It can, and does, make a great gift for someone.
And by the way, Langholm is a great place to visit, particularly if you are interested in the environment. There are places to stay, and rare flora and fauna to try and spot - so why not come too - and make a short break of it.
Can I cancel or move my booking?
Cancellations can be made, although you may lose any deposit paid. Normally bookings can be moved provided enough notice is given.