Tuition & Courses

One to one and one to two Woodworking and Furniture making courses for beginners & hobbyists

David began offering private woodworking tuition for beginners and hobbyists in 2015 after countless enquires from people around the south of England (and way beyond!) eager to have a go at woodworking and furniture making but not wanting to sign up to a long college course or private courses involving large groups. As of 2022 David has now welcomed over 200 people into his Hampshire workshop to have a unique woodworking experience.

As David is a full-time furniture designer-maker, the processes he teaches are the ones he uses on a daily basis rather than overly fussy techniques which take up unnecessary amounts of time (mirror polishing blades is a prime example). The teaching style of the courses is laid back, and dates can be arranged on a mutually-convenient date as there are no school-like fixed term dates and each course is run on an ‘as and when’ basis from David’s small yet well equipped workshop near Andover in Hampshire.

The workshop itself is easily accessible by car, rail and bus, being minutes from the A303. A bus stop, served by the Activ8 bus service for Andover, Salisbury and Tidworth, is just outside the Fairground. This bus service also stops at the Andover rail station, which is a 5/10 minute bus ride away from the workshop.

For those traveling from further afield and needing to stay locally, you’re in luck, both a Travelodge and a Premier Inn are conveniently just up the road from the workshop!

These courses are aimed at hobbyists and beginner woodworkers, although those with more experience are very welcome to come and hone their skills.

The courses are generally run on a one-to-one basis, but some of the one-day courses are eligible for our Double Up! (At checkout, choose whether you would prefer to attend this course alone, or that you are happy to double up with another person.) option to a maximum class size of two students, also see our courses for two options.

Students may also be 'assisted' by Monty the workshop dog, who is a Very Helpful Puppy... 🐶

Please click on the links below to find out more about the current course options which include;

Courses start from £165.00 with gift cards available (leave a note during check out) and gift vouchers are available from £50.00.

Classes usually start between 9:30-10:00am and typically finish by 5:00-6:00pm

"Had a fantastic weekend with David on an intensive carpentry course. He really put in the extra time and effort for me to complete my rather ambitious plans. I would highly recommend a weekends tuition. I have learnt a lot and have a beautiful desk that will last me forever to show for it! Thank you David!!"

Mr Chris Barnard 28/06/2015

“An enormous thanks to David for a brilliant taster day of woodworking. My husband and I did a couples taster session and absolutely loved learning about woodworking tools and techniques, felt completely safe and supported using all the various machines needed to make our cutlers stools. A thoroughly enjoyable day with a talented craftsman...thank you!”

Mrs Ashley Towers

“Many thanks for an absolutely fantastic day yesterday.

The course was tremendous fun - from the start learning about all the tools; being told how we were going to transform a piece of wood into a beautiful stool; learning the techniques and how the machines operate; the hands on approach to actually creating the piece; finding out which tools suit me best through trial and error (sawing the end of the leg!) and the general discussions throughout the day which drew on your experiences and gave me loads of great tips.

I have all my notes that I made, the list of tools that I need to buy(!), the experience of making a piece of furniture, the sense of achievement that goes with that, but most of all the enjoyment of immersing oneself in the pursuit of a wonderful craft that will bring me pleasure and fulfilment.

The day was everything I hoped it would be and more. We even managed a nice lunch in the local village pub!

I look forward to booking the next course and continuing this new found woodwork journey.

Many thanks again for a great experience.”

Guy 17/08/2019

“My son attended David’s workshop for a day, learning techniques and making a lovely stool from scratch. He very much enjoyed his day and has a new interest in all things woodwork related much better than sitting at a computer game!
Thank you very much David for your patience and giving my son a very different day out.”

Mrs N Trowers

Attended a wonderful two day woodworking course with David ( & Monty the dog ) - thank you both. I had a great time & the kids are greatly impressed with my project 3-legged stool. Highly recommended.

Kevin Cornmell 23/08/2021