Tuition & Courses
One to One 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 eager to have a go at woodworking and furniture making but not wanting to sign up to a long college course or private group courses.
As David is a full-time furniture 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 welcome to come and develop their skills. Currently the courses are run on a one-to-one basis, but in the future the one-day courses may expand to a maximum class size of two students.
Students may also be 'assisted' by Monty the workshop dog, who is a Very Helpful Puppy... 🐶
Course options include:
Courses start from £150.00 and gift vouchers are available!
As David is a full-time furniture 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 welcome to come and develop their skills. Currently the courses are run on a one-to-one basis, but in the future the one-day courses may expand to a maximum class size of two students.
Students may also be 'assisted' by Monty the workshop dog, who is a Very Helpful Puppy... 🐶
Course options include:
- One-day courses
- Two-day courses (further courses will be added later in 2020 Covid permitting)
- Three-day courses (Roubo workbench course coming soon)
- Courses for Two
Courses start from £150.00 and gift vouchers are available!
Amy with the oak coffee table she made during a two day course with David Stephenson
Andre with his oak cutlers stool made on a one day taster course with David Stephenson while visiting the UK from Norway!
Chris Barnard with the Oak desk he made during a tuition weekend with David Stephenson.
"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
Guy’s Beech Stool made during a Taster Day Course.
“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
Jess with her oak cutlers stool
Jess, my very first lady student with the oak stool she made during a woodwork introduction day. The stool’s design is based on a historic type known as a Cutler’s stool; she has made an excellent job of it too!
Simon Lewis with his Oak console table.
Simon with his oak console table made during a weekend beginners project course held over the 6th & 7th of February 2016.
This is the first piece of furniture Simon has ever made. Great job!
This is the first piece of furniture Simon has ever made. Great job!