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12 Evenings - Mon: 6-8.30pm

Introduction to Joinery Course

On this 12 week course you'll work your way through several joints, from lapping joints, to mortice and tenons and dovetails.

12 Evenings - Mon: 6-8.30pm

Up to 7 Students

Suitable for All Levels

Learn the Fundamentals of Joinery

£720
per person

There are only so many ways to make a box? The fact is there are only two basic joinery systems, box constriction and frame construction, but from these categories springs a wealth of joinery options.

On this 12 week course you'll work your way through these joints. First making a solid wood frame using lapping joints, mortice and tenons, bridle and mitre joints, before moving on to sets of full and half blind dovetails. 

You'll learn:

  • Timber properties and how to source materials.
  • Measuring and marking up - Critical to starting any woodwork project. Learn about marking tools and to use them correctly, with a focus on accuracy.
  • Sawing - This includes selecting the correct saw, how posture improves accuracy and other helpful tips.
  • Using a chisel - How to chisel to a marked line and make accurate, sharp joints.
  • Gluing and clamping.
  • Planing.
  • Tools and how to keep them sharp.

If you’re a beginner interested in woodwork, keen to work on projects at home and don't know where to start, or you have experience and would like to improve your joinery skills, this is the course for you. 

Dates & Times

Schedule: 12 consecutive Monday evenings, 6pm–8:30pm

Please note, we may occasionally skip a week due to holidays or studio events. Any changes will be confirmed in your booking email. If the revised dates are no longer suitable, an alternative date will be provided at the end of the course.

Start Dates: Commencing 12 January 2026
Quantity:
Tax included.
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Tools & Extras You Might Like

What You’ll Achieve

  • Gain a solid understanding of timber – how to identify different wood types, their properties, and how to select the best materials for your projects.
  • Master measuring and marking techniques – critical to starting any woodwork project, including the correct use of marking tools and methods to ensure precision.
  • Develop confident sawing skills – choosing and using the right saw for each cut, with attention to posture and control for clean, accurate results.
  • Refine chiselling techniques – creating sharp, precise joints by chiselling to marked lines with accuracy.
  • Practise gluing and clamping – ensuring strong, professional joins for lasting furniture.
  • Learn effective planing skills – achieving smooth, even surfaces and understanding the mechanics of different planes.
  • Understand tool care and maintenance – keeping hand tools, chisels, and saws sharp and in top condition.
  • Complete a practical joinery project – applying all the skills above in a final project designed to build confidence and competence.
  • By the end, you’ll have a strong foundation in joinery and the confidence to tackle your own woodworking projects.

What You'll Receive

  • All timber, materials, and tools needed for the exercises.
  • Hands-on tuition from an experienced instructor, guiding every step.
  • Demonstrations and practice in essential joinery techniques.
  • Practical projects to reinforce your learning and apply your skills.
  • Advice on tool care and maintenance to keep your equipment in top shape.
  • Completed small projects to take home as evidence of your new skills.

Continue Your Learning Experience at Home

We have created the perfect beginner’s toolkit so that you can continue your learning experience at home after the course finishes.

The toolkit includes:

  • Set of Narex Chisels
  • Shinwa Mitre Tri Square 20m
  • Shinwa steel 150mm Ruler
  • Japanese Ryoba Saw 240mm
  • Woodworking Mallet
  • Veritas Marking Gauge 
  • Japanese Combination Sharpening Stones
  • Veritas Honing Guide

Price: £260

We are able to offer the kit at a discounted price through trade relationships.

BOOKING OPTIONS

Don’t see a date that suits you?

Don't worry, we release new course dates regularly.  

If you don’t see a suitable date for this course, click Join the Waiting List to be alerted when spaces become available.

You can also Request a Bespoke Event to organise a private session with friends or colleagues on a date that suits you.

Meet The Team

Emma Leslie

Emma will give you full support throughout the course imparting the skills, techniques and tips you need to leave with a beautiful piece of handmade furniture to treasure forever.

Testimonials

Hear from past students of the New School of Furniture Making.

Alexandra

"Amazing course, designed for people of all experiences. You get to do lots of things and use lots of tools/techniques, all helped by the fact that Emma is a fantastic and patient teacher. Tea and biscuits through out the course a lovely addition. Now I have a fantastic Japanese stool to go home with and I will definitely be back for another course or 3! Fully recommend!"

Clare

“I recently did the stool making workshop and absolutely loved it. The pace of the workshop was perfect, the group really friendly and I had a gorgeous stool to take home at the end of it. I’ll definitely be looking to book onto another course soon. Thank you ! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️”.

Yu Xin Y

"I did the weekend Japanese bench course with my partner recently and had such a great time. Emma is very skilled at her craft but also a great teacher, and clearly demonstrated step-by-step the fundamentals of sawing, chiselling, assembling and polishing. I came away with a newfound appreciation for furniture making and love that we got to bring our own benches home (Emma's design!) Worth every penny and would 10/10 recommend."

Rachael

“I’d never used a chisel before this course, and now I’m building furniture I actually want in my house. The tutor is patient, funny, and full of knowledge.”