Make a Stick Back Arm Chair: Traditional Hand-tool Chairmaking

Course overview

A thorough introduction to the essential skills and techniques of traditional chairmaking

Inspired by the historic vernacular styles of Windsor chairs found across Britain and Ireland, you will make and then take home your own stick-backed armchair to be used and cherished for many years to come.

You will learn how to select and dimension timber, hand plane, spokeshave and otherwise shape components, accurately drill compound angles and create wedged mortise and tenon joints. You will be taught the correct and safe use of a variety of hand tools, including chisels, bench planes, saws, rasps, spokeshaves and rounding planes.

Quiet and methodical by nature, hand-tool woodworking can be a very mindful activity, and we hope that you will find this course relaxing, fun and informative. By the end of the course, you will hopefully have the skills and confidence to pursue further woodworking projects and/or attend another of our classes.

The course is led by qualified tutor Ellis Stacey and is held in the fully-equipped workshops of the renowned Rycotewood Furniture Centre. Places are limited to a maximum of eight learners, and all materials and equipment are provided.

Perfect For

Those looking to improve existing skills
Anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship and chairmaking techniques

What you’ll learn

The core skills taught during this course are:

Foundational techniques including accurate measuring and marking, timber selection and preparation, safe tool handling and maintenance and basic joinery principles.

Hand tool techniques using chisels, hand saws, bench planes, spokeshaves, draw knives, mallets, hammers and more.

Specialised Skills such as creating round wedged mortise and tenon joints, accurate drilling, wood finishing techniques, surface preparation and assembly methods and gluing up.

How you’ll learn and be assessed

Our experienced tutor will provide group demonstrations and individual instruction, guidance and mentoring within a supportive learning environment.

What do I need?

All tools, PPE and materials are provided. Please wear sturdy closed-toe footwear and clothes you don’t mind getting covered in sawdust.

Progression

On completion of the course, you will be ready to pursue your own DIY projects and/or progress to one of our other courses.

Course Starts in 184 Days

Tue 12 January 2027

12 January 2027 - 23 March 2027
18:00 - 20:30
Tuesday
10 Weeks
Oxford: City of Oxford College
- £435

Enquire about this course

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OXAEL021EA

Meet the tutors

We want our learners to feel welcome, safe and at ease when attending our classes, especially if this is your first time attending an adult education class or if you're coming back to education after a break.
If you're interested in one of courses, meet our tutors first! You'll see they have similar passions and interests and, most importantly, the right qualifications to help you make the most of your time and money.

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