Make your own DIY Tools (mallet, shooting board, bench hook): Beginners

Course overview

Begin your woodworking journey by crafting a selection of essential woodworking tools and appliances—with your own hands. This carefully structured 12-week beginners’ course guides you through making a traditional wooden mallet, a practical bench hook, and a precise shooting board.  

This carpentry course provides the perfect introduction for aspiring woodworkers, equipping you with fundamental skills and knowledge while producing items you’ll actually use in future projects. 

Perfect for 

  • complete beginners 
  • novice woodworkers 
  • those looking to improve existing skills 
  • anyone interested in traditional craftsmanship 

The course is led by experienced and qualified tutor Alex Chávez Smith and is held in the fully-equipped workshops of the renowned Rycotewood Furniture Centre.  

Places are limited to a maximum of twelve learners and all materials and equipment are provided. 

This course runs term time only. 

 

This course will cover: 

  • wood selection and preparation 
  • basic hand tool techniques 
  • drilling and screwing fundamentals 
  • sharpening and tool maintenance 
  • finishing techniques 
  • workshop safety 

At the end of this course, you will take home your own wooden mallet, bench hook, and shooting board.

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

All tools, PPE and materials you need are provided.

Please wear stout closed footwear and clothes that you don’t mind getting covered in sawdust. 

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

Course Starts in 160 Days

Thu 25 September 2025

Enrol now

Alternatively enrol by phone quoting OXAEL007EA

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.

View all tutors

You may also like

View more courses