Woodwork Entry-level: make a step-up stool

A great introduction to traditional hand-tool woodworking and joinery, this entry-level course will provide you with the skills and techniques required to design and build an attractive and functional step stool from sustainably sourced hardwood.

Suitable for the complete beginner, novice or improver, you will learn the fundamentals of measuring and marking out components and joints, the safe use of a variety of hand tools (including chisels, saws, bench planes etc) and the basics of sanding and finishing timber.

Alongside the fundamental basics, our focus will be on creating accurate, strong and beautiful dovetail joints. Despite being one of the more difficult forms of jointing, through supportive tuition and confidence-building practice exercises, we will work with you to help you succeed in mastering this challenging technique.

The course is led by experienced tutor Ellis Stacey 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.

Quiet and methodical by nature, hand-tool woodworking can be a very mindful activity and we hope that you will find this course to be relaxing and fun, as well as informative. At the end of the course, you will take home the stool that you have made and will hopefully have the skills and confidence to pursue further woodworking projects and/or attend one of our more advanced intermediate classes.

You’ll be guided on your creative journey by expert tutor Ellis Stacey.