CLASSES IN FINE WOODWORK IN BRISBANE WITH RICHARD VAUGHAN

I'm a woodworker because I love it (God knows it's not for the money) and I love sharing the joy and satisfaction I find in woodwork, as well as whatever hints and tricks I've picked up in over 25 years as a self employed designer-maker.

Classes are held two nights a week in my new and very well set up workshop, (my days are devoted to designing and making.)

The courses consist of one night a week for 7 weeks, either Tuesday or Wednesday night depending on space. Each class runs for 4 hours (6 pm to 10 pm) which avoids that feeling of just getting started when it's time to pack up. Nobody's ever found it too long - probably something to do with doing something we love. There is a maximum of 8 students in each class (mostly 6 or 7) with a vice and set of fine tools, Japanese saws and chisels, Colen Clenton squares and gauges, for each student.

People who have never touched woodworking tools before are usually doing half-blind dovetails (like on the front of classy drawers) after this 7 weeks. Being an absolute beginner seems to be almost an advantage in that you have no bad habits to get over. But whatever your experience your skill level can definitely improve and it's just up to you how much.

Each week we'll work with a new wood, almost all Australian, with pointers on the most effective ways of using various hand tools. Each lesson also includes a session on such topics as understanding the nature of wood, construction considerations, sharpening, gluing and finishing.

We'll aim for a new joint each week, starting with halving joints and progressing to lap dovetails, and possibly mortice and tenon. The focus is on developing good hand skills.

In subsequent 7 week sessions you can take on projects of your own choosing and I'll help with the design as well as the practical aspects as you learn the power tools and processes required for your project. You also get to learn from the projects which your fellow students are tackling.

The workshop/dream-shed is in Sumner Park, right by the Centenary Highway, maybe 20 minutes south west of the CBD. I'm on the phone there at (07) 3376 8520 so do call with any queries.

The cost per 7 week session is $550. (GST inc) That's $17.86 plus GST per hour.

I also run one day router workshops, as demand requires. The router is a remarkable, though generally under used, tool. I now own (and use) 8 of them and haven't made a piece for many years without significant use of it. Get in touch to find out more Contact Richard Vaughan