BASIC WOODWORK - FIRST LEVEL - PART TWO

BASIC WOODWORK - FIRST LEVEL - PART TWO

at INVERQUIECH FARM with IAN WATT

- HAND TOOLS ONLY - FOR COMPLETE BEGINNERS -

- OVER 18'S, WOMEN AND MEN WELCOME -

WHOLE DAY COURSE - MAKE SOMETHING FROM SCRATCH TO TAKE AWAY WITH YOU

I've been working on some new designs for stools, small tables, plant stands, boxes, picture frames and towel rails so there's sure to be something new for you to make - all designed to be made just with simple hand tools.

This day is mainly for people who have done the first level course with me and would like some more practice on a different project and to learn some extra skills. Newcomers are most welcome too though as we'll be going over the basics of sawing and measuring again. We'll be using simple, versatile, everyday hand tools in a safe, friendly and fun setting.

Numbers are restricted to four/five participants, so there's plenty of individual tuition and everyone can learn at their own pace. We have a whole day for this course so all four/five participants can make something they can take home.

All materials are supplied and there's plenty of tools in the workshop - though you're welcome to bring your own tools with you if you'd like to try them out - we never have enough cordless drills...

WOODWORKING AT INVERQUIECH FARM

Wood is a vital part of so many of the things we use everyday that learning how to work with it is one of the most useful handwork skills you could gain, whether you want to make your own raised beds, make and repair furniture, do some picture framing, put up a shelf or a shed or maybe even make your own eco home one day. We have set up a woodworking facility at this idyllic location near Alyth. It's well off the beaten track but not far from Perth and Dundee. I'll send detailed directions to everyone joining the course.

THE SUSTAINABLE DIMENSION

It's brilliant to be working with Kate Everett, the farm's owner, to develop this and other courses. We are both passionate about helping people to live more sustainably and with a stronger connection to the Earth. You'll be able to see how we're using things we've made on the farm in everyday life, from benches and trestles to the composting toilet shed, using these basic woodworking skills. Kate has started a group based around the farm, Timeshare Permaculture, we'll tell you more about that on the day :-)

PROGRAMME FOR THE COURSE:

SAFETY FIRST: there's a few hazards to be aware of

RISK ASSESSMENT See page here

SAWING: using a variety of handsaws to cut safely, squarely and accurately. Importance of sharpness.

MARKING OUT: measuring: feet and meters, why we use both. Marking out, marking square, marking angles, accuracy.

CLAMPS: importance of holding your work steady, how to use the various tools etc for that.

DRILLING: using cordless drills to drill and screw – different kinds of drill bits and fixings. Other kinds of drill.

PLANES, RASPS, FILES: we'll be using some of these so you can see how rounding off edges etc can improve the look of your work dramatically.

WOOD: different kinds of wood in everyday use, in lengths and in sheets, new, reclaimed and green, hardwood and softwood, why they’re used, different strengths and weaknesses, a bit about the structure of wood in general and understanding grain.

FIXING WITH SCREWS: using screws to fix different thicknesses and kinds of wood together.

PRACTICE PROJECTS: all four/five students will be able to make something simple they can take home with them, maybe a bird box, stool or work trestle.

YOUR OWN PROJECTS: please ask for advice on things you would like to make, repair, re-purpose, salvage etc etc yourself.

IAN’S BACKGROUND

I’ve done a wide range of woody things in a long and varied working life, from making and repairing guitars and furniture, designing and fitting kitchens to building various houses including a straw-bale build, roundhouses, caravan conversions, the PCF shed made of pallets and the "GazeeBarn", and used a wide range of softwood, hardwood, reclaimed and green wood. I've come to the conclusion that abundant woodland and woodworking skills, along with food growing and gaining a better understanding of natural processes - and working with them - are the backbone of the sustainable future.

REFUNDS up to 7 days before the course, Eventbrite's fee is not refundable

CONTACT IAN: 07450 332 430 ianecowatt@gmail.com