Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals for Beginners

Learn how to use hand tools with our woodwork short courses in Sydney!

Interested in learning more about woodwork and improving your hand tool skills? Our range of woodwork fundamentals courses cover core hand tool skills, safety, and creativity across 6 evenings or a four-day intensive course.

The course includes making a timber saw bench, side table, barstool or children's desk.

Through the construction of a simple project you will be introduced to the basics of working with reclaimed wood and using simple hand tools. This course is great for people with little woodworking experience and those that have no access to a well appointed workshop.

In conjunction with the timber and milling services offered, this course will give you the skills and confidence needed to take on reclaimed woodworking projects of your own at home. 

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, you should have:

• an appreciation of the value of second-hand timber.
• an understanding of the structural properties of timber and timber joinery
• the knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools
• an understanding of different woodworking glues and finishes
• been introduced to woodworking terminology
• used a number of woodworking devices and jigs
• your own functional, handmade timber item
• the confidence to start your own projects at home

Course content

What will be covered in this Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals course?

• General workshop safety
• Timber selection and an understanding of second-hand timber
• Grain direction and strength and weaknesses
• Project outline and assembly
• Use of various woodworking tools and equipment
• How to use woodworking glues
• Sanding and finishing

Intended audience

• This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork.  It is open to anyone 18 years and over.
• The course is run using entirely hand tools so you need to be aware that there is an element of physicality involved.

Information for booking students under 18

Among the Trees is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We care deeply about the children’s well-being and are committed to acting in their best interest at all times. You can read our full Child Safe Policy.

Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:

• Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.
• Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.

For all students under 18, the full name and contact information for parents and guardians must be provided when booking. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.

Course venue

Among The Trees Workshop

27 Sydney Street, Marrickville NSW 2204

We encourage students to utilize the numerous public transport options nearby or ride their bicycles to Among the Trees, there is a bike rack on site. Street parking is limited during the day and onsite parking is off-limits for course participants during business hours (Wed-Sat 10am-4pm). Please contact Among the Trees directly if you have access concerns or requirements, there is an accessible parking spot available that we can reserve if requested. Outside business hours there are 3 onsite parking spots available.

Course materials

Tools and materials

This course will be taught using entirely second-hand timber. You will be taught to use a variety of woodworking tools and materials including:

• Reclaimed Timber, where to find it and how to use it
• Measuring and marking tools
• Timber and metal hand planes
• Timber finishes

All tools and materials are to be provided by Among the Trees.

What to bring

• You are encouraged to bring your own face mask, protective eyewear and ear protection, however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use. A face mask can be provided for each student when booking any course that includes sanding
• You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
• Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).
• Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Concessions or discounts cannot be applied to classes hosted at the Among The Tree venue.

Please advise Among The Trees about:

1. your emergency contact (name, relationship and contact phone number), and
2. any special requirements (e.g. wheelchair access) if applicable

A 30-minute lunch break will take place halfway through all-day classes. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch. Alternatively, there are cafes and takeaway restaurants nearby.Hand tool woodwork fundamentals