Traditional woodworking: Learn to make dovetails (two day course)

Whether you are a complete novice looking for an introduction to traditional woodworking or keen to simply develop your existing skills and broaden your knowledge, this is a fantastic opportunity to get some hands-on experience in a professional environment and meet some like-minded creatives.

To the on-lookers and admirers, the dovetail joint is a wonderful display of craftsmanship and the mark of true skill, quality and excellence. To most makers, it represents an opportunity to hone their hand skills and improve their patience.

This two day course will focus on learning to cut dovetails by hand and incorporate them into an elegant set of bookends - similar to those in the image below - which you will then take home with you. Emphasis will of course be on the joint but as part of the process, you’ll also be introduced to:

• The properties of various hardwoods and what to be aware of when working with it.
• The correct, most effective approach when sharpening your chisel and plane blades.
• Preparing your timber and taking it to ‘flat and true’.
• The method of ‘marking out’ your work clearly and accurately.
• The correct techniques for the use of all necessary hand tools.
• The meticulous process of sanding and oiling to achieve a beautiful, high quality finish.

Classes are limited to four to give each student as much interaction as possible and are conducted in dock's private workshop.

All tools and materials will be provided.

All students will also be treated to a complimentary coffee and Cannoli (the best in Liverpool) from Caffe Riccardo, which is located on the premises.

Terms and Conditions:

Each course will run with a minimum of 2 participants. If for any reason we cannot run the course an alternative date will be offered and / or a full refund will be given. All participants must be 18 years and over.

Payment is fully refundable up to 14 days before the beginning of the course. If you cancel less than 14 days before the start of the course payment is not refundable but is transferable to a later date if available.

Host or Publisher Tommy Delcher