Training or workshops in Surrey/hants borders

[damo8604]

This is slightly premature as my workshop isn't even built or indeed furnished yet but I was wondering if there are any training providers in my area?

I'm a woodworking virgin but since I made the decision to build a workshop I have been unable to think of anything other than woodworking! Most evenings (if I'm not preparing the base for my shed) I watch countless youTube videos from the usual suspects (Norm/Paul Sellars/Steve Ramsey/Steve M) it is bitter sweet though because I want to put those skills to the test and have nothing to work on/with :-(

I must have ordered every catalogue going from Trend/Axminster/Machine mart etc and drool/ponder over the plethora of machines available, wondering what I would really use against what I think I need.

Before I jump the gun though, I really need to learn the basics, understanding wood, learning how to sharpen and maintain tools maybe try different techniques to enable me to make an informed decision like whether I really need a bandsaw in my life??

Does anyone know of training providers aimed at hobby woodworkers in the local area? I thought of taking a trip to Axminster in Basingstoke for advice but wonder if they'll be more interested in selling me a TS-200-2 (trust me, they don't need to talk me into it, I've already decided on that purchase thanks to advice on here).

TIA

Damian

 

[custard]

PM sent, check your in box.

 

[Wizard9999]

This is slightly premature as my workshop isn't even built or indeed furnished yet but I was wondering if there are any training providers in my area?

I'm a woodworking virgin but since I made the decision to build a workshop I have been unable to think of anything other than woodworking! Most evenings (if I'm not preparing the base for my shed) I watch countless youTube videos from the usual suspects (Norm/Paul Sellars/Steve Ramsey/Steve M) it is bitter sweet though because I want to put those skills to the test and have nothing to work on/with :-(

I must have ordered every catalogue going from Trend/Axminster/Machine mart etc and drool/ponder over the plethora of machines available, wondering what I would really use against what I think I need.

Before I jump the gun though, I really need to learn the basics, understanding wood, learning how to sharpen and maintain tools maybe try different techniques to enable me to make an informed decision like whether I really need a bandsaw in my life??

Does anyone know of training providers aimed at hobby woodworkers in the local area? I thought of taking a trip to Axminster in Basingstoke for advice but wonder if they'll be more interested in selling me a TS-200-2 (trust me, they don't need to talk me into it, I've already decided on that purchase thanks to advice on here).

TIA

Damian

Damian

I'm very close to you, up the road in Eversley. I reckon I'm only a few months ahead of you in my journey, workshop (very nearly) finished and have started fitting out the interior. I still spend most of my evenings trawling YouTube for videos, or if I can't find anything I haven't seen before watching some for the second, third... tenth time. Unlike you I jumped the gun hugely, buying a secondhand tablesaw from this very forum and a bandsaw from the D&M tools how last October, but whilst these were both opportunities too good to pass up I think your approach is much more sensible.

I have been down to Axminster in Basingstoke a few times and have had mixed experiences of demo's etc. But I try to be charitable and put the earlier disappointments down to teething troubles when it opened, some of the things more recently have been much better.

If you uncover any local courses please let me know, I'd also be very interested.

Terry.

 

[Bod]

Get some basic hand tools first, learn how to use them, then appreciate how a machine tool works.
With a hard-point hand saw, it is quite difficult to cut ones hand off, but with a compound chop saw it is a very easy thing to d.....

Bod

PS hand cut fire wood is cheaper than power cut.

 

[damo8604]

Don't get me wrong, I've owned & used circular saws/chop saws/routers for many years just but only on DIY projects like laying laminate floors, putting skirting boards on.... I once even fitted a kitchen (but the least said about that the better)

I want to be better than my current level of butchery and have gone from one extreme end of the scale of absolutely 'needing' a woodrat/router table/bandsaw/table saw to the other end of the spectrum, specifically "hmmmm what hand tools do I need to recreate that box?" I don't think I'll be trying to make anything like Ian's cogitation sculpture (just yet) but I wouldn't mind making my own shed doors with mortice joints. Once I master the basics and appreciate the time it takes to use techniques like these I'll look at recreating the same with power tools, until then I'll enjoy the journey......

 

[DiscoStu]

I'm down on the south coast and am probably a little bit ahead of you in terms of my workshop and tools but my ability is still lacking. I'd definitely be up for a course somewhere in Hants / Surrey. I've found Axminster to be great and they've never tried to sell me anything. I bought the TS200 and haven't used it much - depends on what you want it for but I bought a bandsaw on a whim and I find I use that all the time and I cut sheets up using my track saw. You're very welcome to come and visit my workshop and talk tools etc and have a play with anything that I've got but don't expect me to be able to teach you the correct way of doing things! I'm in the same boat. I did mention a while ago on here that I wondered if there was enough people locally to meet occasionally and share skills and give each other the opportunity to try out each other's tools etc.

 

[Gary_S]

A virgin here too in the triangle border of Berkshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire. I have hand tools and power tools. I am safe with both but lack skill. Looking for tuition in this area, I found a joinery that does it but they are busy until winter. So I too am looking for both myself and my 15 year old son whose passion this is.

 

[sitefive]

what about just getting some timber and having a go at it? trust me with every new thing you make you will learn from your previous mistakes,and youtube is excellent indeed. to keep costs down if you dont have any just get some reclaimed timber/ get few cheap good quality handtools and start making stuff.. with every new thing you make you will realize yourself what more tools you need and how to use/maintain them.
obviously training sounds good but youtube has been great for me, I don't have to wait months to apply somewhere nor pay someone to teach me stuff.

 

[JR147]

Have a look at Christoper Hall aka The Gentleman Joiner. He runs a number of courses near Guildford. I've just been on a one day course with him and learnt loads from him. I'll be going back for more in the future.

 

[Normancb]

May be worth looking at West Dean college near Chichester. They do quite a few woodworking courses, both weekend and longer and it's a nice place to spend a few days. Aimed anywhere from complete beginners to advanced woodworkers. Mostly hand tool stuff but its very handy to have had someone do the heavy preparation work before you start.

Individual woodworkers doing teaching in their own workshops may let you use heavy machinery but colleges generally won't, for insurance reasons. At West Dean for example you can use lathes, routers, sanders, small bandsaw etc, but only qualified machine operators are allowed to use the planer, table saw etc.