Craft Courses | Furniture Making - Lowfat Roubo - Woodworking | Courses

About Derek

Make, Do & Mend

Design for me is a multi-sensory discipline that relies as much on the emotional response to a solution as it does the practical and aesthetic qualities. The relationship we have with the materials and the things that surround us is rooted deep within our culture. Their creation is not simply the logical last stage in a series of problems solved. It should, I believe, seek to align the traditional values of craftsmanship and quality with the benefits of modern technology.

Read more about Derek Jones here.
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2023 Dates

Courses

Derek offers various courses throughout the year. Here are the next, upcoming dates.

Cricket Table

£295 | Dates throughout 2023 | East Sussex | Suitable for all levels.
The key principles for building a cricket table are simplicity, necessity and ingenuity. Using just two types of joint it’s possible to create a robust structure from almost any species of wood that can be used to make a variety of different pieces of furniture.

6 Board Chest

£325 | Dates throughout 2023 | East Sussex | Suitable for all levels.
The ubiquitous 6 Board Chest is a design that is almost as old as the concept of furniture itself and is as relevant today as it’s ever been. It’s a design that challenges the wisdom of contemporary makers and one that will help you question some of your own theories about construction.

Staked Stool

£295 | Dates throughout 2023 | East Sussex | Suitable for all levels.
Using just one type of joint it’s possible to create a robust structure from almost any species of wood that can be used to make a variety of different pieces of furniture – tables, chairs and stools of almost any shape and size.

Download course information

Course Brochures

Make a 6 Board Chest

On this two day course you will construct a simple box with a hinged lid using a range of basic hand tools, simple joinery and traditional cut nails. No glue.As well as learning how to maximise the potential of wide boards, you’ll also learn to cut joints that are ready for assembly straight off the saw. The required prep. and all else you need to know is here in the course info (after okaying Derek’s Permissions).

French Polishing (or Polish Anglais)

Despite the fact that we’ve all heard of the term French Polish and shellac, it’s amazing to think that very few of us actually know what it is and how to do it. It has a reputation for being difficult to master, time consuming and not nearly as robust as some other finishes. Here’s the bottom line. None of the above is true. To continue reading, click here and download the course info. as a PDF (after okaying Derek’s Permissions).

Japanese Tool Box Course

While Japanese style joinery can be extremely complicated there are occasions when simplicity and function come together to make the perfect form. Based on a traditional Japanese carpenters tool box this two day class combines a utilitarian approach to construction with an eye for Arts & Crafts detail. Find out more here and download the course info. as a PDF (after okaying Derek’s Permissions).

Read about Derek's feedback

Testimonials

Marc KoskaOBE, East Sussex

Great teacher

Derek makes the seemingly complex and impossible become understandable, simple and achievable!

Dr. David CampbellSuffolk

Far better than I could have imagined

I have attended two of Derek’s courses and on both occasions have achieved results far better than I could have imagined thanks to his expertise and relaxed approach. I have learned more from him in eight days than in five years of woodworking at school!

Clinton CalisterHampshire

Highly recommended

As a hobbyist woodworker, I have had the pleasure of attending 3 Lowfat Roubo courses and have always found them to be relaxed, enjoyable and good fun. You come away from them feeling you’ve picked up new skills, techniques and confidence to take on even more aspiring projects. Highly recommended.

Martin GreenCotswolds

Fun and packed with tips and tricks

I have taken a number of classes with Derek; French polishing, Moxon Vice , Japanese toolbox and English toolbox and always found them informative, fun and packed with tips and tricks. Thoroughly recommend taking a class with him no matter what your skill level is.

Matt Morse

I particularly enjoy Derek’s company

I enjoyed the course in September and of course can’t wait to get involved again next year. I particularly enjoy Derek’s company and teaching style and the straightforward practicality, which appeals to my mind-set.

Paul Roebuck

Derek’s explanations are very clear

I have attended two courses tutored by Derek. Both were extremely well prepared. Derek’s explanations are very clear and if a helping hand is required Derek is quick and happy to do so. One other thing, I don’t think you could meet a nicer chap.

J Menard,Lost Art Press, Covington, 2022

Cricket table class

Like any good instructor, [Derek] broke down a complex process into simple steps … the by product of that is confidence.

Ethan SLost Art Press, Covington, 2022

Cricket table class

I love attending classes in person and Derek Jones’ Cricket Table class at the Lost Art Press shop was no exception! Derek offered clear instruction and assistance when needed. Derek approached each step with multiple ways to complete it, making sure everyone was at least partially familiar with how they would perform the next action. This allowed for students to learn without falling behind in class. In the end, everyone left with a great little table! I would recommend this class to anyone who wants to learn more about table and chair design and structure.

M Harrell, Sawlapalooza, 2022Bad Axe Toolworks, Wisconsin

Testimonial title

It’s one thing to be aware of one of the premier woodworkers of the world with an international reputation; it’s quite another to engage personally with Derek Jones when he’s teaching you how to work wood at the highest possible aesthetic. Derek’s insight, charisma and outstanding instructorship presents a truly class act to the student, to whom he imparts difficult concepts with ease and always with a results-oriented outcome.