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).

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).

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).