“Had a really great day and learnt loads will definitely sign up for another course next year” “ Mark was very knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything’’ “ Great, that it was 2 students and so Mark could give us all his attention”

Paul (August 2021)

Five Day Woodworking Course

All levels of skill from complete beginners.

This course has been carefully design to provide a well round introduction to furniture making using both hand and power tools. By the end, you’ll have the skills, confidence and mindset needed to take on almost any woodworking project with independence and creativity.

Mark will go at your pace, he will give advice, help and encouragement where needed whether that be a little or a lot.

All materials and lunch will be provided on the days. If you have special dietary requirements please let us know ahead of the day.

Please wear sturdy shoes/boots and suitable clothes preferably layered with no loose or hanging fabrics, drawstrings etc.
5-Day Woodworking Workshop Plan

Students will complete two projects:

  • A small side table constructed using biscuit joints

  • A stool built using wedged through mortise and tenon joints

This plan provides comprehensive, hands-on experience in essential woodworking skills, including measuring, sawing, planing, jointing, gluing, clamping, drilling, routing, sanding, sharpening, and finishing, using both hand and power tools.

Day 1: Introduction, Measuring, Wood Types & Sawing

Morning

  • Welcome, safety briefing, overview of the week

  • Introduction to different wood types, grain direction, movement, and selection

  • Measuring and marking techniques (tape measures, marking gauges, combination squares)

Afternoon

  • Tool familiarisation: hand saws and power saws (mitre, track or table saws)

  • Cut and prepare wood for side table components

  • Introduction to the biscuit joiner: purpose and function

  • Dry assembly practice for biscuit joints

Day 2: Planing, Biscuit Jointing, and Gluing Table Components

Morning

  • Hand and power planing: flattening surfaces and edges

  • Sharpening demonstration: chisels and plane irons

Afternoon

  • Cutting biscuit slots and preparing biscuit joints

  • Dry-fit and adjustments

  • Gluing and clamping: side table top and leg components

  • Introduction to finishing techniques: sealing edges pre-assembly

Day 3: Routing, Drilling & Side Table Assembly

Morning

  • Routing techniques: edge profiles, safety, router table basics

  • Practice on scrap wood, then apply to tabletop

Afternoon

  • Drill pilot holes, dowels or screws (as needed for table assembly)

  • Final assembly of the side table

  • Begin layout for stool project

  • Marking and preparing mortise locations

Day 4: Mortise & Tenon Joinery for Stool

Morning

  • Introduction to wedged through mortise and tenon joints

  • Cutting tenons by hand and/or bandsaw

  • Chiselling mortises and ensuring clean fit

Afternoon

  • Dry-fitting and tuning joints

  • Creating wedges and fitting shoulders

  • Glue-up of stool, driving in wedges for secure locking

Day 5: Sanding, Finishing & Wrap-up

Morning

  • Sanding both projects: orbital and hand techniques for smooth finish

  • Edge smoothing and chamfering where appropriate

  • Final details: removing glue squeeze-out, checking stability

Afternoon

  • Apply finishing oil, wax or varnish (student choice)

  • Group reflection and review of key techniques learned

  • Individual feedback on projects

  • Photo session and presentation of completed pieces

By the end of the course you will:

  • Take home a beautiful side table with biscuit joints

  • Take home a stool featuring wedged through mortice and tenon joinery

  • Build confidence using hand tools, power tools, and joinery techniques

  • Understand material selection, safety, and finishing methods

2 Day Woodworking course

Join us for a hands-on, two-day workshop where you'll craft a timeless oak stool using traditional wedged through mortise and tenon joinery — a technique known for its strength, precision, and beauty. Designed for beginners and improvers alike, this course will guide you through each stage of the process, from careful measuring and marking to shaping, assembling, and finishing. You'll leave not only with a beautifully made stool to be proud of — but also with skills and confidence that will stay with you for years to come.

Day 1: Marking, Cutting & Joinery Prep

Morning

  • Welcome, safety & project overview

  • Introduction to mortise & tenon joinery

  • Marking out mortises and tenons

  • Cutting tenons by hand or bandsaw

Afternoon

  • Drilling and chiselling mortises

  • Shaping wedges

  • Dry fitting and joint refinement

Day 2: Assembly, Shaping & Finishing

Morning

  • Final dry-fit

  • Glue-up & wedge assembly

  • Flush-cutting tenons & cleaning up joints

Afternoon

  • Sanding, shaping edges

  • Apply oil or wax finish

  • Group reflection & photo of finished stools

By the end of the course you will:

  • Have a fully finished oak stool using traditional wedged mortise and tenon joinery

  • Skills in measuring, marking, mortising, tenon cutting, wedging, gluing, sanding and finishing

  • Confidence to build more complex furniture pieces using the same techniques.

We no longer offer the one day workshop. If you have outstanding voucher for a 1 day workshop please contact us on bookings@hillcottageworkshop.co.uk confirming the voucher number, for a refund or you can put it towards a 2 day or 5 day workshop.

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