Andrew Crawford

One to One - Classes in Woodcraft

These are basically bespoke training days tailored to cover exactly the areas you want to cover. You could spend your time perfecting the art of book matching, learning to make and seamlessly inlay your own inlay lines, concentrating on the finer points of french polishing - or learning to line jewellery boxes. Or any combination of the above - the choice of what we do, and how long we spend doing it, is entirely yours

 

Gift Tokens now available

Woodworking and Box Making Courses

And of course we start from exactly where you are - your experience and knowledge of woodwork, or lack of it, and bearing your current workshop and tools [or lack of] in mind. You can be a complete beginner looking for a pleasurable pursuit, or an experienced woodworker looking to fine-tune certain skills, discuss a special project or looking to change direction. I can also advise on setting up a workshop, or on adapting an existing one, for making fine boxes.

preparation

If you have booked a period of tuition with me then some knowledge of one of my books would be a good start. A useful tip is to keep a workshop notebook where you note problems and questions as they arise - that will help you to have a clear idea of the areas you'd like to cover. I'm happy to discuss on the phone what you'd like to cover - and if required also create a draft schedule for the time you spend here.

the end result.

Depending on how long you spend with me, you may or may not go away with an elaborately veneered and inlaid decorative box. But hopefully you will leave armed with new ideas, techniques and tips that will help you to develop your own style of boxes, or anything else for that matter. And also having enjoyed some time in beautiful rural Shropshire ...

below are just a few of the many techniques that can be covered

 

	basic construction    different joints - working curves - laminating - super-stable/light construction - fitting lids and bases
	veneering   selection - sourcing - preparation - use of highly decorative veneers - what to avoid - flattening - the basic process - balancing - sawn versus knife cut - bookmatching - combining different figures
	inlaying making your own decorative lines and bandings - inlaying lines and bandings - inlaying mother of pearl - how to mitre the corners - three way mitres - boxwood edging
	finishing    use of abrasives - smoothing - sealing - oiling - and most importantly - french polishing
	hardware    sourcing - customising - cleaning up - fitting
	interiors    fitting drawers, trays and other specialised compartments
	lining    leather - silk - velvet - using different materials for different purposes
	use of machines    setting up, adapting and using machines for small-scale work
	use of hand tools    using hand tools well and confidently is difficult - but essential for some aspects of good quality small work
	making jigs and aids   simple but effective jigs and workshop aids to facilitate regular tasks

Contact Andrew Crawford and find out more about the woodworking courses and classes in wood craft that are on offer. Expert tuition in making jewellery boxes, decorative boxes and other beautiful handcrafted fine boxes.