Cabinetmaking/ Furniture Restoration

The course has been introduced for those who wish to gain a deeper understanding and experience of Cabinet Making and/or Furniture restoration : perhaps with a view to a change of career. The course is designed not only to provide a thorough training in the necessary technical and hand skills, but also to give an insight into the practicalities of a commercial approach to earning an income from working with wood. Topics covered include:

WOOD - Its identification, selection, storage, working characteristics and behaviour in furniture and other cabinet work

HAND TOOLS AND MACHINES - Help is given in the selection of hand tools and the important considerations when contemplating the purchaase of power tools and machines are discussed. detailed instruction is given in the care and use of tools and machines.

CABINET MAKING - Those students wishing to persue cabinet making will be given the opportunity to take a piece of cabinet work from its initial concept, through detailed design,the selection of materials, construction, finishing and polishing. Students are encourged to select projects which will provide them with experience of as wide a range of techniques as is reasonable in the time available. Finally the piece may be costed, any scope for cost reduction considered, and its possible sale value discussed.

RESTORATION - Those atudents wishing to gain experience in restoration techniques will have the opportunity of restoring as many items as time permits - students being encouraged to bring their own pieces to work on. Emphasis is not only placed on the techniques for major and minor repairs, but on the wide variety of skills needed to cope with staining and colour blending of old pieces, coping with traditional oil and wax finishes, french polishing and some of the modern finishes used.

SOURCES OF SUPPLY - Finally guidance is offered on the sources of supply for wood, veneers, inlays, stains and polishes, fittings tools and machines. The course includes visits to a specialist timber merchant, furniture collections, and auction houses, as may be appropriate for the individual student.