Carpentry for the Nervous with Hand Tools

This course is for you if you want to learn the basics of carpentry with hand tools - no prior experience needed. The focus is on technique rather than a finished product: you'll practice joints such as finger joints, splines, mortises and tenons, and learn the correct use of nails, screws and fittings. We'll cover suitable tools, their care and basic sharpening, as well as different wood types and their properties. Finally, you'll make your own sample piece - for example a folk-style stool, milk stool, shelf with brackets, tray with frame or a small box.

The course leader is David Nygård. Contact him in advance by email at df.nygard@gmail.com to tell him which piece you'd like to make, so he can plan the timber purchases.

All tools and machines are on site, but you're welcome to bring your own if you want to get to know them better. Simple ear protectors and safety glasses are available to borrow. Bring work clothes and sturdy shoes - and a jumper if it's cold. A notebook and camera can be useful for documenting the steps.

Material costs are added for what you take home: 100-250 kr per participant, paid by Swish on site. Simple lunch is served on Saturday and Sunday, welcome coffee on Friday, and coffee/tea are included in the course fee - notify any dietary requirements in advance. The course runs Friday 25/9 from 15:00-19:00, Saturday 26/9 from 10:00-17:00 and Sunday 27/9 from 10:00-17:00 in the Carpentry Workshop (a red wooden building with green double doors) at Gunnebo Castle and Gardens, Christina Halls väg, Mölndal.