Hand Craft A Traditional Rustic Bench For Your Garden Or Home

On this fabulous day in the woods you will learn how to use traditional hand tools to craft your very own rustic bench. You will learn how to split a log into four or more 'billets' before carving each of your four legs. Most of the carving is done using a shavehorse & drawknife, perhaps the most important tools in the green woodworkers arsenal, and I would say one of the most satisfying activities you will every do! You will then learn how to secure your legs to your bench top using mortice and tenon joints secured with oak wedges.

We make use of freshly harvested ash for the legs, and whatever suitable slabs are available locally for the bench top - such as larch, scots pine, cedar & Norway spruce.

My workshop is situated in Ghyll wood on the fabulous Wyresdale Park estate. We will aim to work outside in the woods, but can make use of our indoor space if the weather dictates, and a wood-burner will keep us warm on colder days.

Suitable for beginners or those with a little more experience. Minimum age 18 years with no upper age limit, however please ask if you wish to discuss a younger person taking part.

A reasonable level of basic fitness is suitable, and you will use both sitting and standing work-stations during the day, but please do be aware this is very much a physical and full day. Please wear clothing that is suitable for the expected weather conditions and that you don't mind getting a little messy, and good fitting, sturdy footwear with a grippy sole.

Snacks and refreshments will be provided on the day, and you can get take out drinks from the café. Please bring your own lunch - the Apple Store Café is just a few metres away and makes excellent food, it can get quite busy, but you can order your lunch to bring back to the workshop if you wish (you will not have time for a sit in lunch at the café). Please note that toilets are situated up by the café.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Applestore Cafe, Snowhill Lane, Scorton, United Kingdom