Tuition
Next course : make your own project
level: beginner / improver ; Patrick will balance the level of instruction with the ability of the individuals in the group and will teach absolute basics or advanced techniques as required, but this course is designed to meet the most popular requests from Lanarkshire Hardwoods customers who typically have been working with wood for some years but are not really quite sure what they are or should be doing and perhaps lack confidence or are looking for some enlightenment. Complete novices should not feel out of place either.
places available : Only 1 of 4 remaining@ 20.11.11. Join Neil from Renfrewshire, Craig from Edinburgh & Simon from Penrith.
when : Saturdays 2-5pm
9 week block starting 14.01.12 & ending on 10.03.12
If your project runs on it can be completed in a future term or some extra dates can be arranged.
Course cost £324 inc vat ; a £100 non-refundable fee payable at least 30 days before start date secures your place on the group. First come first served. If very over-subscribed we will endeavour to arrange another course as soon as possible.
Your tutor: Patrick Baxter 
Patrick has trained numerous staff and apprentices as well as giving tuition to customers over the years in traditional cabinetmaking skills from basic joint cutting and french polishing through to hand and press veneering and intarsia.
Content covered: designing & planning how to construct your chosen project with an eye partly to form but primarily function. Strength of joints and components assessed. Advice on wood and how it works, bring your own or we can supply; advice on tools & how to sharpen; thorough tuition in all the techniques needed to construct your project - making, finishing, polishing; gather round sessions - common techniques will be explained & shown to all when one of the group reaches a particular point. Emphasis will be on traditional cabinetmaking handskills - any machining will be carried out by Patrick and use of hand portable tools only if absolutely essential.
Project limitations:
species : temperate hardwoods, preferably our own Scottish woods, no rainforests!
What is provided:
A good solid cabinetmaker's workbench with vice for each of you.
Loan of speciality tools.
Consumables such as sandpaper, dust masks.
Access to a water grinding wheel.
Dust extraction for hand sanding or most small portable machines.
Tea / coffee, home baking.
A cosy warm workshop with glowing woodburner.
What you should bring:
1 or 2 planes, 2 or 3 chisels, a square, a sliding bevel, a tape measure, a steel rule, a water stone or set of stones, a honing guide, a small mallet, a fine heavy back tenon or dovetail saw. Any other tools you like; you should have a box or bag to store them in and take them home each week. 
What you should do before the course starts once your place is confirmed:
Set up a free of charge meeting with Patrick to outline your plans for what you want to build and the suitability of your idea for this course; you dont need to have a set of plans for your project - you are encouraged to design something yourself with Patrick's help ; also to discuss / show what tools you have or should acquire before the course starts.
suggested suitable projects: boxes, small coffee /side table, small display shelves etc
You are invited to send your details if you would like to be kept informed in the future of available tuition time or short courses.
For brief lessons / advice to visitors see Technical Advice
One to one instruction in chosen subjects given anytime at short notice, £20 per hour.