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Precision, patience and perfection... traits of this master craftsman
Find out more about John and why he started My Grandpa's Workshop
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Services
My Grandpa’s Workshop offers quality and professional metalworking, woodworking and training that pays tribute to mankind’s skills accumulated over aeons
Precision Metalwork

Includes lathe turning, milling, screw cutting, tapping, riveting, shaping, boring, broaching, arc welding and silver soldering.

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Woodwork Training Courses

A variety of courses from beginner to advanced, personalised instruction or collaborative workshop projects.

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Past Projects
Here are some of My Grandpa's Workshop past projects
‘A man who works with his hands is a labourer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.’
Louis Nizer
THE ART OF WOODWORKING
Learn how to make a Burmese Teak pepper grinder

If you are looking for a new hobby or would like to learn new skills, this may be just what you are looking for. Learn how to transform a Burmese Teak billet into a beautifully polished pepper grinder.

Beginner Course 1
Beginner Course 2
Advanced Course 1
Testimonials

What people are saying about My Grandpa’s Workshop

Excellent course, thoroughly enjoyable and educational, I will definitely sign up for more!

Ann McNay

I was rather nervous about signing up for the course as, being a female in her late sixties, I thought I might be a long way from the normal demographic - but John is an all-inclusive and delightful teacher who obviously loves woodwork and equally enjoys imparting his knowledge to anyone who’s interested. Forward, John’s assistant, is supremely patient and thorough and always happy to explain things that we pupils hadn’t quite grasped the first time round. I came away from the course with a good working knowledge of many of the basic, and some not so basic, woodworking tools and plenty of enthusiasm to get into the workshop and practice what I learnt. Thank you so much John and Forward and I hope to come back for another of the courses soon!

Roz

A fantastic introduction to woodwork. Informative, interactive and comfortable. A marvellous course! Well worth the investment. Thank you!

Nikki, Michael & Matthew Niemand

Once again, a BIG thank you to you and Forward (Ford) for sharing your valuable knowledge and expertise. Both of you made me feel comfortable in class, even with the intricacies of measurements you guys were patient and explained and helped until we got it right. Some things that seemed so daunting at the start were completely doable with the kind and helpful manner from the two of you. It is truly appreciated. Definitely worth it. Will most certainly love to do another shorter project in the future.

Tahiyya Hassim

One could not help but get excited about wood and craftmanship. A very friendly and relaxed atmosphere

Theo Mayekiso

I enjoyed the freedom to use machines once I was trained to use them competently.Any questions were answered patiently and with great knowledge. Cant wait to come back!

Joe Baxter

John's basic woodworking course is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about woodworking. He's a perfect blend of experienced pro and enthusiastic teacher, which makes learning engaging. I'm already hooked and can't wait to sign up for his next class

Dr. Louis Vlok

Whenever I see woodwork courses advertised I'm always a bit sceptical. Usually the course content is very general or there are too many pupils per class. What attracted me to "My Grandpa's Workshop" was the idea of spending quality time with a true craftsman, on a one to one basis and gleaning as much information as possible. My project covered everything from sourcing the raw lumber right up to the finished product and quite a few interesting steps in-between. John is incredibly knowledgeable and a very good teacher, I cannot recommend his course highly enough.

John Lugg

I absolutely loved John's wood turning course - he is a great teacher and made the whole experience satisfying and highly engaging. I would go back every month if I could!

Bruce

Learning to use measuring aids and the big machines was very enjoyable. Loved the vibe in the class! Thank you John and Forward.

Billie