Custom Craftsmanship

Basic Woodworking

Course 1: Basic Woodworking

This course is designed for the very beginner who wants to learn basic woodworking skills. It consists of 2 modules of 4 hours each. The first module is devoted to the importance of accurate measurement. Issues such as “measure twice, cut once”, errors of parallax, inside and outside measurements are addressed in great detail. Various measuring tools are used and the appropriate setting for each is taught. The module concludes with a measuring exercise.

The rest of the course is spent making a salt box for the kitchen. In the process the students are exposed to the band saw, router, belt sander, disc sander, drill press and various hand tools. The student, with our teaching, will make the salt box from timber supplied from start to finish. This will include, laying out, cutting simple joints, shaping and sandpapering the wood to completion. A great deal of attention is given to personal safety. During the course lectures are given on wood stability, curing, construction techniques, joints and gluing.

The course fee includes all the material, use of tools and courses notes. No more than three persons will be admitted per course in order to ensure adequate hands on instruction. These courses take place at our workshops in Noordhoek at times to be arranged. See price table for further details.

Course Outline:
How to measure accurately
Setting Out
Cutting simple joints for salt box
Complete joints in salt box

^... R2000 Per Person
Per Course
Course 1: Basic Woodworking
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Included: All Inclusive
- Max Students: 3
All prices subject to change without notice. Booking and prepayment essential.

^... R2500 Per Person
Per Course
Course 2: Basic Wood Turning
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Included: All Inclusive
- Max Students: 2
All prices subject to change without notice. Booking and prepayment essential.

^... R2500 Per Person
Per Course
Course 3: Basic Router
- Duration: 8 Hours
- Included: Inclusive of Tuition, Course Notes, Materials, Use of Routers and Midmorning Refreshments.
- Max Students: 2
All prices subject to change without notice. Booking and prepayment essential.

^... Contact For Quote
Per Course
Course 4: Advanced Woodworking
- Duration: Project Dependent
- Included: Inclusive Of Tuition, Use Of Tools, Consumables, (Excludes Material)
- Max Students: 1
All prices subject to change without notice. Booking and prepayment essential.

Testimonials

What people are saying about My Grandpa’s Workshop

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 16 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Rosamund Roth 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've completed two of My Grandpa's Workshop's basic courses: the introduction to woodworking and the basic woodturning course. John and Forward are wonderful teachers, patient, and adapt to your pace at every turn, yet leaving no detail unattended to. The atmosphere is so special, and it is true what others have mentioned, that it is no mere woodworking course, but a course in the dignity of handcraft, in life and beauty, science, history, humanity. At the end of the day I have walked away with fullness of heart, as well as beautifully crafted, carefully guided, objects that I use every day. I could not recommend this workshop highly enough. I'll be back again and again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Dave Castle 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Absolutely brillian! John and Forward have a wealth of knowledge and are both excellent teachers. I highly recommend the beginners course to anyone interested in getting started with woodworking.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anthony Kruyt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Thank you John and Forward for a great experience.I completed the Router and Basic Woodwork courses recently and was impressed by your knowledge and professionalism. A well equipped and safe environment to work in. Your patience and attention to detail during both courses was greatly appreciated.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Kerrianne Cronje 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a great time on this beginner’s woodworking course! John and Forward were fantastic teachers – patient, knowledgeable, and really encouraging. The course was well structured, easy to follow, and gave me the confidence to use new tools and techniques. A welcoming workshop and a really fun learning experience – highly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Stephen Bester 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I came for the woodworking intro course and left with unexpected lessons in history, science, biology, and humility. John and Forward are both exceptional teachers; knowledgeable, patient, and kind.

This course offers a tantalising taste into the rabbit-hole subject of wood, while also leaving you with a satisfying, completed project to take home. Don't be fooled by the seeming simplicity of a salt box. You'll gain hands-on experience with both hand tools and power tools, along with a foundation in planning and safety.
As a bonus, John's wife's baked treats are delicious!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christine Leona Henderson 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I attended the Beginners Woodworking Course and I had the time of my life
Both John and Forward are very helpful, extremely knowledgeable and full
of experience.

The theory was well presented and the hands on training exceptionally well taught.

I loved the various stories and humour as well.

I am excited to get busy with woodworking as soon as I get home to Johannesburg.

I will definitely be back for more courses.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Megan Malthouse 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I could not recommend these workshops enough! I’ve now completed the beginners woodworking, router and woodturning course here with John and his amazing assistant Forward. An absolute highlight of my trip to South Africa.

Not only do these courses attract really interesting people to learn alongside, Johns expert knowledge on history, politics, medicine and woodwork (amongst many other topics) weaved throughout the courses make for a holistic, engaging and entirely unique experience. If you’re looking develop your woodworking skills in CT, you will not regret choosing My Grandpas workshop and are guaranteed to leave with some beautiful projects and plenty of stories show for it. Thanks so much John!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Thomas van Niekerk 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an excellent time at my grandpa's workshop. Throughout the week we did basic woodwork, router work and wood turning and made a saltbox, a spice rack and a pepper grinder.

Doc and Forward make a great team which allows for ample time for individual attention.

There was a good balance between hand tools and machine tools and we got to spend plenty of time using the great variety of machine tools in the workshop.

The course is extremely insightful and John has a vast knowledge on woodwork and its history which he is eager and optimistic to teach.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Africa Anew 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. John and Forward are the best team. John cares deeply that you understand the what,where, why and not only the how of woodworking. He shares his passion and wealth of information. Forward is friendly and patient and very experienced, having learnt under Johns guidance. Precision is the name of the game. I travelled from out of the country for this. I did 2 courses,  will be back for 2 more and I am bringing my nephew the next time Thank you. Its well worth it!!!

Basic Woodworking

Course 1: Basic Woodworking

Course 2: Basic Wood Turning

Course 3: Basic Router

Course 4: Advanced Woodworking

What people are saying about My Grandpa’s Workshop