One day classes

Halycon

Hi all,

Does anyone know of a one day woodworking course in Ireland? I can't find anything on the web that suits. I have seen some woodcarving options but that's not what I really want. I want to practice joinery and using handtools.

I have watched a lot of video tutorials (Paul sellers and the like), but find it frustrating sometimes when I can't figure out what I am doing wrong and would like some expert guidance.

I would try nightcourses but I live in west cork and lots of travelling every week is out. A one day class would suit better.

Thanks in advance for any help.

..Brian..

Google Hill Picket Studios over in Wicklow. They may have what you're after. I plan to do one of their one day courses soon myself after watching hours of Paul Sellers online!

Halycon

Thanks that's exactly what I am after. I will start saving now for one. May have to put off that diamond sharpening stone for a while!

..Brian..

I know, at about €80 each for those ezelap diamond plates, they're a bit of an investment! It'll be the September course, at the earliest, I will be going for in Hill Picket Studios so of you do it beforehand, let us know how you got on!

Halycon

I won't get to it before September, full schedule every weekend (so many weddings). Its a 4 hour drive so I will have to book accommodation etc.

I did find the plates cheaper at fine-tools (no affiliation)

..Brian..

My mistake, your are correct. I just bought a Veritas crosscut carcass saw from Fine Tools last week and saw them there also.

€65, €50 and €50 were the ones I was looking at for 250, 600 & 1200 grit.

Vexorg

I can recommend the courses at Hill Picket Studios, I was going on a Thurdsay Night and on Saturdays, fully kitted out workshop. Travelling from the North Dublin to Avoca just took up so much time, its a pity there is nothing similar closer to me. Im sure you will enjoy your time there.

..Brian..

That's great to hear! Yea it's about 1 hour and 15 min from where I am in Carlow which is a pity or I would like to attend the weekly classes.

Halycon

..Brian.. wrote: »

My mistake, your are correct. I just bought a Veritas crosscut carcass saw from Fine Tools last week and saw them there also.

€65, €50 and €50 were the ones I was looking at for 250, 600 & 1200 grit.

Whats the saw like? I am thinking of getting a good dovetail saw and would like to know if Veritas is up to the hype

..Brian..

I have nothing to compare it to really but I find its crosscut and even rip cuts very well in pine. Cuts straight out the box and easy to start.

I picked up and old dovetail saw off ebay a while ago also for about €20 but the teeth weren't in great shape. I tried to sharpen them first, then tried to retooth it Paul Sellers style but made a mess of it so sent it off to a crowd in Dublin (City Saw Services) who will retooth to whatever configuration you want, sharpen and set the saw for €15. Should have that back Monday so will put both of them through their paces then.

The Veritas I think is definitely a good saw and great value for money at less than €50 from Fine Tools. Delivery was under a tenner and only took 3 working days. (The Carpentry Store in Naas wanted €79.95 for the same saw but would have to order it in, would take "a week or two.")

I prefer the idea of using old tools you can get on the likes the of eBay though. The dovetail saw I picked up is between 90 and 140 years old! And after its had new teeth cut I should be able to maintain it for many years to come.

We'll that's the plan anyway, like I said, I should have the old saw back on Monday so we'll see how it goes!

Halycon

Hmm, that very interesting. I was thinking of buying a second hand saw myself and sharpening it but was also daunted by the process. I might save up for a Veritas one instead. There's a guy in Waterford that sells old tools and I was going to buy something from him (John O'Neill), he advertises on adverts.ie. I think I will leave it until I am more experienced. City saw services are going in my address book for later though.

One a plus point I finally got the hang of planing pine today. Got some honing compound and it made a huge difference stropping on a old belt.

Nice talking to you Brian