Farnham School of Furniture Making Ltd reviews

15 Sep 20'

Hugh reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"A really excellent course and a great introduction to woodworking. I was a complete beginner and didn’t know what to expect. Aidan provided loads of support and encouragement and I was quite amazed at what we were all able to produce and learn within two days. I highly recommend the course."

7 Sep 20'

James Lane reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I started the course as a total novice but Aidan’s teaching was outstanding. He really understood what each of us wanted to achieve and helped us to achieve our aims. I came out with an example of a piece I never thought possible after two days. I have signed up for the next course already. A great course, a brilliant instructor and all in a beautiful setting."

7 Sep 20'

Leigh Collins reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"What a fantastic way to spend a weekend. If you are (like me) curious about woodwork or want to start a new career, this is ideal. It's pitched at the beginner and you are taken through the basics, expertly and safely. The pace of the course was spot on, which allowed everyone to go at their own pace. Aiden is very knowledgeable and is always open for questions and queries. The workshop is set in a perfect location looking across towards the North Downs Way. I can't wait for the next series of courses to become available so I can book myself on these. Highly recommend anyone with an interest in woodwork to complete this course."

28 Aug 20'

Richard reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Really interesting and informative course for a beginner delivered in a very relaxed environment. Excellent introduction to fundamental techniques. Whether you are just a curious beginner or thinking about a longer term commitment, I can't think of a better way to start."

28 Aug 20'

Jenny reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Great weekend. I learnt so much over the weekend, all within a relaxed supportive and environment. The project allowed me to focus my skills and gradually enhance over the weekend. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wants level up from YouTube videos."

31 Jul 20'

Edward reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"I have done a few woodwork courses over the past couple of years and this was by far the best. The tuition goes beyond just making something but to the reason behind the tools used, how to use them, the posture to adopt, and how to deal with the wood you use. I really enjoyed this course and am looking forward to expanding my knowledge in joinery."

22 Jul 20'

Alastair reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"I have just completed the Fundamentals of Woodworking 2 course which I have thoroughly enjoyed. I have dabbled a bit over many years without really knowing what I was doing! I have a keen interest and thought it was about time that I did something about learning "how to do things properly", or getting back to basics. This, however is certainly not a basic course and the time spent with Aidan was really well spent. So much so that I am already booked on another course! It is suitable for beginners as well as more experienced woodworkers and Aidan is very attentive and makes sure that all attendees get the support that they need. i learned so much, not just techniques, but also care and setting up of tools, including how to sharpen properly. There is more to it than you might think! The overall course had a good atmosphere across all attendees, and I feel more confident in my skills going forward. It is a good feeling to have created something myself and I am proud of my achievements. Looking forward to the next course. Thanks Aidan."

22 Jul 20'

Chris Lambert reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"So glad I did this course as I learnt so much. What looked so simple at the start became quite the feat of engineering and precision for me. I have a lovely oak picture frame to show for it that I shall bore everyone who sees it how it was lovingly handcrafted with sweat and tears."

20 Jul 20'

Sue G reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"Having attended Fundamentals Part 1 last year I was keen to explore Fundamentals Part 2 and have just completed this 4 day course. It was a revelation. Before these courses I'd had no prior experience of wordworking at all but I'm practically minded. This course gave me the confidence to use tools like saws, planes, chisels and spoke shaves including setting up and sharpening. It made me think about the use of markings and having faith in them - using the measure twice (at least!) and cut once rule. While I'll never need to go on and create fine furniture - just having this knowledge will see me in good stead for any home project - such as the larch wood store I wish to build - although I doubt it will have the beautiful jointing I learned on this course. Aidan is an amazing teacher - everything has a meaning and a purpose and he explains at a level that you understand. He's interested in everyone and creates a relaxed but focused atmosphere. Without question I recommend this course and Aidan /AM Fine Furniture"

19 Feb 20'

Padddy reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"What a great way to spend a weekend. I never thought I’d say that about being stuck in a workshop for two whole days, one of which was spent planing the side of a piece of ash to within a 0.1mm tolerance. As a completely novice woodworker I must say I absolutely loved it. The teaching and guidance was spot on and the pupils likeminded and enthusiastic. Wood (sic) recommend wholeheartedly."

12 Jun 18'

Ahmed AlMusajen reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"I have attended two of Aidan's course and benefited indeed from both. Aidan is an excellent tutor that can adjust to all skill levels from advanced to beginners. He paid close attention to each individual in his class and gave us all the space to explore further items and techniques that interested us while providing us with professional guidance. I flew from Bahrain to attend his courses and will surely do that again if I had the opportunity. I would recommend his selection of courses for both the beginners and the professionals."

11 Jun 18'

Matt reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I can’t rate this course highly enough for anyone, like me, who is looking to get into woodworking but needs to get to grips with the basics first. Aidan is very knowledgable, patient and also exacting - I wouldn’t have thought I’d be working to within 0.1mm after a few hours - and has an obvious passion for his craft. I’ll be back for the next course as soon as I have the time."

15 May 18'

Paul Albrecht reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"I enjoyed this course very much. Aidan was very attentive in giving us step-by-step guidance, and offered patience and encouragement, without pressure. His attention to detail was inspiring. Thank you!"

23 Apr 18'

Fraser Chapman reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"This was a great course, it was really interesting learning how to do some of the woodworking basics properly. Aidan was an extremely good teacher and gave lots of additional information throughout the course. Highly recommended."

23 Apr 18'

Dave Tunks reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"Great course.. Blew away the myths that had been ingrained all those years ago in school woodwork. With the right tools, sharpened, and set up the right way.. and patience, it can be done! Flat and square.... For me, that was a victory. This is a great introductory course. Taking time to understand the materials, and more importantly the tools, and how to set them correctly is as it says... fundamental. Aidan is a great mentor.. his relaxed approach, combined with a huge knowledge, and a clear enthusiasm for his work means its an easy environment to learn in. I'd definitely recommend this as a starting point for anyone that thinks they have an interest in woodworking. It may get expensive with a new workshop fit out :o), but to I'm going back for Fundamentals, part 2 as soon as I can..."

24 Mar 18'

Peter Cowan reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"This is the first course of this type, or any, since leaving school, that I have done and I think I chose wisely. Really informative and also hands on and finished with my very own masterpiece !! The processes, reasoning behind them and the use and handling and care for tools was really good and presented in a relaxed style within the small group but also one to one when needed. I would highly recommend if you are looking to start a journey into fine woodworking or any type of woodworking. Looking forward to my next course with Aiden."

20 Mar 18'

James Bauer-Mein reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 2 (beginner) - Surrey

"Having completed this course and the fundamentals part 1, I can wholeheartedly recommend it. I had no experience with hand tools or joinery and thoroughly enjoyed the pace of the course. The atmosphere is very relaxed. All the tools are explained, not just in use, but what makes a good tool, how to sharpen them, what to look out for when buying regardless of budget. I will be going back for more."

30 Nov 17'

Ian Prior reviewed: Furniture making course: Traditional Dovetailing - 4 day course in Surrey

"I’m a mature, amateur woodworker looking to improve my skills and pick a few brains on the way. Aidan’s course more than met my aims and ambitions, by providing insight, guidance and encouragement in this most traditional of woodworking disciplines. Initially I was concerned that four days working with dovetails would be too much for me; it soon became apparent the combination of the environment, the company and, not least, the tuition made it a safe place to land. With sufficient interest we can learn the principles and variations involved in dovetail joints from the myriad publications and media available to us; Aidan takes the time to make it a reality, adding useful hints, tips and more general background information along the way – a very valuable addition. Past the theory, the emphasis is on practical application and we were able to complete a number of joints, from marking out to gluing-up and finishing, and even had homework to complete. Lest you are concerned that the only thing you come away with is a pile of scrap for kindling I can confirm that an attractive Dark Oak and Yew ‘project’ now graces my home. In summary; time very well spent."

29 Nov 17'

Toby Jeffries reviewed: Furniture making course: Traditional Dovetailing - 4 day course in Surrey

"I am currently training to become a furniture maker and just graduated from university. I have also completed Aidan's fundamentals part 1 course which I recommend you do. This course was the perfect stepping stone for me to boost my career and enable me to build a porfolio up. The course was well layed out over the 4 days with some time during the week (between the 2 weekends) to practice some joints in my own time, which really helped the constancy and repeatability of my joints. Aidan is very knowledgeable in all areas of dovetails giving his option of ways of completing a task and why he teaches it he says he does. Aidan also touches on other relevant tasks surrounding the the joint such as sharpening and buying tools which is also a big help. I would recommend this course to anyone who is very interested in furniture making whether they are starting out like me or want to learn something new. I think the best place to train in the south. Thanks very much"

16 Sep 17'

Andrew Price reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"A great course & well run by Aiden. The bulk of the course is how to sharpen, set up and use a hand plane combined with lots of other helpful tips around selecting wood, choosing tools to meet a budget and lots of other incidentals. I'm now looking forward to the next course."

3 Apr 17'

Nathan Bugg reviewed: Furniture making course: Laminating and Veneering course (beginner) - 2 day course in Surrey

"An excellent course. Aidan manages to cover an broad range of veneering related topics, in significant depth, in a relatively short time. He is a patient and enthusiastic teacher."

28 Mar 17'

Liz F reviewed: Furniture making course: Laminating and Veneering course (beginner) - 2 day course in Surrey

"This two day course was a revelation. Aidan is a brilliant teacher with both the theory and practice, and endlessly patient with his practical support and willingness to answer all sorts of questions. I came away with an enthusiasm to put what I'd learned into effect, knowing that Aidan will be happy to respond to emergency cries for advice."

22 Mar 17'

Ollie Dineen reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I thoroughly enjoyed the Fundamentals of Furniture Making two day course in March. Aiden was very welcoming and his enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the subject was both impressive and inspiring. The tools and set up of the workshop were of a very high quality and you benefit from a lot of one on one assistance throughout the course. I found that by the end of the second day I had learnt a lot and to have a finished piece was really rewarding. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in learning more about fine furniture making."

4 Mar 17'

Andrew reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the fundamental course , part one at the end of February for two days and thoroughly enjoyed my time at Aidan's workshop. He is a very skilful and patient tutor explaining all aspects of what is involved in the weekend project and giving very good practical demonstrations . I shall definitely be returning for more courses as soon as possible and I would recommend Aidan and his training course to anyone . I had very limited carpentry, furniture making knowledge before going on this course but never felt out of my depth in his workshop at all ."

4 Mar 17'

Ben reviewed: Furniture making course: Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 (beginner)

"I attended the fundamentals part 1 course and thoroughly enjoyed the whole weekend. Aiden is hugely knowledgable/helpful and a great teacher. We learned lots of skills and techniques needed to begin fine furniture making from planing and cutting to precise measuring and finishing. As well as the info expected from the course Aiden also teaches you about other important parts of fine furniture making including finding and selecting wood, buying and maintaining tools and anything else you would like to know more about. I cannot recommend this course highly enough, if you have an interest in learning about fine furniture making then Aiden is the man to see!"