Farnham School of Furniture Making Ltd reviews

15 Oct 16'

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

"I recently completed the 2 day course and echo the views of all the other reviews; the course is excellent and well worth doing for anyone who holds an interest in woodworking (or fancies trying something new). Aidan has clearly put a lot of thought into structuring the course to ensure that it covers key skills and so that participants leave with the practical knowledge to enable them to undertake projects of their own. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the work I was able to produce with Aidan's guidance and will certainly be planning to take further classes with Aidan in the future, as well as pursuing my own projects. There is a good balance of practical 'learning by doing' with explanations of important considerations when undertaking your own projects. A highly recommended course."

13 Oct 16'

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

"I attended Aiden's 2 day course in October and it is first class. You do not have to have any prior experience to do this course. All you need is the interest. Aiden explains everything carefully, is a good teacher, demonstrates well, is patient and you will get hands on experience very early on the first day. He spends time with each person on the course and keeps an eye on each person's progress. He is also generous with his time. As another reviewer has said he really is a lovely guy. He clearly is very skilled and has an infectious enthusiasm for his subject. I was amazed that with his teaching I could produce a smooth square piece of work to very fine tolerances. I was also amazed that I could do all this using only a hand plane and be given the confidence in using this tool to produce a beautiful finish. I learned a massive amount over the two days; not only about the techniques of using a hand plane, dismantling and reassembling it, sharpening the blade and adjusting it, but also about the differences of different timbers, how it is cut, and moisture levels. If you want a useful introduction to this craft, this is the course to go on."

13 Oct 16'

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

"The fundamentals course really covers the basics of working with a hand plane and other hand tools. Aidan teaches the techniques required to make a piece of wood flat, square and straight. This is all achieved only using hand tools and it is brilliant for anyone hoping to make furniture who doesn't have the knowledge or an extensive workshop. I've finished the course with the confidence and basic skills to be able to attempt more complicated projects. The thorough use, sharpening and application of the plane really leaves you feeling comfortable with it Aidan's knowledge is extensive and he is happy to share everything he knows. We picked his brain throughout the course. You leave with a smart chopping board that tests and demonstrates all the skills you have learnt. A great course and thoroughly recommended!"

21 Apr 16'

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

"Well Aiden is clearly a true master of his craft. As anyone that has been on one of his courses will confirm he is a genuinely lovely bloke too, making you feel completely at ease even when faced with the seemingly daunting task of producing work to the same standard as his. I am very proud of the accuracy that with Aiden's guidance i was able to achieve, with only a few simple good quality hand tools. Over the weekend I really learnt to appreciate the characteristic nuances and natural beauty of the different types of wood provided. I would very highly recommend this course to anyone of any age and skill level who values quality and accuracy, as i have no doubt that any woodwork produced using Aiden's techniques will be treasured not only by the creator but also by many generations to come."

17 Apr 16'

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

"Having attended Aidan's 2 day course I completed a piece of work with a plane that I would not have thought I would get on with and enjoy so much. I now want one to add to my small collection of tools! The course was excellent and Aidan was professional throughout, his knowledge and skill was enlightening. He clearly loves his work and encouraged us all to achieve his high standard of craftsmanship. I encourage you to take up the challenge and attend one of Aidan's courses, you'll love it. I will be booking another course in the near future."

7 Apr 16'

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

"I attended Aiden's two day weekend course in March 2016. I did this because as a hobby I like to restore furniture and I was finding that I struggled when I came to anything structural. Most important, Aiden is an excellent trainer. He clearly is a very skilled craftsman but it doesn't always follow that skilled crafts people can put it across to students. Aiden most definitely can. He was very patient, calm and he had to be with me! I found the two day course quite intense; there was a lot to do in 16 hours but I certainly learnt the importance of ensuring my work was completely square, flat and smooth! It was also useful to learn how to use, dismantle and sharpen a plane. Well done Aiden."

24 Mar 16'

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

"I attended a 1 week course with Aidan during November 2015 as a 25 year old looking to potentially moving into the industry. My only prior knowledge of the craft was what I had read online so I was eager to gain a realistic perspective on the craftsmanship and industry itself. Aidan's course gave me just that. I think the unique thing about this workshop is not only the authenticity, but also the personal attention given to each individual. I had a lot of questions, and I left on the Friday with everything I needed to know. Whether people want to go into this industry, take it up as a hobby or just do the course to do some much needed hands-on craftsmanship then I see no better valued scheme out there"

23 Mar 16'

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

"My wife bought me a two day Fundamentals of Furniture Making Part 1 course as a birthday gift and after having had no woodwork training since school 30 years ago I was a little nervous about what to expect. I needn't have been as Aidan is a really friendly and encouraging teacher, freely sharing his incredible knowledge and experience and with only a small group of pupils on each course he has the time to help each person individually as and when needed. My thanks to Aidan for an incredible course and I will be booking further courses with him - my ability with a hand plane after just two days amazed me which is down to Aidan's ability to pass on a very small fraction of his obvious skill and passion for his craft."

22 Mar 16'

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

"I went for a weekend part one introduction course and it was wonderful. It was my first foray into furniture making and Aiden was a fantastic teacher. He explained steps easily, and really made sure we understood the key concepts very well. I would recommend him to anyone that is interested in furniture making, and I am looking forward to coming back to do part two when I get the opportunity."

19 Mar 16'

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

"I attended the 5-day version of this course, which was at a more leisurely pace and included a lot more background information, such as types of wood, saw cuts, finishing and buying tools. The workshop and equipment has clearly been thoughtfully set up, with each student having their own set of good-quality tools. We were a small group allowing Aidan to spend plenty of time with each of us. I had a great time and was amazed at the quality of my breadboard, despite no experience or apparent skill. Aidan is a great teacher who is clearly in love with his vocation and an inspiration to all."

17 Mar 16'

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

"I did a 5 day introduction fundamentals course with Aiden towards the end of last year (2015). I hadn't really done any carpentry before but really enjoyed the course and gained a really good understanding of everything covered on the course. I hope to attend some of Aiden's other courses. He's a great teacher and a really nice person to spend some time with. I would highly recommend doing any of Aiden's courses."

14 Mar 16'

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

"My weekend working with Aiden was an illuminating woodworking experience. On Saturday morning we were given a rough 2" slab of Ash which apparently we were going to turn into a square, flat beautiful bread board using only hand tools ! On Sunday evening when i looked at the exquisite mirror like finish of the board i just thought to myself 'if i'd been shown this on Saturday morning and was told that i'd be making it, i just wouldn't have believed it was possible'. Would recommend this course to anyone."

14 Mar 16'

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

"I attended the Part 1 course in November 2014 and thoroughly enjoyed myself. Aiden is clearly an expert in his field but freely shares his extensive knowledge with enthusiasm and humour. I am in my late 40's and had not turned my hand to any carpentry since school but came away confident that I could do what the course had set out to teach me. I fully expect to attend all of Aiden's other course offerings."

14 Mar 16'

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

"I had the pleasure of attending a woodworking course in September 2015. I'm a DIYer and I needed to improve my skills to undertake a big project at home. During the weekend we looked at the skills I needed and also planned the best way to tackle my project. Aidan was flexible in allowing me to structure what we focused on to most beneficial. Aidan is a great teacher and a real craftsman with what can be achieved in woodwork. Highly recommend a course with Aidan to anyone looking to improve their skills."

13 Mar 16'

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

"I was very fortunate to spend time learning from Aidan in his Farnham workshop in March 2015. Aidan is an enthusiastic and generous teacher and I left the course with confidence and motivation to apply the hand and machine skills I learned and practised to the projects I already have under way. Aidan clearly enjoys sharing his expertise and experience with students and has none of the preciousness often noticeable with professional designer/makers. His is down-to-earth, excellent training from a world-class furniture maker (google his exquisite cherry and walnut, crocus-inspired coronation table on display in Buckingham Palace!) If I have the chance to do more woodworking training in the future, I will not consider training anywhere else. Thank you, Aidan!"

13 Mar 16'

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

"I attended Fundamentals of Furniture Making, Part 1. The two day course was very informative and practical. Aidan is a great tutor who has vast carpentry knowledge and made the course very fun. It has inspired me to continue my hobby further and I have already booked onto the second part of the course."

12 Mar 16'

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

"I attended the fundamentals part 1 course last year and I enjoyed it so much I came back to the workshop recently to achieve fundamentals part 2. I wouldn't have considered doing it anywhere else, Aidan is such an amazing teacher! Not only skilled and passionate but also very patient and attentive. Aidan adapts very well to the different levels of skills and speed from his students; whether you know little or a lot, you will never feel left out or set back. I have myself hardly any experience in wood working and chose to do the weekend courses which turned out to be quite intensive but so much worth it! The courses are thoughtfully designed and unveil a series of techniques and tools for you to progress and achieve levels of refinement you would have never thought you would be capable of! You will be going home with lots of tips and a fine piece of furniture you can be proud of!"

12 Mar 16'

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

"It's hard work and I ended up sore and blistered.... But so worth it. Aiden was fantastic at getting across a real understanding of what you're trying to achieve and the theory behind it. I had little previous experience in woodworking but still think I gained a lot from this course. Would highly recommend! Plus I have a lovely handmade chopping board!"

5 Mar 16'

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

"When Aidan told us what we were going to achieve using just a No 7 plane I was sceptical to say the least; not because I didn't believe it could be done but as a complete novice I didn't believe I could be taught to complete the piece in just two days. I have never been so happy to be proved wrong! Aidan is a true craftsman and with such a love of his craft that it's impossible not to be inspired. He's a fantastic teacher and the weekend is extremely well formed. I can't wait to join the next course."

22 Feb 16'

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

"Excellent good fun and came out with a great picture frame. Some hard work is required and a lot of is crammed into a class. Since the course my tool box has grown heavily and I just wish I had a space to practice more at home. There are many things to learn on the course, many of which are tacit skills. Like seeing and experiencing different tools and workshop methods. There is a definite emphasis on skills to finish more precise quality work for cabinet making over other forms of carpentry."

15 Feb 16'

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

"This was the first woodworking course I'd ever attended, so all I have to compare to are the innumerable work-related courses (both compulsory and voluntary) that I went to before I retired. The really good thing about this course is Aidan himself. He's knowledgeable, friendly, supportive, and really works hard to make sure each individual pupil on the course gets tuition that is tailored to the person's abilities. I'm looking to attend part 2 of the course, when I can fit it in to what looks like being a very busy year."