Finbarr Lucas

Contact name: Finbarr Lucas

5
Total bookings

Rating

(4)

12 months
with CraftCourses

Maker's bio

Finbarr Lucas is a master-craftsman with a portfolio of furniture work stretching back 25 years. He has made work for the RHS at Chatsworth, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and Sheffield Botanical Gardens. He has also created numerous hardwood pieces for private and commercial customers, and he was the Workshop Expert on BBC’s Jay’s Yorkshire Workshop.

Courses, kits & gifts

bronze award

Sheffield

Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

3 days

Next date: 13th Dec 2024

(4)

£395.00

bronze award

Sheffield

Sharpening course for chisel and plane blades

4½ hours

Next date: 30th Nov 2024

2 places left

£149.00

Recent reviews

All maker's reviews

15 Jun 24'

Stephen reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"This was a great course to be on! I learned a lot, especially having had no experience with any of the tools or machinery being used, but Finbarr was an excellent teacher and very patient with the group as we worked on all the bits to assemble our tables. I now have a table to put things on! And most importantly, knowledge on building a table like this, that I can hopefully expand upon in the future. Thank you Finbarr! "

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thank you Stephen, for coming along and applying yourself with great effort to the many tasks involved on this 3-day course. I'm amazed that you say you had no previous making experience, as you made each joint with great care and skill, and you set about each part of the process with determination and with great attention to detail. Your final table was as good as any I've seen. Well done!"

5 May 24'

Linda reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"I recently had the delight of attending Finbarr’s 3-day table making course. His small class size means he’s always on hand to guide students. He is immensely knowledgeable and has a unique style of teaching. In the same way that a yoga teacher or physiotherapist uses their hands to correct your stance, Finbarr positions you so that you apply the correct pressure where wood and blade meet. Finally, I can make straight cuts!!! Not only did I learn loads, but I had a wonderful, relaxed weekend with friendly people. Oh, and delicious cake!!"

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Many thanks, Linda. It was a delight to meet you and the other students on the course last weekend, and I thoroughly enjoyed the three days. There are a lot of different skills to take on on this course, from marking and measuring, cutting and shaping, chopping and drilling, to sanding, finishing and waxing, and you applied yourself to all of them enthusiastically and with determination. You should be very proud of the table you produced, and I hope it takes pride of place in your home. My partner Jess was very chuffed to have mention of her home-made cakes as well!"

30 Apr 24'

Jack reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"Absolutely loved this course! Going in with practically no experience, I came out with new skills, a table I’m proud of, and inspiration to go and make more! Finbarr is an excellent teacher who oozed patience and experience. I would recommend this course to everyone"

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thanks so much for this glowing review Jack! It was a fantastic three days with all of you in the workshop, and I was delighted to be part of the process as each of your tables took shape. The fact that you came to the course with very little experience and yet produced such a beautiful and well made table, is testament to the care and attention that you put in. Well done, and I hope I’ll see you again. "

29 Apr 24'

Alistair Scott reviewed: Hardwood table furniture-making course with Finbarr Lucas

"This was an excellent 3 day course. Finbarr was a brilliant teacher who was very informative and happy to explain the reasons behind all the new techniques that were demonstrated and practised. From the very first pencil mark to the tightening of the last screw, he was engaged, supportive and encouraging. You were able to work at your own pace and it was a very pleasant environment to learn and develop new skills. The table is really nice and I was proud to take it home."

Finbarr Lucas responded:

"Thanks Alistair. You were keen and focused at all stages, and I know you took particular care to chop the through-tenons as well as possible, knowing that this detail would draw the eye when the table was complete. Your attention to this stage paid off as you knocked the little wedges home and cleaned up the exposed joints, and you’re right to be proud of the final work. It was great to meet you and be able to help at every turn, and I hope to see you at another course in the future!"