Learning a craft properly takes time, and the right kind of instruction matters.
All classes at R Saunders Woodworks are available on a one-to-one basis or as part of group classes of up to 8-10 students.
Whichever classes you are considering, the first step is always an informal conversation to discuss where you are on your woodworking journey, what you're hoping to get from your time at the bench, and which class is right for you.
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Go to the Find Your Class page to let me know what you're interested in and we can arrange a quick chat.
A one-day introduction to the fundamentals of fine woodworking.
A great place to begin for anyone new to woodworking, or for those looking to set down the power tools and understand what working with hand tools is really about.
This is not a DIY carpentry class — it is a focused, unhurried introduction to the core tools and principles that underpin everything in fine woodworking. Throughout the day we cover sharpening, marking and measuring, and the use of planes, chisels, and saws.
By the end of the day, you will have had a go at cutting a variety of woodworking joints, and you'll leave with a clear sense of where to take things next, whether that's the Get Sharp! class, a Foundations of Woodworking course, or a Project Class you'd like to have a go at.
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Getting Started in Woodworking runs from 10:00 until 17:00.
All tools and materials are provided, though you are welcome to bring your own.
From £175 per person
A full day dedicated to edge tools and the art of sharpening.
Sharpening is one of the most important skills in woodworking and, for many people, one of the most confusing. There is no shortage of conflicting advice, and it is easy to spend more time worrying about sharpening than actually working wood.
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This class cuts through all of that.
Over the course of a focused, practical day, we look at exactly what sharpness means, how to achieve it reliably and repeatably, and how to maintain it at the bench without it becoming an obstacle, regardless of the type of abrasive you use or the tool you are sharpening.
From flattening the back of a blade through to honing the finest edge, you leave with a method that works, and the knowledge to adapt it to suit your own setup.
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The class runs from 10:00 until 17:00.​
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£175 per person
Foundations of Woodworking
A series of in-depth courses building the fundamental skills of fine woodworking.
The Foundations of Woodworking series is designed for those who want to develop a thorough, working understanding of the tools and techniques that underpin all good woodworking — whatever direction, style, or tradition they eventually want to pursue.
Each course can be attended independently or as part of a progressive series, and all are available in a range of formats to suit different schedules and learning preferences, either as a multi-day intensive, a series of weekly full days, or as an evening term — making it possible to fit serious skill development around a working week.
Get in touch to discuss which format suits your schedule and to find out about 2027 course dates and pricing.
Project Based Classes
An opportunity to learn through making.
A project from start to finish.
Working as part of a small group over multiple sessions, these classes take you through the complete process of building a piece of furniture or a project.
The making is the lesson.
Working through a real project at pace, with others doing the same, brings a different kind of focus and satisfaction to the craft. The joinery, the decisions, the small problems solved along the way — these are often the most important lessons you will learn.
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A working knowledge of hand tools is expected. If you are unsure whether your current skills are a good fit, consider attending a Get Started in Woodworking class first to familiarise yourself with some fundamental hand skills.
Feel free to get in touch if you have any other questions.
One-to-One Instruction
Personalized instruction, tailored entirely to you
Every student is different, and so is every woodworking journey. One-to-one instruction is tailored entirely to you — your pace, your experience, and the work you want to make.
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Sessions can cover any of our regular classes — Getting Started in Woodworking, Get Sharp!, Foundations of Woodworking, Project Based Classes — or something entirely specific to your own projects and interests. Available as a full day (10:00–17:00, with lunch break) or as a series of shorter sessions.
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Before you begin, we'll talk through what would be most useful so the time at the bench is exactly what you need.
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Whether you're ready to book or simply want to know when new dates are released, the best thing to do is let me know what you're interested in and we can have a chat.​
Alternatively, reach out using the Contact form if you have any specific questions.