Mountains
Home
All classes
Crafts
Woodworking
In-person classes

Table Making, a beginners introduction

4.8(26 reviews)
Learn how to make and design your own wooden table top.
Woolwich
In-person
£90 pp
4hrs
Beginner
Next available date:28th April 2024
What happens in this class?

Welcome to The Rivershop, where the art of carpentry takes center stage. In this introductory class to carpentry-led table making, you'll immerse yourself in the craft, guided by experienced artisans. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, this course will equip you with the skills needed to create a stunning table that's both functional and visually appealing.

Timber selection is the cornerstone of any woodworking project. You'll learn to discern the characteristics of different wood species, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity in your table. Understanding timber movement is crucial, as you'll…

Read more
Things to remember

Aprons will be provided but please wear old clothes. Free parking onsite: please drive up to the gates and the security attendant will let you in.

Nearest train stations: Woolwich dockyard, then 10 min walk Woolwich Arsenal, then bus (5mins) 161, 177, 180, 472 to Warspite Road North Greenwich, then…

Read more
Latest Reviews
4.8(26 reviews)
Adam - 28 February 2024
Dan was a really good instructor, full of practical knowledge not only about woodwork and crafting techniques but also timbre itself - I enjoying learning about all the techniques, terminology and getting to use the powered machines. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars: I understand that we are learning the basics, and it is very clearly explained that you will just be making a table-top as a learning experience - however, I became invested in my small piece and very much would like the option to come back to craft and attach small legs to my table-top to make it a fully functional bit of furniture. Dan mentioned a two-day course they were developing that including making the legs too - if I was given this option to come back a second day to make the legs for my table, I would give this experience 5 stars.
Dawn - 27 February 2024
Excellent class! Dan was a great tutor breaking down concepts, keeping us engaged with questions, giving clear guidance and helpful corrections for a safe and enjoyable hands-on experience.
Dawn - 27 February 2024
Excellent class! Dan was a great tutor breaking down concepts, keeping us engaged with questions, giving clear guidance and helpful corrections for a safe and enjoyable hands-on experience.
View more reviews
Booking Options
4hrs class1 class
£90
Book for a large groupAre you looking for a large group/private event?

Obby Guarantee

We ensure quality. If your class doesn't reach your expectations, we'll give your money back.
Obby guarantees good classes

Age Requirement

16

Flexible cancellation policy

Any class can be cancelled and fully refunded within 24 hours of purchase. See cancellation policy.
Your Teacher

Richard has been teaching this intro class since 2018 after realising that all the challenges of working with epoxy resin were bound to be frustrating aspiring makers around the world as much as they were for him. After realising that working with epoxy resin was actually quite easy once you knew a few simple tricks and the basic principles, he started inviting you to join him in the workshop to master the tricks of the trade for yourself. Have a look at our reviews on Obby or head over to our instagram to see some of our most recent classes…

Read more
Class Location
The River Shop
Woolwich
TB-05 Thames Side Studios
Unit 8, Harrington Way
SE18 5NR
London

Reviews

Adam - 28 February 2024
Dan was a really good instructor, full of practical knowledge not only about woodwork and crafting techniques but also timbre itself - I enjoying learning about all the techniques, terminology and getting to use the powered machines. The only reason I didn't give 5 stars: I understand that we are learning the basics, and it is very clearly explained that you will just be making a table-top as a learning experience - however, I became invested in my small piece and very much would like the option to come back to craft and attach small legs to my table-top to make it a fully functional bit of furniture. Dan mentioned a two-day course they were developing that including making the legs too - if I was given this option to come back a second day to make the legs for my table, I would give this experience 5 stars.
Dawn - 27 February 2024
Excellent class! Dan was a great tutor breaking down concepts, keeping us engaged with questions, giving clear guidance and helpful corrections for a safe and enjoyable hands-on experience.
Dawn - 27 February 2024
Excellent class! Dan was a great tutor breaking down concepts, keeping us engaged with questions, giving clear guidance and helpful corrections for a safe and enjoyable hands-on experience.
Joel Torres - 26 February 2024
Dan was a great trainer, everyone seemed to have a great time and picked up new valuable life skills. Would recommend this course to others!
James - 31 January 2024
Pros - You get the opportunity to utilise workshop tools - You will learn a basic knowledge of tree to lumber process - You will be briefly shown how to use tools Cons - Class is an "intro to table making" yet you make a large chopping board, which they describe in follow up emails as a "coaster" - Teacher wasn't instructive, and gave off a "I'm doing you a favour being here" vibe - They were unprepared for the class, having not prepared the wood - They complain about wood bought from B&Q, but the class uses...wood bought from B&Q - They make you provide reviews to get delivery of your item, only mentioned at the end of the class
Emily - 29 January 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed taking this class yesterday. I would definitely recommend The Rivershop. I plan to take The beginners Epoxy Resin Class next. Thanks for a very well thought out 4 hours of learning
Tracy Matthews - 18 December 2023
Really enjoyed the class, teacher very knowledgeable and learnt a lot in the four hours and proud of the small table top I made 🙂 Thank you.
Giuseppe Baldini - 18 December 2023
I loved the course, it was really engaging, full of practical knowledge and time to use the tools and the teacher really did his best to make sure we understood everything. Recommended!
Joby - 27 November 2023
Great class – would recommend.
Alberto - 27 November 2023
Amazing class to build a table top from beginning to end. Good introduction of woodworking in a fully-equipped workshop with explanations about types of wood, glues, tools, finishes, and curing oils. I enjoyed the experience a lot. In just 4 hours, you will end up with a finished solid wood table top. Very fulfilling.
Pawel Pucko - 31 October 2023
Great class, amazing experience, very knowledgeable instructor, I'm definitely coming back!
Volodymyr Sydoruk - 3 October 2023
Great workshop. Nice introduction to woodworking.
Lazarus Cardoza - 31 July 2023
The tutor who gave the course was well versed in managing a class. This is a strong point. Good communication skills helping us progress through the limited course time with ease... Tutor was fun to learn from. Another strong point. I'm am definitely coming back again. I would recommend to this school to provide concession to those on limited funds (carers, nurses etc). This is a must attend school.
Lucy Hilton - 29 May 2023
Great class! Brilliant teacher and perfect level of support vs learning yourself. Would recommend to anyone!
Niall Larkin - 29 May 2023
Good intro to the tools and how to prep material, router was good fun to use too!
Caitlin - 9 May 2023
As an absolute beginner who knew nothing about woodwork, Dan made everything easy to understand while also letting us be independent in our work. I would definitely recommend the course to anyone who’s interested in woodwork to get a taster. Dan and Richard were also lovely to talk to and made the day very chill and welcoming. Might have to come back soon for the breadboard course I enjoyed it that much!
Dan Stratton - 1 May 2023
The table top making taster was very rewarding. On the day both Dan and Richard were there although Dan lead the course. It was excellently taught. Dan explained about the physical properties of wood, some wood engineering principles, how to use the equipment and how you may use tools that you have at home. My expectation was to build a full coffee table, although the table top was smaller and we didn't make legs l would state that l am not dissatisfied with the experience and l enjoyed the day and had a great sense of achievement. Dan was very clear, encouraging and friendly. The facilities are outstanding. I would recommend this course. It has build my confidence and inspired me to have a go at my own projects. And as a bonus, Dan and Richard have offered support for out own projects.
Sue - 30 April 2023
Great tutors, very patient and thorough. Learnt a lot and very much enjoyed the workshop, looking forward to picking up my table top/ cheese board
Sean Lima - 6 February 2023
Another great course from Richard and the River Shop that I did as a follow up to the resin workshop. Lots of handy tips and tricks that I'll be able to apply to bigger projects and general wood working, not just tables. It was great being able to use some more advanced machinery while we also learned how to use more basic tools available to the DIYer. Highly recommend the course and can't wait to receive my table top once it's ready!
Tom Waters - 28 January 2023
I had a great time! It was useful - focused on some fundamentals. I appreciated that there was a bit of talking/theory rather than 100% hands on. Thanks!
Vinna - 27 January 2023
Richard was such very very knowledgable and enthusiastic about his craft. The way he conducted the class was very thorough, equipping you not only with the practical skills but also useful knowledge that will help with your woodworking endeavours. I felt very inspired by the class to do more woodworking and would definitely come back for more!
Greg - 26 August 2022
I feel lucky to have found Richard's class on making a table top. Richard was an excellent teacher who went into detail on each step of the process. We learnt about edge joining, using a mitre saw, using multiple sanders, oiling/finishing the wood, amongst other things. I learnt more than I expected and I hope to join another class in the future. Thanks!
Chantel - 7 May 2022
Such a great class, Richard really took the time to teach us not only the how, but the why behind the construction, which I really appreciated.
Julian Surey - 30 April 2022
Great session - thanks. Relaxed, easy going environment. Will try out some of the other courses. Cheers J
Tagore - 24 February 2022
Great class. Richard is an excellent teacher. Finished the day with a beautiful table top. Learnt loads. Thank you
Tagore - 24 February 2022
Great class. Richard is an excellent teacher. Finished the day with a beautiful table top. Learnt loads. Thank you