This course will run over six Tuesday evenings between 7 and 930pm and result in a beautiful handmade bench or small table fashioned from live-edge timber.

You’ll learn the process of crafting the legs and undercarriage of the bench from green ash using traditional hand tools such as the froe, axe, drawknife and spokeshave. You’ll then smooth off the top and sides of the bench using hand planes and other tools, before being taken through the process of assembling the piece using traditional joinery techniques.

After a bit of levelling up and sanding, it's yours to…

Things to remember

The course will be hosted in the Stoney Lane Studios, a friendly working studio in Crystal Palace. The tutor is Ben Willis, a master chair maker, teacher and craftsman.

All tools will be provided along with expert tuition on how to use them safely and efficiently.

Basic materials are included…

Carter Westwood - 6 December 2023

Brilliant. Really enjoyed the 6 weeks and Ben was great! Highly recommend.

Felicity Fuller - 20 February 2023

A fantastic course taught by Ben, who’s skill set and talent in his craft has truly inspired me to continue down the path of woodworking. I am so grateful for and absolutely adore my live-edge coffee table! I thoroughly enjoyed using hand tools such as the drawknife, spokeshave and a cabinet scraper. I can honestly say that I have gained valuable knowledge, insight and confidence in crafting a live-edge piece of furniture. I highly recommend this stupendous class; a wonderful experience whether you want to take your woodworking journey further or if you're just looking to branch out (sorry 🤓) to something outside of your comfort zone. Nice one Ben 👍 thanks v much

Tolga Yuce - 17 February 2023

A really valuable and insightful course which I enjoyed every aspect of! Ben is a great teacher who not only has the skills and knowledge, but also the patience to ensure that every member has what they need to get the job done. I'm really pleased with the bench I came out with and would recommend Ben's courses to anyone and everyone! Thanks Ben :)

View more reviews

six session course6 classes

£310

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.

Age Requirement

Flexible cancellation policy

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

Artisan Woodworking Green Woodwork Furniture Making Crafts

Ben Willis Woodcraft

Ben Willis Woodcraft is an independent wood workshop based in Crystal Palace offering a chance to get back to nature by using green wood to make a bowl, stool or chair from scratch.

Ben makes bespoke furniture and it all starts this way - as a log, as far as is possible freshly cut from the woodland. Aside from the practical advantages of using material in this form, as previously described, an added benefit is that it sustains the ancient practice of coppicing, a sustainable method for managing woodlands in which trees are cut, allowed to regrow again for a period…

Studio

Crystal Palace

3 Stoney Lane

SE19 3BD

London