Furniture Making Skills Courses with Richard
Richard's courses run from his workshop in Coverack, on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall.
Richard has been teaching furniture design and making since 2005 and is a qualified further education teacher.
All courses include health and safety in the workshop. Materials, equipment, tools, Lunch* and refreshments are provided.
If you are needing accommodation, we can send you a list of great places to stay locally.
Interested in a course that isn't scheduled? Please send us an email or give Richard a call.
Richard's courses run from his workshop in Coverack, on the Lizard Peninsula, Cornwall.
Richard has been teaching furniture design and making since 2005 and is a qualified further education teacher.
All courses include health and safety in the workshop. Materials, equipment, tools, Lunch* and refreshments are provided.
If you are needing accommodation, we can send you a list of great places to stay locally.
Interested in a course that isn't scheduled? Please send us an email or give Richard a call.
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Current Course Dates - 2025
2 Day Introduction Course - £245 March 24th,25th - Fully Booked 27th,28th - Fully Booked May 1st, 2nd - 2 spaces left Courses are run in groups of up to 3 people. Or 1:1 Courses are also available. 
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Available Courses - Dates subject to enquiry.
Please contact Richard here if you would like a specific date or to sign up to the mailing list. 2 Day courses - £245 2 Day 'Introduction' to tool sharpening techniques and joint cutting 2 Day Dovetails 2 Day Sharpening and maintenance skills 2 Day Plane Restoration, Maintenance and Planing skills Course 2 Day one to one option, any of above - £475 5 Day Courses - £600 5 Day Dovetail and Traditional Drawer making course 5 Day Box Making 5 Day Spice Tote Making 5 Day table making course 5 Day one to one option, any of above £1200 5 Day one to one option, project of your choosing £1200* Introduction Courses
The following course is suitable for beginners and those wanting to refine their skills in preparation for moving on to a more advanced course. 2 Day 'Introduction' to tool sharpening techniques and joint cutting £245 This course is aimed at beginners and those wanting to refine their skills. Concentrating on the use of tools, sharpening techniques and joint cutting. Course Schedule Tool Maintenance Courses
2 Day Plane Restoration, Maintenance and Skills £245 Learn how to restore and tune up your old plane. 2 Day Sharpening, Maintenance and Skills £245 Learn how to sharpen your chisels, planes and spoke shaves. How to maintain and store your tools. Intermediate Courses
The following courses are suitable for those who have completed the 2 day Introduction course or for those who have the equivalent experience. 5 Day table making course £600 This is an intermediate course but is also suitable for beginners. Richard will discuss with you prior to the course what level you are and adapt the course accordingly. At the end of this course you will have learned to accurately mark out, used chiselling, sawing, jointing boards, gluing and clamping techniques. As well as planing to a high finish, in the production of your occasional table. This course is restricted to 2 people. 2 Day Dovetails £245
On this course you will learn to cut through and lap dovetails in preparation for drawer and box making. (Also see advanced 5 Day Spice Tote Making Course for an extended version) Advanced Courses
The following courses are suitable for those who have completed the basic course as well as the dovetail course unless you have previous experience. 5 Day Traditional Drawer Making £600
'How to make the perfect drawer' On this course you will learn how to cut lap and through dovetails, to make drawer slips and plane finishing. This course is restricted to 2 people and is suitable for beginners to dovetails or intermediate/advanced. 5 Day Spice Tote Making £600
On this course you will learn how to cut dovetails with mitred corners and wedged through tenons, use spoke shaving and finishing techniques. By the end of the 5th day you will have a finished Spice Tote. This can also be adapted to a 5 day dovetail course for beginners running alongside the tote course. This course is restricted to 2 people. 5 Day Box Making £600
On this course you will learn tool and cutting skills, how to make the perfect dovetail, routing, veneering and finishing. By the end of the 5th day you will have a finished trinket box. This course is restricted to 2 people. 5 day One to One Tuition - Project of your choice £1200*
Spend 5 days in Richards workshop developing the skills to complete your own pre-designed project** or one of Richards pre-existing 5 day courses. With Richards assistance you will work together to complete your chosen project, giving you time to explore and refine techniques. If you are choosing your own project, Richard will advise prior to the course if it is feasible within 5 days. If longer is required, you can extend the course or Richard can advise how to reduce a project to fit the time frame. Please contact Richard to discuss dates. *Price subject to materials and preparation. * Please advise of any dietary requirement. |
Testimonials
Matt..
Richard’s 2 day beginner course was a fun and engaging intro to woodworking and the key tools for the job. Richard’s been making furniture and teaching for years so he knows exactly what he’s doing! From tool fundamentals to planing wood square, sharpening, basic joints, wood technology and Richard's latest projects, it was all fascinating stuff. Richard really is a font of all woodworking knowledge! Would definitely recommend.
Neil...
I had a fantastic time on your 2 day introductory course. It is rare that you find an expert that can also teach beginners but you had great patience and I learned a lot. I can't wait to come back for the next instalment. thank you for a great time, 5 stars.
James...
"I had a great time on the Introduction to Furniture Making course with Richard last week. Richard is very knowledgeable and approachable, and the space was great for the skills learnt! Richard was happy to answer any questions, and helped me tune up my plane despite this not strictly being on the timetable - it now cuts like a hot knife through butter!
I would definitely recommend these courses to anyone wanting to improve their woodworking skills, and plan to book the dovetail course when I get the chance! Thank you for a great course Richard!"
Simon...
"I’ve just recently completed a two day basics course with Richard and wanted to write to say how informative and useful it was.
The last time I did any woodwork was at school in the late 70’s and other than a few brutalistic structures in the garden, haven’t touched any woodworking tools since then.
Richards course starts with the basics – tools, sharpening, measuring and mark making and a couple of basic joints.
Richard is a great tutor with an immense background in furniture making and teaching – and imparts the information in a really nice, no pressure, informal style, while ensuring a good mix of practical hands on activity – whilst keeping you hydrated and fed with a good flow of teas, coffees and cake! The group maximum is 3 which means there is plenty of individual attention and advice, personalised to you.
I’m now enthused to invest in some of my own tools and to start some modest projects before doing the next course. I’d thoroughly recommend this course with Richard. "
Keith....
Just completed a two day furniture skills course in Richard Buckingham’s workshop and teaching studio. Learned lots of new skills and improved my ability to sharpen planes and chisels, use a plane, mark out properly, cut to the line and make a variety of joints in lovely wood. All under the guidance of a professional cabinet maker. Richard is a very patient and skilful teacher, who took time to make sure I was doing things the right way. Because the groups are always very small he can give a lot of personal attention to each person. Lunch was nourishing home-made soup, bread and cheeses. The setting is very close to the pretty Cornish harbour and coast of Coverack. He arranged for me to stay there in a comfortable and friendly B&B, Fernleigh, run by Ann Rogers, who cooked me a delicious evening meal and breakfast. For me it was a very enjoyable experience. Thank you, Richard.
Craig.....
I'd booked onto a woodworking course through Cornwall College last year, but it was fortunately cancelled. I say fortunately because it meant that my family paid for a two day course with Richard at his training facility near the Lizard as a Christmas present.
From the moment I arrived I was made to feel at ease, and it was more like spending a weekend with a mate, whilst learning great techniques that I know will transform my woodworking.
Fantastic teachers are few and far between, but we all remember the best ones from school. Richard is one of those teachers!
If you're keen to learn new skills, whilst having fun in the process, do not hesitate to book yourself on one of his courses..... I will be booking another one very soon! Cheers Richard!
Ravi - University of Exeter....
A very informative course that gave more than enough room for questions, technique and good workshop practice to be explored. Delivered in a welcoming environment, it was a pleasure. Thanks.
Jonny.....
From the moment I saw him do the most mesmerising dove tail joint in minutes at an art exhibition, I knew he was the little genius I needed to learn from. I was not disappointed Two day course was excellent, I want to learn more now.
WO2 Karl Long, RM.....
"Richard Buckingham is a first class furniture maker whose enthusiasm for perfection has spilled over into his varied courses. His approach to instruction is friendly yet detailed and is tailored specifically to the student's individual requirements, both enthusing and inspiring. I have attended two courses so far and am already booked to visit again soon. The relaxed yet informative atmosphere is complemented by the local surroundings and the hospitality of the host. After 23 years in the Royal Marines I have attended many different courses. These are by far the most enjoyable and beneficial to my future career outside of the MOD. Many thanks to Richard and I will be back for more" - One very happy customer and service leaver.
Peter....
I just thought that I would write to you and thank you for your advice and instruction (also the lovely lunches) during the last two days.
For me it ticked all the boxes. It put me back on track, ensuring that the fundamental tools within my tool kit are operating at their full potential. My old planes have never been so efficient in operation and it is so pleasing to see a wafer thin shaving coming away with little effort.
The course covered other aspects regarding techniques of using chisels and scrapers which will prove most useful when other projects are being attempted.
I am looking forward to attending another course in the not too distant future.
Chris Scott.....
Just spent 2 days with a craftsman. Richard is a brilliant tutor who is patient and adaptable to our requests. The workshops are not for the faint hearted as each day starts at 9am until around 5pm. There is no rush and nothing is too much trouble. 100% recommended!
Many thanks for the best ever workshop I have been on.
Alex Richardson..... ·
Would definitely recommend Richards courses to anyone looking to get into all aspects of woodwork. Lessons were amazing as was the lunch that’s provided.
Dan Norton.....
If you're considering getting into woodworking then I can't recommend Richards introduction to furniture making course highly enough. Having not done any sort of woodwork since leaving school nearly 20 years ago, I went in as a complete beginner. Richard's teaching style puts you (and the other people on the course) completely at ease and makes you feel like you're spending the weekend with a group of old friends rather than in a 'classroom' and he conveys information in such a way that before you know it you're sharpening tools, planing oak to a mirror finish and cutting joints with confidence. Lunch in the workshop was fresh, wholesome and homemade, and Richard makes a proper cup of tea and coffee (although I think our class blew the coffee budget for the year!). All in all, if you have even an inkling that you might fancy working with wood, get on this course. I shall definitely be saving up for the dovetail course next.
Ally Jensen.....
I know nothing of woodworking skills and this is why I recently spent a weekend learning to chisel, plane , make two joints and sharpening chisels & planes. It was the best weekend i have had in a long time. I seriously learned so much from Richard, who is probably the best teacher I have ever had to explain all I could possibly need to know. Nothing was too much trouble, no questions too idiotic to ask.... I was made to feel that I had achieved and done an amazing job, having never had any sort of woodwork experience, and I look forward to carrying on to the next course.... I cannot wait. I have got the woodworking bug. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, Richard is a great teacher and also a fantastic cook....as an aside lunchtime was a real treat. The price of the course is worth every penny. Richard has a wealth of knowledge which is worth the cost alone..... thank you and hope to see you very soon ....
Ian.....
Richard Buckingham’s Introductory 2 day course that attended in September was just what was needed to get me started again on some serious woodwork. Richard was an excellent teacher and managed to make an understanding of the subtlety of planes and planing interesting and accessible. There was great satisfaction in producing a couple of simple joints to high accuracy and fine finish straight from the plane, saw and chisel. The company and the lunch was good too. I’ll be back.
Richard’s 2 day beginner course was a fun and engaging intro to woodworking and the key tools for the job. Richard’s been making furniture and teaching for years so he knows exactly what he’s doing! From tool fundamentals to planing wood square, sharpening, basic joints, wood technology and Richard's latest projects, it was all fascinating stuff. Richard really is a font of all woodworking knowledge! Would definitely recommend.
Neil...
I had a fantastic time on your 2 day introductory course. It is rare that you find an expert that can also teach beginners but you had great patience and I learned a lot. I can't wait to come back for the next instalment. thank you for a great time, 5 stars.
James...
"I had a great time on the Introduction to Furniture Making course with Richard last week. Richard is very knowledgeable and approachable, and the space was great for the skills learnt! Richard was happy to answer any questions, and helped me tune up my plane despite this not strictly being on the timetable - it now cuts like a hot knife through butter!
I would definitely recommend these courses to anyone wanting to improve their woodworking skills, and plan to book the dovetail course when I get the chance! Thank you for a great course Richard!"
Simon...
"I’ve just recently completed a two day basics course with Richard and wanted to write to say how informative and useful it was.
The last time I did any woodwork was at school in the late 70’s and other than a few brutalistic structures in the garden, haven’t touched any woodworking tools since then.
Richards course starts with the basics – tools, sharpening, measuring and mark making and a couple of basic joints.
Richard is a great tutor with an immense background in furniture making and teaching – and imparts the information in a really nice, no pressure, informal style, while ensuring a good mix of practical hands on activity – whilst keeping you hydrated and fed with a good flow of teas, coffees and cake! The group maximum is 3 which means there is plenty of individual attention and advice, personalised to you.
I’m now enthused to invest in some of my own tools and to start some modest projects before doing the next course. I’d thoroughly recommend this course with Richard. "
Keith....
Just completed a two day furniture skills course in Richard Buckingham’s workshop and teaching studio. Learned lots of new skills and improved my ability to sharpen planes and chisels, use a plane, mark out properly, cut to the line and make a variety of joints in lovely wood. All under the guidance of a professional cabinet maker. Richard is a very patient and skilful teacher, who took time to make sure I was doing things the right way. Because the groups are always very small he can give a lot of personal attention to each person. Lunch was nourishing home-made soup, bread and cheeses. The setting is very close to the pretty Cornish harbour and coast of Coverack. He arranged for me to stay there in a comfortable and friendly B&B, Fernleigh, run by Ann Rogers, who cooked me a delicious evening meal and breakfast. For me it was a very enjoyable experience. Thank you, Richard.
Craig.....
I'd booked onto a woodworking course through Cornwall College last year, but it was fortunately cancelled. I say fortunately because it meant that my family paid for a two day course with Richard at his training facility near the Lizard as a Christmas present.
From the moment I arrived I was made to feel at ease, and it was more like spending a weekend with a mate, whilst learning great techniques that I know will transform my woodworking.
Fantastic teachers are few and far between, but we all remember the best ones from school. Richard is one of those teachers!
If you're keen to learn new skills, whilst having fun in the process, do not hesitate to book yourself on one of his courses..... I will be booking another one very soon! Cheers Richard!
Ravi - University of Exeter....
A very informative course that gave more than enough room for questions, technique and good workshop practice to be explored. Delivered in a welcoming environment, it was a pleasure. Thanks.
Jonny.....
From the moment I saw him do the most mesmerising dove tail joint in minutes at an art exhibition, I knew he was the little genius I needed to learn from. I was not disappointed Two day course was excellent, I want to learn more now.
WO2 Karl Long, RM.....
"Richard Buckingham is a first class furniture maker whose enthusiasm for perfection has spilled over into his varied courses. His approach to instruction is friendly yet detailed and is tailored specifically to the student's individual requirements, both enthusing and inspiring. I have attended two courses so far and am already booked to visit again soon. The relaxed yet informative atmosphere is complemented by the local surroundings and the hospitality of the host. After 23 years in the Royal Marines I have attended many different courses. These are by far the most enjoyable and beneficial to my future career outside of the MOD. Many thanks to Richard and I will be back for more" - One very happy customer and service leaver.
Peter....
I just thought that I would write to you and thank you for your advice and instruction (also the lovely lunches) during the last two days.
For me it ticked all the boxes. It put me back on track, ensuring that the fundamental tools within my tool kit are operating at their full potential. My old planes have never been so efficient in operation and it is so pleasing to see a wafer thin shaving coming away with little effort.
The course covered other aspects regarding techniques of using chisels and scrapers which will prove most useful when other projects are being attempted.
I am looking forward to attending another course in the not too distant future.
Chris Scott.....
Just spent 2 days with a craftsman. Richard is a brilliant tutor who is patient and adaptable to our requests. The workshops are not for the faint hearted as each day starts at 9am until around 5pm. There is no rush and nothing is too much trouble. 100% recommended!
Many thanks for the best ever workshop I have been on.
Alex Richardson..... ·
Would definitely recommend Richards courses to anyone looking to get into all aspects of woodwork. Lessons were amazing as was the lunch that’s provided.
Dan Norton.....
If you're considering getting into woodworking then I can't recommend Richards introduction to furniture making course highly enough. Having not done any sort of woodwork since leaving school nearly 20 years ago, I went in as a complete beginner. Richard's teaching style puts you (and the other people on the course) completely at ease and makes you feel like you're spending the weekend with a group of old friends rather than in a 'classroom' and he conveys information in such a way that before you know it you're sharpening tools, planing oak to a mirror finish and cutting joints with confidence. Lunch in the workshop was fresh, wholesome and homemade, and Richard makes a proper cup of tea and coffee (although I think our class blew the coffee budget for the year!). All in all, if you have even an inkling that you might fancy working with wood, get on this course. I shall definitely be saving up for the dovetail course next.
Ally Jensen.....
I know nothing of woodworking skills and this is why I recently spent a weekend learning to chisel, plane , make two joints and sharpening chisels & planes. It was the best weekend i have had in a long time. I seriously learned so much from Richard, who is probably the best teacher I have ever had to explain all I could possibly need to know. Nothing was too much trouble, no questions too idiotic to ask.... I was made to feel that I had achieved and done an amazing job, having never had any sort of woodwork experience, and I look forward to carrying on to the next course.... I cannot wait. I have got the woodworking bug. I would highly recommend this course to anyone, Richard is a great teacher and also a fantastic cook....as an aside lunchtime was a real treat. The price of the course is worth every penny. Richard has a wealth of knowledge which is worth the cost alone..... thank you and hope to see you very soon ....
Ian.....
Richard Buckingham’s Introductory 2 day course that attended in September was just what was needed to get me started again on some serious woodwork. Richard was an excellent teacher and managed to make an understanding of the subtlety of planes and planing interesting and accessible. There was great satisfaction in producing a couple of simple joints to high accuracy and fine finish straight from the plane, saw and chisel. The company and the lunch was good too. I’ll be back.
