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Preparing for Cornwall Open Studios is a little frantic. Fitting in an exhibition alongside teaching workshops, commissions, and the usual scheduled and last-minute client work is certainly a stretch. But being part of the Open Studios collective is a wonderful opportunity to connect with people who may not usually come across my work, and I do love a good chat. Opening up my workshop to the public feels invaluable. I’m not just exhibiting finished pieces or demonstrating my teaching style, I’m inviting people into my creative space and showing where the inspiration begins. Even getting here is an experience.
The approach to the workshop by car is a little wild. Navigating the narrow lanes and moorland track complete with horned grass-fed cattle, can make some visitors hesitant, but I promise it’s worth the effort, and the cows are friendly. If you would prefer a walk, you can park in Coverack village and ascend the hill up past Brenda’s Café in the centre of the village. It takes about 15 minutes, maybe a little longer with pauses for breath. It is quite steep in places. There is also the option to park at the picnic spot just after turning off the main road. Known locally as Dolly’s dump, this is a parking area with a green space for picnics. This will also take about 15 minutes, but is a gentle decent to the workshop. There are plenty of signs showing the way, whichever way you choose.  Coverack Harbour On arrival, browse the gallery and have some refreshments (walking rewards), followed by a tour and chat with myself around the workshop. See my current projects, or if you have booked onto a taster course (Tues, Weds, Thurs 1-3pm – Book here) you can have a go at various techniques to get a feel of my teaching style and the kinds of skills you might learn on one of my woodwork courses. The taster workshops are aimed at people who would like to know more about how I teach and what you will learn on one of my courses. Also, those unsure about which course would suit them. Or those who are just curious and fancy a quick go at using some hand tools and enjoy the creative chat. Suitable for complete beginners as well those who have experience. My courses will help you connect or reconnect with your creative side and enable you to gain confidence on your woodwork journey. The Open Studio Taster courses are £25 which can be redeemed against a booking if made on the day.
One of the joys of Cornwall Open Studios is that it becomes a creative trail across the peninsula. So if you’re planning a day exploring Cornwall Open Studios, here are a few places and artists to look out for near me. Click here for the PDF guide from the Open Studios website. Use the numbered links below to explore the artists taking part across the Lizard. 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152. Click on the map below for the full size version.  Many of the artists will be offering refreshments, but there are some great places locally to eat or stop off. Open studios give the public the opportunity to see artists in their working creative environment and give an insight into their processes as well as an opportunity to buy direct from the artist. Whether you come for the workshops, the conversations, the gallery, or simply an excuse to explore the back lanes of the Lizard, I hope you’ll enjoy discovering the creativity hidden across this remarkable part of Cornwall. I look forward to welcoming visitors old and new throughout the week. Cornwall Open Studios 23rd-31st May Directions and opening times - Please see individual artists numbered links above.  Synopsis..... Cornwall Open Studios 2026 offers visitors the chance to explore artists’ studios and creative workshops across the Lizard Peninsula and West Cornwall. My open workshop near Coverack combines a pop-up gallery exhibition, woodworking demonstrations, creative conversation, and hands-on woodwork taster courses in a unique rural studio setting. Visitors interested in woodworking courses in Cornwall, traditional hand tools, furniture making, artisan craftsmanship, and creative workshops on the Lizard will be able to experience the working environment where my bespoke woodwork and teaching take place. Open Studios is also a wonderful opportunity to discover independent Cornwall artists, hidden studios, local galleries, and creative spaces while exploring Coverack, St Keverne, and the surrounding Meneage area.
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A 5-Day One-to-One Creative JourneyThere’s something incredibly powerful about giving someone the time, space, and support to bring an idea to life, especially when it’s something they never thought they could achieve. My one-to-one, five-day course is designed to do exactly that: take a spark of inspiration and turn it into a finished piece, crafted with skill, confidence, and pride. So how do you go from a simple idea to a finished, handcrafted piece in just five days?
For some, the best route is to choose from one of my pre-existing designs, projects I know can be completed to a high standard within the timeframe. For others, it’s about adapting their own vision into something achievable without compromising the essence of what they want to create. This stage is collaborative, honest, and always focused on setting the student up for success. Planning the Experience How is a five-day creative course planned? Once the project is agreed, we confirm the course length and dates. This is guided entirely by the scope of the work and the student’s availability. With a clear plan in place, the real preparation begins - on my side.
The Five-Day ImmersionWhat is a five-day one-to-one creative experience like? When the course begins, it becomes a fully immersive, one-to-one experience. Each student receives:
For complete beginners, this level of support transforms what might feel impossible into something entirely achievable. The Outcome: More Than Just a Finished Piece
Why This Process Works The success of these five-day projects isn’t accidental; it’s built into the structure:
If you’ve ever had an idea sitting quietly in the back of your mind, waiting for the right moment - this might be it. With the right support, even the most ambitious projects can begin with just five days. Contact me here for more information Set in my workshop in Coverack, Cornwall, my one-to-one woodworking courses are more than just an intensive 5-day woodworking course, it’s a relaxed, personal experience rooted in traditional woodworking skills. While the teaching is professional and focused, the atmosphere is informal and welcoming, often described by past students as a Cornish woodworking retreat. You’ll spend your days learning through personalised woodworking tuition, with breaks to enjoy home-cooked lunches in our family kitchen or out in the garden when the weather allows. Ideal for beginners and those looking to develop their skills, it’s an immersive woodworking course that combines high-quality teaching with a warm, authentic setting.
This is the first of a series of ramblings on the art of sharpening hand tools. There are many different methods and it is important to try all these until you find one that suits you. This blog will cover the methods that I find successful and to best explain the reasons why I mainly practise free hand sharpening, without the use of honing guides. If there’s one question I’m asked more than any other, it’s this: |
| The wet stone grinder is an excellent machine that allows accurate grinding of tool bevels. The diameter of the wheel naturally creates a shallow hollow. This hollow makes honing faster and more accurate. But common mistakes include;
*This should not be confused with a hollow ground bevel. |  Wet stone grinder |
Understanding Angles: 25° vs 30°
To gain a basic understanding of bevel angles, the steeper the angle the more durable the cutting edge. A very shallow angle will produce an extremely sharp edge but will be weaker and wear more quickly. I suppose what we are looking for is a compromise between sharpness and strength which will vary depending on the work being carried out and the wood type.
While a common setup is a 25° primary grind with a 30° honing angle, I am going to explain grinding and honing at 25 degrees when using the wet stone grinder.
The approach for honing is different if you have a flat ground bevel. A secondary honing angle is required to avoid having to polish the entire bevel.
With a hollow grind, a secondary honing angle is not required. You only have two small contact points at the front and back of the bevel. This means that you're honing a minimal amount of steel. It is both quick and accurate as it allows you to maintain a consistent angle during honing. Many grinding angles are workable but 25 degrees is ideal. It allows many sharpenings and enables a secondary bevel at up to 30° when the original 25° bevel is worn out. i.e. the hollow has become minimal.
This setup gives a consistently sharp edge with good retention. It also lets you add a secondary bevel later if needed. If dealing with difficult grain and density of timber, a secondary bevel, or a steeper grinding angle might be needed.
While a common setup is a 25° primary grind with a 30° honing angle, I am going to explain grinding and honing at 25 degrees when using the wet stone grinder.
The approach for honing is different if you have a flat ground bevel. A secondary honing angle is required to avoid having to polish the entire bevel.
With a hollow grind, a secondary honing angle is not required. You only have two small contact points at the front and back of the bevel. This means that you're honing a minimal amount of steel. It is both quick and accurate as it allows you to maintain a consistent angle during honing. Many grinding angles are workable but 25 degrees is ideal. It allows many sharpenings and enables a secondary bevel at up to 30° when the original 25° bevel is worn out. i.e. the hollow has become minimal.
This setup gives a consistently sharp edge with good retention. It also lets you add a secondary bevel later if needed. If dealing with difficult grain and density of timber, a secondary bevel, or a steeper grinding angle might be needed.
Note the polish on the top and bottom of the bevel.
Honing and Stropping
- Refines the cutting edge using stones and brings it to working sharpness. Techniques like the figure of eight help maintain the correct angle when adding a secondary bevel.**
- Using leather for stropping.
- Polishes the edge.
- Removes any remaining burrs.
- Leaves a razor sharp finish.
My favourite chisels
Whetstones and Alternatives
Whetstones work best when soaked in water. Coarser stones, like 1000 grit, may need up to 15 minutes if dry. Finer stones, such as 6000–10,000 grit, soak faster and hold water on the surface.
Other sharpening options include diamond stones**, oil stones**, and the Scary Sharp system** (glass plus abrasive films). Each method has strengths. The most important factor is consistency.
Other sharpening options include diamond stones**, oil stones**, and the Scary Sharp system** (glass plus abrasive films). Each method has strengths. The most important factor is consistency.
Conclusion: Learn the Basics, Master the Craft
Sharp tools change everything. They make woodworking calmer, cleaner, and more satisfying. Mastering sharpening isn’t optional — it separates frustration from fine furniture making.
To learn more and improve your skills, visit: 👉 courses
To watch the accompanying video visit my 👉 YouTube channel
To learn more and improve your skills, visit: 👉 courses
To watch the accompanying video visit my 👉 YouTube channel
** These techniques will be covered at a later date
This blog covers how to sharpen chisels, how to sharpen plane blades and woodworking sharpening basics, with Richard Buckingham Furniture & Courses.
Hello and welcome to Richard's Blog.
Richard will be writing tool reviews, posting video tutorials, showing off his latest commissions and sharing info on up and coming courses.....
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Richard will be writing tool reviews, posting video tutorials, showing off his latest commissions and sharing info on up and coming courses.....
Watch this space!
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