Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to some of the most common questions about the Online Course, Workshop Membership and learning with Waters & Acland.
Do I keep access to the Online Course?
Yes. The Online Course is a one-time purchase and you keep access. You can return to the lessons and projects whenever you like through your Dashboard and My Coursework.
Can I learn at my own pace?
Yes. The Online Course is completely self-paced, so you can work through it around your own workshop time. Pause, revisit and repeat lessons as often as you need.
Do the projects include workshop drawings?
Yes. Course projects include workshop drawings, cutting information and supporting project guidance to use alongside the video tutorials. Workshop drawings are provided in metric units.
Is the Online Course suitable for international students?
Absolutely. The tutorials are pre-recorded and available online, so you can learn from your own workshop wherever you are in the world and work through the Course in your own time.
Do I need prior woodworking experience?
No prior experience is required. The Online Course starts with foundation skills and develops progressively into more advanced furniture-making techniques and projects. You will, however, need a basic workshop setup with a solid workbench and some basic tools to tackle the first foundation projects.
View Tool Requirements →Can I get help with my W&A projects?
Yes. Workshop Membership includes access to our Tutor Q&A forum for help when you’re working through Waters & Acland projects. Online Course purchasers also receive three months of Workshop Membership included.
Explore Workshop Membership →Is there a free Online School community?
Yes. Create a free account to access the community areas available to free members, keep up with W&A news and see what other makers are working on. Workshop Members also have access to the private Members’ Chatroom.
What tools will I need?
You’ll need a solid workbench and a core selection of hand tools, with some power tools required as you progress. We recommend checking the Tool Requirements page before purchasing so you know what you’ll need.
View Tool Requirements →What if I don’t have machines to prepare timber?
You don’t necessarily need your own machinery to get started. Many timber yards can supply joinery-grade timber planed all round (PAR), allowing you to begin with accurately prepared material.
View Timber Suppliers →What does the Online Course cover?
The Course provides a structured route through fine furniture making, developing core skills before moving into more advanced joinery, techniques and furniture projects.
Explore the Online Course →Can I learn in a small home workshop?
Yes. The Course is designed to be practical in a home workshop and places a strong emphasis on hand skills alongside a relatively small selection of power tools. Much of the teaching happens right at the bench.
Do I need to understand technical drawings or CAD?
No CAD experience is required and you won’t need to create technical drawings yourself. Project drawings are presented in a straightforward orthographic format, typically using front and side elevations together with a plan view. You’ll need to interpret these drawings as you work through a project, but they’re designed to be used alongside the video tutorials and become very intuitive with a little practice.