Waters & Acland | Site-Wide Activity

Chris posted an update: I made a Nespresso pod holder from scrap white oak. […]

Tue, 25 Aug 2026 12:54:36 +0000

I made a Nespresso pod holder from scrap white oak. Wenge drawer and ebony pull. I made an insert to hold the pods in the proper position on the 3D printer. I decided on box joints as I didn’t feel like taking the time to cut dovetails. By the time I got the jig dialed in and cut 244 finger joints though I probably didn’t save much time.

Waters & Acland posted an update: Late Availability: 5-Day Table Making Course with […]

Mon, 17 Aug 2026 10:03:59 +0000

Late Availability: 5-Day Table Making Course with Lamination and Veneering: Sept 7th–11th

Hi Everyone,

Due to a late availability, we have a small number of places available on our upcoming 5-Day Table Making Course with Lamination and Veneering, running this September 7th-11th.

As a thank you to our online school members, we’ve arranged a 25%…

Steve posted an update: I’ve had the steam tube out this week for a fun little […]

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:26:32 +0000

I’ve had the steam tube out this week for a fun little project. Some steam bent oak light shades, really fun to make, nightmare to hand sand! Really happy with how they turned out.

Could also be used on some fashion catwalk…..

Steve posted an update: Finally it's finished and been to the Cartmel show for […]

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:19:43 +0000

Finally it’s finished and been to the Cartmel show for the competition it was made for. I got 3rd, which is okay (i guess?) for a first effort. The main thing was i learnt a load making this piece, and it certainly wont be the last time i tackle curvature in furniture. I loved the hand shaping and trying to figure things out as i went along.…

Andy Tovell posted an update: Quick update...The tops went on today. Gluing up in […]

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 11:48:42 +0000

Quick update…

The tops went on today. Gluing up in this heat was a real challenge as the through wedged tenons were a bit tighter than anticpated…

However with some clamps and family support we got there. Thats the good news!

But I must have a mistake with the wedged tenons as they simply did not close the joint up as anticipated and there…

Andy Tovell posted an update: Hi AllI'm conscious there may be several differing views […]

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:53:31 +0000

Hi All

I’m conscious there may be several differing views to the following question but I think thay could be helpful…

I am rapidly heading towards the final sanding and then finishing stages of my new work bench.

The bench is made from solid beech and I’d like a strong durable finish which leaves the colour as natural as possible.

I am thinking…

Chris posted an update: With the summer interruptions, this took longer than […]

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 16:02:00 +0000

With the summer interruptions, this took longer than planned but it came out nice. It’s goncalo alves, or tigerwood. Very dense and oily, good for outdoors, and difficult to work with. If you ever build with it, wear goat skin gloves pretty much 100% of the time or you will have slivers to deal with constantly. The panels are joined…

Andy Tovell posted an update: From dry fit to glue up!Throughout this project […]

Sun, 02 Aug 2026 11:40:48 +0000

From dry fit to glue up!

Throughout this project my justification for everything taking longer than anticipated (when does it not?) is that all has gone perfectly well…

…well today was not that day!

Despite several test dry fits, when I came to glue up the frame there was a 3mm discrepancy with the width of the frame which meant it would not…

Christopher Tumbridge posted an update: Cheats never prosper, but I did learn. I had some live […]

Wed, 22 Jul 2026 14:55:22 +0000

Cheats never prosper, but I did learn.

I had some live edge oak that would have had a beautiful top end and bottom edge finish, but cutting the grain this way ended in the obvious split.

2nd stock and the tenting process was easy to follow but tricky to execute. 1st dry fit and I was way off! How much? – well here’s the cheat!

I used my…

Waters & Acland posted an update: This new mitre paring block from Workshop Heaven could […]

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 16:39:33 +0000

This new mitre paring block from Workshop Heaven could come in very useful for those mitred dovetails. We demonstrate how to make one in the tutorials, but still tricky to produce by hand, and without a table saw.

https://workshopheaven.com/solid-beech-mitre-paring-block/?aff=4

workshopheaven.com

Solid Beech Mitre Paring Block

Solid Beech Mitre Paring Block only available only at workshopheaven.com. This and more Pinie woodworking tools, workbenches and workshop items are available.

Waters & Acland posted a new post.

Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:48:20 +0000

Melbourne Tool Company Low Angle Block Plane Review

Wood Workers Workshop kindly supplied the plane for this review. Whether you’re adding chamfers, easing a sharp edge, or taking whisper thin shavings from end…

Andris posted an update in the group Project Gallery: Please don’t judge too harshly—this is my very first […]

Tue, 14 Jul 2026 16:00:15 +0000

Please don’t judge too harshly—this is my very first woodworking project. I know there are plenty of mistakes, and the doors ended up much smaller than they were supposed to be. But the process taught me a lot. I realised which tools and jigs I was missing, and now I have a much better understanding of what belongs in my tool kit for this kind… Read more

Waters & Acland posted an update: Designer maker student Dalton continues to work on the […]

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 07:31:20 +0000

Designer maker student Dalton continues to work on the straw marquetry design for his cabinet front, and it’s really coming together now. So much work here, but it’ll be worth it for his final piece.

What do you think?

Steve posted an update: Its been slow but steady progress making this table. Its […]

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 06:10:21 +0000

Its been slow but steady progress making this table. Its a real test of my brain power and skillset at the moment, but im genuinely loving the process. I now have the rails glued together, and the joinery cut for the legs. Current plan is to shape the legs, its tricky as the curve of the rail needs to be matched in both inside and outside faces…

Waters & Acland posted an update: Here: […]

Mon, 06 Jul 2026 09:46:56 +0000

Here: https://online.watersandacland.co.uk/timber-suppliers/

Quarter Sawn Oak Company

Preston / North West, UK

Phone: 01433 670171 or 07398 269675
Web: quartersawnoak.co.uk/
Email: info@quartersawnoak.co.uk

We haven’t used them personally, but an online student had a great experience, so it’s another one to check out. They supply and deliver…

Waters & Acland posted an update: I thought this was an interesting post from Dalton - one […]

Fri, 03 Jul 2026 10:31:10 +0000

I thought this was an interesting post from Dalton – one of our Designer Makers on the 1-year course right now. He’s in the process of making his door panels with hundreds of these hand processed straws. It’s a heck of a job, but I’ve seen one of the panels and it looks amazing. Has anyone here tried it before?

instagram.com

Studio Concordia on Instagram: "For my current build, I wanted to incorporate a large straw marquetry design on the door panels. It’s a labor intensive process, but the end result is striking and was once called “the gold of the poor” due to its high sheen and metallic-like finish. Straw marquetry was a modestly popular technique in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but is having a bit of a revival as of late. The process starts with rye straw stalks which are harvested, dyed, flattened, cut, and then inlaid to create beautiful patterns on furniture surfaces. I’m looking forward to sharing how this takes shape, but for now enjoy a quick view into how I spent this week in the workshop. . . . . . . . #woodworking #woodwork #finefurniture #furnituredesign"

42 likes, 4 comments - studio_concordia on June 12, 2026: "For my current build, I wanted to incorporate a large straw marquetry design on the door panels. It’s a labor intensive process, but the end result is striking and was … Continue reading

Andy Tovell posted an update: I've been rubbish at posting updates on my bench project […]

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 14:35:14 +0000

I’ve been rubbish at posting updates on my bench project so here’s where I’ve got to… The tops are laminated and almost finished. The legs and the main stretchers are also finished. However I had a last minute change to add some wheels underneath it which has meant substantial work to the lower frame. Today I completed almost all of the…

Steve posted an update: Now the rails are foemed, the joinery to piece them […]

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 19:24:10 +0000

Now the rails are foemed, the joinery to piece them together is frying my brain, but in a good way. Ive enlisted Gareth with his expertise, and finally we have a way forwards, so now im working through the details. Bringing three together perfectly is going to be a challenge.

Waters & Acland posted a new post.

Tue, 30 Jun 2026 14:50:33 +0000

The Final Stretch

With just a few weeks of the Three Term Designer Maker course remaining, the finish line is definitely in sight. The big design decisions have…

Waters & Acland posted an update: Great to welcome Wood Workers Workshop […]

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 17:17:12 +0000

Great to welcome Wood Workers Workshop – https://woodworkersworkshop.co.uk/ – to our partner discounts list 🎉

Complete Online Course students now get 10% off, plus free UK mainland delivery on orders over £85. They also deliver worldwide too. 👍🏻

woodworkersworkshop.co.uk

Premium Woodworking Tools | Wood Workers Workshop

Wood Workers Workshop is a family-run business, by woodworkers for woodworkers, delivering 5-star customer service since 1999. We stock premium woodworking tools and accessories from leading brands including AUKTools, INCRA, JessEm, Woodpeckers, iGaging, Milescraft, FastCap, Verum & more.

Chris posted an update: I've been making an outdoor bbq table for my Big Green […]

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 12:44:00 +0000

I’ve been making an outdoor bbq table for my Big Green Egg ceramic cooker. I’m using Tigerwood and it’s slow going. Difficult wood to work with. It’s very dense, heavy and naturally oily. I had planned on using a lot of pocket screws but the wood will split without pilot holes which I found difficult to do with pocket screws. I’m using…

Steve posted an update: Hope everyone is enjoying the sun in the UK today. Ive […]

Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:37:29 +0000

Hope everyone is enjoying the sun in the UK today. Ive been hiding away from it (ginger problems!) in the workshop. I’m entering a local maker’s competition and have designed a small side table, a slight twist on the W&A bent lamination tri table on the course. Ive never entered a comp before, so i have no idea if this will even be anywhere…

Waters & Acland posted a new post.

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:12:09 +0000

Mid-Summer Term Update. Students in Full Flow

We’re now well into the second half of the summer term, and with just a few weeks remaining before the end of the Designer Maker…

Christopher Tumbridge posted an update: Finally completed the MKII in Maple. After a battle […]

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:59:21 +0000

Finally completed the MKII in Maple. After a battle with the shooting board and dimensioning the final shape; using the spoke shave was surprisingly straight forward.

It was finished off the plane and a light 320grit. Food grade mineral oil to complete the protection.

Jack posted an update: Hello, i have recently made this english walnut coffee […]

Sun, 07 Jun 2026 13:25:37 +0000

Hello, i have recently made this english walnut coffee table with bow ties. I have been trying to advertise this for sale in some places but am having a hard time finding somehwere. Does anyone have any ideas where would be a good place for this in the cumbria area. Thanks

Waters & Acland posted an update: Final Place Remaining + A Special Late Booking Offer! […]

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 14:01:48 +0000

Final Place Remaining + A Special Late Booking Offer! 👀

Our 4-week Fine Furniture Making course, starting June 29th, is now down to its final place.

Over four weeks you’ll complete a carefully structured programme of skill-building and furniture making, including the Chinese Puzzle, Chamfered Cutting Board, a table with exposed hand-cut joinery…

Waters & Acland posted an update: Late Availability: 5-Day Table Making Course with […]

Tue, 02 Jun 2026 09:39:57 +0000

Late Availability: 5-Day Table Making Course with Lamination and Veneering: June 8th–12th

Hi Everyone,

Due to a late availability, we have a small number of places available on our upcoming 5-Day Table Making Course with Lamination and Veneering, running June 8th–12th.

As a thank you to our online school members, we’ve arranged a 25% saving on any…

Christopher Tumbridge posted an update in the group Project Chatroom: Its finished and does fit together nicely. Its not […]

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:23:36 +0000

Its finished and does fit together nicely. Its not perfect, and I will remake some components when I have time. Key learning is for me to take more time. I got a bit too excited towards the end in my haste to assemble it and lost the edge in a couple of spots.

On the plus side, I now have very acurate Shooting and Cutting Boards. The…

Max posted an update: Hello everyone, My name is Max and I am 18 years old […]

Fri, 29 May 2026 15:49:08 +0000

Hello everyone, My name is Max and I am 18 years old and have always had an interest in joinery and bespoke furniture. I am currently a first fix carpenter doing new builds which not something I am passionate about and I want to get into joinery. I have had a look a the required tools that you need to start the course and obviously its quite a…

Gabriele posted an update in the group Project Chatroom: Hi everyone! Quick question about the octagonal […]

Thu, 28 May 2026 19:50:19 +0000

Hi everyone! Quick question about the octagonal breadboard project — is only the round sole spokeshave used, or is the flat sole version needed as well? Thanks!

Waters & Acland posted a new lesson.

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:09:34 +0000

Waters & Acland posted a new lesson.

Thu, 21 May 2026 09:09:06 +0000

Waters & Acland posted a new course.

Thu, 21 May 2026 07:44:24 +0000

Chinese Puzzle

This project is all about accuracy with simple hand tools — It’s a real skills test!

Chris posted an update: I am continuing with my side project box thingy as I […]

Wed, 20 May 2026 11:30:18 +0000

I am continuing with my side project box thingy as I prepare for a larger build. I added some copper doweling to these holes and flushed them off. They contrast nicely with the wenge.

Gabriele posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: Good morning everyone! Just sharing a few shots of […]

Wed, 20 May 2026 09:19:54 +0000

Good morning everyone! Just sharing a few shots of my sharpening setup for planes and chisels. I went ahead and got the 15 mm float glass W&A recommend — not mandatory for the course, but I had the opportunity so why not! Sharpening is hard work, but honestly one of the most satisfying parts of the process. Cheers fron Italy!! Happy to be on… Read more

Christopher Tumbridge posted an update in the group Project Chatroom: Making my second breadboard - this time its the […]

Tue, 19 May 2026 19:56:15 +0000

Making my second breadboard – this time its the Octagonal Breadboard MKII. Due to an error from the supplier, I’ve ended up with a Maple board instead of Ash. My hope is the finished board will be more durable; but it is a very hard wood to work. Lots of blade sharpening already.

Blister aside, that burnished end grain straight off the plane is…

Steve posted an update: While having a tidy through the wood scrap pile, i […]

Mon, 18 May 2026 07:39:06 +0000

While having a tidy through the wood scrap pile, i came across this offcut of lime. Having not pulled out the chisels in a while, i binned off the sorting and started carving. No real plan, just drew on some wiggly lines and went with it. A great reminder how enjoyable shaping a flat piece of wood can be with sharp tools.

I have no idea what…

Chris posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: I've got several revo jr parallel clamps. I'm thinking […]

Sat, 16 May 2026 10:54:11 +0000

I’ve got several revo jr parallel clamps. I’m thinking of adding some 12″ lengths and I’m wondering if I should go with the full-sized revo clamps or stick with the jr’s. I’ve never felt like the jr’s are insufficient, but then again, I’ve never used the regular revo’s so maybe I’m missing out on something and just don’t know it??? Any thoughts?

Alan posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: Hi everyone, Looking to buy a replacement marking knife […]

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:21:51 +0000

Hi everyone, Looking to buy a replacement marking knife and considering the Narex Rosewood ones – however, they come in three thicknesses 0.75mm, 1.2mm and 2.5mm. The question is – which one to go for? Anyone have experience of these? Thanks, Alan

Alan posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: I am using the Veritas Mk II Honing Guide as used in the […]

Thu, 14 May 2026 19:11:50 +0000

I am using the Veritas Mk II Honing Guide as used in the W&A Online Sharpening lesson. However, I find it nearly impossible to clamp narrow chisels securely – they start at right angles to the guide but quickly twist one way or t’other. Anybody any advice on how to stop this please. Thanks, Alan

Chris posted an update: One obstacle I find to woodworking is that it's hard to […]

Thu, 14 May 2026 03:14:17 +0000

One obstacle I find to woodworking is that it’s hard to be spontaneous. There’s generally a lot of planning that goes into a project. As a comparison, I do a lot of photography and it’s very easy to try many approaches and techniques because everything can be undone and redone over and over again, quickly and without additional cost. Not…

Waters & Acland posted a new post.

Wed, 06 May 2026 15:37:21 +0000

Week Three of Term Three. Progress Update

With our Two Term Designer Makers now having left the workshop before Easter, our remaining Three Term students are either in the final stages of…

Waters & Acland posted a new lesson.

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:23:16 +0000

Waters & Acland posted a new lesson.

Mon, 04 May 2026 09:22:59 +0000

Yonatan posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: Hi everyone,I recently attended the “Mastering Tool Prep & […]

Sun, 03 May 2026 12:54:14 +0000

Hi everyone,

I recently attended the “Mastering Tool Prep & Use” course and sharpened my hand plane irons and chisels there according to the instructors’ guidance (primary bevel at 25°).

Now that I’m back home and continuing to maintain my tools, I want to keep exactly the same secondary bevel angle that was taught in the course. I’m a little…

Chris posted an update: I finished this box for my son who graduates from […]

Sun, 03 May 2026 00:34:55 +0000

I finished this box for my son who graduates from high school in June. Wenge, spalted maple and ebony pull. Brushed the wenge with a steel brush and shellaced it. I did the top in osmo raw. Inside is shellaced. I spent a long time thinking I needed to do something very elaborate to commemorate his graduation and worked my away around…

Waters & Acland posted an update: Hi all, does anyone have any making plans for […]

Fri, 01 May 2026 10:32:06 +0000

Hi all, does anyone have any making plans for the weekend?

Post a project pic and let us know how you’re getting on with the course, or maybe you’ve got your own project on the go.. it’d be great to see some work in progress shots.

It’s been a busy couple of weeks at the furniture school: short courses, new 12-week starters, and our 3-term…

Waters & Acland posted an update: The trusty gunstock joint method was used on Dalton’s […]

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 18:00:01 +0000

The trusty gunstock joint method was used on Dalton’s bedside table – worked a treat! 😎

https://online.watersandacland.co.uk/courses/joinery-exercises/lessons/gunstock-joint-tutorial-2/

Andy Tovell posted an update: Over the past year I have benefitted from the […]

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 20:03:50 +0000

Over the past year I have benefitted from the collective wisdom from other members on this project so I thought I’d give some more regular updates now its approaching the final stages…!

I have learned so much on the way and applied a lot from the online course.

Have to be honest I hugely under-estimated this project. It’s been a big ambition for…

Chris posted an update in the group Project Chatroom: I finally got around to making the W&A shooting board. […]

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:09:24 +0000

I finally got around to making the W&A shooting board. My old one was too small, but, it was dead square. I was hesitant to make another as “dead square” is an illusive angle in my life. But I nailed it and this board is so much nicer! I ended up gluing and screwing the fence as the mdf kept compressing while I was tightening the bolts…