Waters & Acland | Site-Wide Activity

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…

Andy Tovell posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: Hi all Quick question about using pocket bits in […]

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:03:36 +0000

Hi all

Quick question about using pocket bits in routers e.g. for deep tenons or bread board ends.

I have a couple of pocket bits from wealdon tools and a Triton tra001 router.

The issue I have is that the collet on the router will not accept the bit far enough to reach the minimum insert line on the bit.

My understanding is that bits should…

Waters & Acland posted an update in the group Pop Up Q&A: Pop Up Session is now closed. Thanks for your questions.

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 17:00:57 +0000

Pop Up Session is now closed. Thanks for your questions.

Zoe posted an update in the group Pop Up Q&A: Hi. Just purchased my first spokeshave (for breadboard […]

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:33:48 +0000

Hi. Just purchased my first spokeshave (for breadboard mark II). Straight out the box – should I add a secondary bevel? I have the veritas small blade holder & honing guide. Thanks

Robert posted an update in the group Pop Up Q&A: Hi there, I'm working on the dovetailed bookends […]

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:14:58 +0000

Hi there, I’m working on the dovetailed bookends and struggling a bit with the grain when paring back to the pins (mainly on the vertical) I keep spliting through the pin! Got through the Chinese puzzle with a couple of attempts, but this seems a lot harder.

Philip Weathers posted an update in the group Pop Up Q&A: Joined from Denver Colorado. I don’t have any specific […]

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:07:29 +0000

Joined from Denver Colorado. I don’t have any specific questions today but thought i would see what questions or issues others have

Waters & Acland posted an update in the group Pop Up Q&A: I'm here if you have a […]

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 15:01:44 +0000

I’m here if you have a question. 🙋🏻‍♂️

Steve posted an update: Hey folks, just thought i’d share this. Last night […]

Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:13:14 +0000

Hey folks, just thought i’d share this. Last night purchasing some rough sawn timber from G&S timber i noticed the delivery price has doubled! What was an incredibly reasonable £20, has now jumped to £42. Its no surprise with whats going on in the East, but just thought id let you know if you are pricing things up at the moment.

Im not sure…

Waters & Acland posted an update: We’re running a pop up project Q&A session tomorrow […]

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 14:44:46 +0000

We’re running a pop up project Q&A session tomorrow afternoon 👀

Join the session free here – available to all members: This Tuesday, 4pm–6pm (BST), I’ll be live in the Community Feed answering your project questions.

This is a free, informal session open to all members. During that two-hour window, you can post your questions directly in the…

Chris posted an update in the group Tools Chatroom: Does anyone here use a Shaper Origin? I've been […]

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 12:00:48 +0000

Does anyone here use a Shaper Origin? I’ve been thinking of getting one but it’s a hefty investment. I’m curious to know the thoughts of anyone that’s had it in their shop for awhile. Thanks.

My first interest is in using it to add intricate relief carvings to pieces. I imagine I’d find more uses for it than that, but that’s what I’d like…

Christopher Tumbridge posted an update: In some of the tutorials, the Starrett mini square is […]

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 18:18:38 +0000

In some of the tutorials, the Starrett mini square is used and Workshop Heaven mentioned as a supplier. However, I can’t see these on their site and the only other supplier I found mentions they’re only available as an Imperial measurement…. Anyone know where I can get one with metric markings?

Waters & Acland posted a new post.

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 14:26:41 +0000

End of Term Two – A Celebration of Making

Over the past few weeks, we’ve been surrounded by the final push of self-designed projects: long hours of sanding, refining, adjusting, and problem solving, followed…

Andy Tovell posted an update in the group Woodworking Chatroom: My current project is a new workbench. I'm starting to […]

Sun, 12 Apr 2026 19:57:37 +0000

My current project is a new workbench. I’m starting to plan the storage for under the bench and would like to make solid beech doors and drawer fronts which will be around flat panels around 18mm thick.
What is the best way of laminating strips to prevent future movement? The widest panel will be the around 300mm wide – how many pieces of…