“Took the Kumiko course, definitely recommended! Easy to follow for beginners too!”
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cursus
Basic Woodworking Course
Learn the fundamentals of traditional woodworking in 8 evenings. You'll work with hand tools, learn classic joints and make your own wooden mallet.
Description
Would you like to build a solid foundation in traditional woodworking? This 8 week Basic Woodworking course offers an in depth introduction to the essential techniques, tools and joinery methods used in traditional woodworking.
Over the course of eight evening sessions, you will work extensively with hand tools such as chisels, hand saws and hand planes while learning how to shape and join wood with accuracy and confidence. You will discover how classic joints such as dovetails and mortise and tenon joints are made and applied in traditional furniture making. You will also learn how to sharpen and maintain your tools, ensuring that you can always work with sharp and well maintained equipment.
All techniques are immediately put into practice through hands on exercises and small projects. The course concludes with the creation of your own wooden joiner’s mallet, bringing together all the skills and techniques you have learned. By the end of the course, you will have a strong foundation that enables you to continue independently with woodworking and furniture making.
What to expect
• Working with traditional hand tools such as saws, planes and chisels
• Learning to create classic woodworking joints
• Accurate measuring, marking out and working to precise dimensions
• Sharpening and maintaining woodworking tools
• Understanding different wood species and their characteristics
• Practical exercises focused on craftsmanship and precision
• Working on a variety of small projects
• Guidance from an experienced craftsman
What you will make
Your own wooden hammer along with a variety of practice pieces that incorporate the key techniques and joints covered during the course.
Requirements
Suitable for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to build a strong foundation in woodworking and furniture making. No prior experience or participation in the introductory workshop is required.
How it works
From sign-up to making
01
Pick a date
Browse the start dates and choose the moment that suits you.
02
Book and pay online
Reserve your spot in a few clicks, securely via iDEAL. You'll get instant confirmation by email.
03
Start woodworking
Take the course under the guidance of an experienced instructor. All materials and tools are ready for you.
What participants say
“Gives a real nice introductory course into Kumiko Ramma.”
“Did the introduction woodworking course today. Very educational and fun. Good energy and learned a lot about wood.”
“What a lovely place! Had my first woodcutting workshop here, and we tried the whole range of instruments and techniques, from japanese saw to the industrial sawing machine.”
“Followed a really fun and interesting basic woodworking course. In 8 weeks you learn a thing or two about wood and joints. Very relaxed and well guided by Jelle and Jochem. A treat as far as I'm concerned!”
“Did the introduction course, really fun to get acquainted with woodworking. Nice location, nice people and a lovely little piece to take home: recommended!”
“I took a really fun and educational introductory woodworking course at the Bovenkamer. The course is taught in an accessible way; I'd recommend it to everyone.”
“Did the introductory woodworking course. Learned a lot in a short time and got acquainted with the possibilities of woodworking. Thanks, guys!”
“Wonderful woodworking course by two enthusiasts. Definitely recommended!”
“Did a really fun introductory woodworking workshop! Learned a lot about wood and various techniques, and very happy with the end result!”
“Attended an introduction day of woodworking with Jochem & Edwin. Very friendly guys and learned a great deal, definitely recommended!”
“Introductory course, well organised. Nice people. If you already have some feel or experience, I'd go for the basic course.”
“Had a great experience at the basic woodworking course. Job and Jochem are fantastic instructors, super helpful, and it helped that I was in a great group of fellow students. I will definitely come back.”
“Super fun and educational course. I found it harder than expected, but the engaged and relaxed instructors (Job, Jochem and Jelle) helped everyone keep it manageable and interesting, resulting in a beautiful end product.”
“Really fun workshop with expert guidance! And clear instructions on how to use the tools properly and safely!”
“Yesterday I attended a Japanese woodworking workshop with full satisfaction. A very nice introduction to basic techniques. They offer all kinds of more extensive courses.”
“Really enjoyed the basic woodworking course with Jochem and Job. Besides learning a lot about wood and joints, every Wednesday evening was great fun.”
“What a lovely place this is! Craftsmanship and relaxation come together here and you can spend hours.”
“A real recommendation for anyone who wants to get acquainted with woodworking. Fun and educational course and two spontaneous, enthusiastic instructors. Thanks.”
“The basic woodworking course with Edwin and Jochem was a delight! They introduced the craft with great knowledge and skill.”
“Took a fun and top-quality 8-week woodworking course with Edwin and Jochem. Two very experienced and skilled men.”
“My partner and I had a great time at Bovenkamer's intro to woodworking class. Jochem and Edwin are excellent teachers, and help you progress quickly. The classes are enjoyable and you come away with some real skills. Would definitely recommend!”
“I had never held a chisel before and now I've made my first wooden bench!”
“I gave myself the basic woodworking course as a gift and I'm so enthusiastic that I'm going to take the follow-up course too!”
“We had a really fun afternoon here with a team of about 15 people. Jochem and Edwin were knowledgeable, enthusiastic and helpful.”
“Completed both the beginner course and the intermediate course shortly after moving to Utrecht and really enjoyed both classes! Edwin and Jochem were both great.”
“Our team had a really successful afternoon at this inspiring location at De Nijverheid in Utrecht.”
Frequently asked
Do I need experience?
No. Our courses and workshops are suitable for beginners — we guide you step by step.
What should I bring?
Nothing special. Tools and materials are provided. Wear clothes that can get dirty.
When do the lessons take place?
The course runs weekly on the same day and at the same time (except during school holidays). If you are unable to attend a session, it is possible to make up the missed time by arrangement.
Can I cancel?
Free up to 14 days in advance (100% refund), 50% between 7–14 days, no refund after that.
Can I join if I don't speak Dutch?
Yes. Our courses and workshops are taught in Dutch, but we can also give explanations and guidance in English. In most cases, English-speaking participants can simply join.
Can I join a waiting list for a course that is full?
Yes. Send us a message via the contact form and we'll let you know as soon as a spot opens up.
Can I give a course as a gift?
Yes. When booking, you can enter a different participant. Not sure which course or workshop is the right fit? Choose a gift voucher from our webshop — it can be redeemed for all courses and workshops.
Still have a question?
Send us a message, we usually reply within one business day.