The Woodworkers Institute

We bring you the very best of woodworking!

“Make it with us”

Vintage compass in original box from Farrand Sales.

Collector’s guide to tape measures 

Barry Robbins shares his passion for a tool that most of us take for granted but couldn’t bear to be without  Introduction to tape measures We have been talking to Barry Robbins from New York about his collection of tape measures, which at first might not sound quite as interesting as a premium plane, but I’m prepared to wager that

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Modern wooden chair with blue accents, side view.

The Cartwright Chair

James Bowyer unlocks the methods behind the stack laminated, coopered and shaped backrest on the Cartwright Chair and reveals his techniques to recreate the chair’s characteristic carved dimpled texture In a candid moment I’d admit that the prospect of designing my first chair filled me with as much dread as it did excitement. When approaching this task, being a speculative

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Woodworking tools on wooden workbench

Drawbore mortise and tenons

Vic Tesolin explains how a few extra steps will guarantee centuries of strength In medieval times, it wasn’t uncommon to see the trestle table. This simple design is strong, sturdy and easily adorned with carving or other embellishments. The secret behind this rock-solid design is the always present mortise and tenon joint. Specifically, the drawbore M&T is a joint that

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Elegant wooden cabinet with radiating pattern design.

A little ray of sunshine

Mark Dunning describes building his Corona Cabinet After years working as a landscaper, tree surgeon and telecoms engineer, I finally decided to take my passion for woodwork to the next level and enrol on a fine furniture making course. After visiting a few studios I settled on Waters & Acland in the Lake District and on completion of their set

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Colourful bird holding dragonflies on branch.

Bee-eater

Mike Wood shows how to create one of the most exquisitely coloured birds around There are around 25 species within

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Wooden furniture with metal drawer sliders.

Drawer runners

Whether you have loose drawers or none fitted at all, here is some useful advice to get them running smoothly

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Wooden lectern holding binder and magazines near window.

Adjustable lectern

Michael T Collins makes an easily adjustable lectern Dale Carnegie once said ‘there are always three speeches for every one

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