Introduction to Tool Restoration

Get started restoring, repairing, and maintaining your hand tools with this introductory course. Participants bring a tool or two they would like to get started repairing, and through collaborative engagement, each person will learn about a variety of common problems and repairs that hand tools face. As a group we will go around to discuss what can and cannot be done for each tool before beginning work to help get them started on the road to repair and restoration.

Working under experienced instructors, through example and demonstration participants will learn about the restoration process, identifying damage, identifying tool components, understanding common faults in hand tools, and how to best resolve them. On top of discussing the specific concerns of the pieces participants bring in, they will also learn the basics of tool use, safe rust removal, cleaning, repair adhesives, fixing broken components, replacing losses, saw sharpening, reviving a finish, and some other tips and tricks to get more life out of your tools.

Among The Trees also has a range of tools on hand for students to work on and see completed or in-progress repairs.

1 x 6 hour session
$299 per person
Open to students 13 and over, see our child safe policy here
Course includes moderate physical exertion

  • By the end of this woodwork for beginners course you should have:

    • Been introduced to a range of hand tools and their terminology.

    • Learned a range of terminology, techniques and applications of hand tool restoration and repair.

    • An understanding of the theory of sharpening different hand tools.

    • A guide to the ethics and options present in repair and restoration.

    • Hands on experience handling and repairing different tools.

    • Please bring any hand tools you would like to repair or seek advice on the repair or maintenance of.

    • Please note: this course will not cover the repair or restoration of any powered tools, including vintage power tools.

    • You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, or one can be bought from Among The Trees. Protective eyewear and ear protection is able to be borrowed during the class. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use.

    • You are required to wear closed-toe shoes. Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present). Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.

  • This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with tool restoration. It is open to anyone 13 years and over.

    The course is run using entirely hand tools so you need to be aware that there is an element of physicality involved.