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14 Cottage St
Blackburn, VIC, 3130
Australia

0413 537 490

The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston (USA) Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills. 

The Guild is committed to preserving and advancing craft traditions in furniture making. We are also committed to promoting a greater awareness and appreciation of
craftsmanship. In our classes we emphasize the skillful use of hand tools and power equipment and an informed use of appropriate materials. We are passionate about what we do and want to share information, ideas and skills with all our students young and old, from beginner to advanced.

Melbourne's Finest Woodworking Courses & Classes

 

The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking (The Guild) was founded by Alastair Boell in 2007. After graduating from the world renowned North Bennet Street School, Boston, USA, Alastair felt that there was a great need in Australia for an educational facility that focuses on traditional skills.

 
 
 

“Made with heart and hands”

 
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Gift Certificates

We have a great universal filler when it comes to Birthdays, Christmas, Mothers Day or Bar mitzvah’s. Our gift cards are a great way to offload the decision making to that special person in your life.

Buy Now
 

Feature Classes

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Open workshops

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. There are a number of classes held over morning, afternoon and evening sessions.

Featured
Open Workshop - Monday
Open Workshop - Monday

TERM 3 2026
13th July to 14th September 2026 (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950 - 10 week course

Mon afternoon class - 1 vacancy
Mon evening class - 1 vacancy

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Presented by Mike Blood, Alastair Boell and Lionel Seibert

Read more →
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Open Workshop - Tuesday

TERM 3 2026
14th July to 15th September (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950 - 10 week course

Tues afternoon course - 2 vacancies

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Presented by Alastair Boell & Lionel Seibert

Read more →
Open Workshop - Wednesday
Open Workshop - Wednesday

TERM 3 2026
15th July to 16th September 2026 (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950 - 10 week course

Wed morning class - 2 vacancies

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Presented by Alastair Boell

Read more →
Open Workshop - Thursday
Open Workshop - Thursday

TERM 3 2026
16th July to 17th September 2026 (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950 - 10 week course

Thursday evening class - 1 vacancy

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Presented by Mike Green & Peter Kruithof

Read more →
Open Workshop - Saturday
Open Workshop - Saturday

TERM 3 2026
18th July to 19th September (10 week course)
*Mid-term enrolments accepted*
$950 - 10 week course

This is a great opportunity for students of all levels to undertake their own individual projects under the expert tuition of our qualified instructors. These classes are ongoing and offer a great opportunity to join a group of like minded enthusiasts.

Presented by Lionel Seibert and Alastair Boell

Read more →
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Beginner Courses

Learn to master some of the fundamentals of fine woodworking. In these project based courses you will learn about basic techniques such as carcass construction, dove tail joints, basic hand planning and applying natural oil finish.

Featured
Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table - Beginners Course
Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table - Beginners Course

Every Monday evening
$1290.00 AUD
13th April to 29th June 2026
(11 week course)

Presented by Mike Blood

Guided by the principles of 'simplicity', 'craftsmanship', 'proportion' and 'material' (ie; the natural beauty of timber, we present to you our 11-week ‘Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table’ course. This course will start with an exciting opportunity to choose your own slab from a large collection of salvaged timbers at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.

Read more →
Beginners Course: The Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking - The Shaker Nightstand
Beginners Course: The Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking - The Shaker Nightstand

Every Tuesday evening
$2200.00 AUD
7th July to 15th December 2026
(22 week course)

Presented by Alastair Boell
The ‘Shaker Nightstand’ course represents the perfect course for the beginner.

Read more →
Natural Edged Bench - Beginners Course
Natural Edged Bench - Beginners Course

Every Wednesday evening
$1030.00 AUD
14th October to 16th December 2026
(10 week course)

Presented by Lee Gratton
This elegant Natural Edged Bench offers a satisfying taste of chair making with the convenience of it being scheduled every Wednesday evening for a single term (10 week course).

Read more →
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Intensive Courses

Our Intensive Courses are specialist workshops and project based courses in Fine Furniture making, ranging from 1 day to 1 week courses. These courses cater for students of all levels.

Featured
Spanish Chair
Spanish Chair

$2300 AUD
Thur 13th to Mon 17th August 2026

Presented by Hugh Anderson
The MGFW is introducing the Borge Mogensen ‘Spanish Chair’ to Australia with a 5-day course covering advanced joinery and leatherwork, allowing participants to choose premium timbers and Italian leather colours for a standout, comfortable chair.

Read more →
Windsor - Continuous Arm Chair
Windsor - Continuous Arm Chair

$2440.00 AUD
Mon 23rd to Sun 29th November 2026
From 9am to 5pm
(7 day course)

Presented by Jon Grant
This is the Melbourne Guild’s fifth Continuous Arm chair resulting from Peter Galbert’s teaching visit to Australia.

Read more →
Kumiko Box - Beginner's Course
Kumiko Box - Beginner's Course

$890.00 AUD
Fri 20th to Sun 22nd November 2026
(3 consecutive day course)

Presented by Alastair Boell
In this 3 consecutive day Beginner’s course, you will make this stunningly elegant hexagonal Kumiko Box made from Walnut and Maple or Celery Top Pine. It is one of the prettiest pieces on offer and certainly packs a punch in terms of woodworking skills learnt in a short period of time.

Read more →
French Polishing
French Polishing

$430.00 AUD
Sun 8th November 2026
(1 day course)


Presented by Eddy Toffeletti
French Polishing is a traditional finish where you apply thin layers of Shellac onto timber to bring out the subtle beauty held within.

Read more →
Essential Tools for Woodworkers - Beginner's course
Essential Tools for Woodworkers - Beginner's course

BEGINNERS WELCOME
Fri 14th to Sun 16th August 2026
(3 day course)
$890.00 AUD

Presented by Alastair Boell
You will learn how to make a mallet, marking gauge, dovetail marker and a double bevel marking knife. These 4 tools represent an essential kit for anyone interested in fine woodworking.

Read more →
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Perch Stool

Fri 20th November to Sun 22nd 2026
(3 day course)
$990 AUD


Presented by Jon Grant
This Perch is a great opportunity to introduce you to the world of ‘Windsor’ chair making and the techniques associated with this iconic style.

Read more →
Shaker Bentwood Box: Sizes 1, 2 & 3
Shaker Bentwood Box: Sizes 1, 2 & 3

Sunday 25th October 2026
(1 day course)
$460 AUD

Presented by Matt Stonehouse
‘Shaker Oval Boxes’ are recognized artifacts of Shaker life and work.

Read more →
Tool Sharpening and Hand Plane Tuning
Tool Sharpening and Hand Plane Tuning

Sunday25th October 2026
(1 day course)
$430

Presented by Alastair Boell
This is a very comprehensive one day sharpening course. The importance of this topic is ALWAYS overlooked to the detriment of your furniture making.

Read more →
Roorkee Chair
Roorkee Chair

Fri 12th to Mon 15th June 2026
$2100 AUD

Presented by Hugh Anderson
The Roorkee Chair belongs to the genre of Campaign Furniture. In the days of empires, there was a need for rugged, sturdy and simple furniture for military campaigns.

Read more →
The Art of Japanese Kumiko
The Art of Japanese Kumiko

Sat 5th to Sun 6th December 2026
$860 AUD

Presented by Alastair Boell
Learn this delicate and sophisticated technique of assembling wooden pieces without the use of nails. Thinly slit wooden pieces are grooved, punched and mortised, and then fitted individually using a plane, saw, chisel and other tools to make fine adjustments.


Read more →

Recovery Grant
Working through COVID and beyond.

Forever grateful to the City of Whitehorse for believing in us!

This Botanical Box is made with London Plane with a shellac finish. This video is not designed to be 'instructional' and it has no background music or commentary....it is just a 'fly on the wall' experience in a professional workshop environment. The style of this video originated out of Japan, where Jacqueline and I used to live many years ago. We hope you enjoy it!

2025 Beginners Courses

Classes
Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table - Beginners Course
Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table - Beginners Course

Every Monday evening
$1290.00 AUD
13th April to 29th June 2026
(11 week course)

Presented by Mike Blood

Guided by the principles of 'simplicity', 'craftsmanship', 'proportion' and 'material' (ie; the natural beauty of timber, we present to you our 11-week ‘Nakashima Inspired Coffee Table’ course. This course will start with an exciting opportunity to choose your own slab from a large collection of salvaged timbers at the Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.

Read more →
Beginners Course: The Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking - The Shaker Nightstand
Beginners Course: The Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking - The Shaker Nightstand

Every Tuesday evening
$2200.00 AUD
7th July to 15th December 2026
(22 week course)

Presented by Alastair Boell
The ‘Shaker Nightstand’ course represents the perfect course for the beginner.

Read more →
Natural Edged Bench - Beginners Course
Natural Edged Bench - Beginners Course

Every Wednesday evening
$1030.00 AUD
14th October to 16th December 2026
(10 week course)

Presented by Lee Gratton
This elegant Natural Edged Bench offers a satisfying taste of chair making with the convenience of it being scheduled every Wednesday evening for a single term (10 week course).

Read more →

New in the Shop

Featured
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Sweet Pickins Old Fashioned Milk Paint
A$55.00

Our Old Fashioned MILK PAINT is a re-creation of the ancient MILK PAINT formula used for centuries before the sale of commercially made paints. It is an authentic finish for use in the restoration of antiques or in the reproduction of antique furniture. It comes in rich colors that are durable and do not fade. Also, since our real MILK PAINT is made from elements that pre-date the use of petrochemicals and other toxic bases and solvents, it is biodegradable, non-toxic, and odor-free when dry. Our MILK PAINT is preferred by custom furniture builders, interior designers, artists, craftsmen, do-it-yourselfers, and those who are sensitive to the need to protect the environment.

Read more →
Danish Oil
Danish Oil
from A$22.00

DANISH OIL - An oil finish, suitable for all types of wood. It differs from Teak Oil in that it contains special ingredients, which prevent it drying to a gloss. It is an easy to use wipe on finish, which brings out the beauty of the timber and gives a natural, open grained, soft lustrous finish. Ideal for all woods and is excellent on turned woodwork. Danish Oil is a unique formulation developed by Rustins.

PLEASE NOTE: This item cannot be shipped and must be picked up on site, due to it being flammable.

Read more →
Set of 4 Dovetail Gauges
Sold
Set of 4 Dovetail Gauges
A$120.00

Hand-cut dovetails remain the mark of the skilled cabinetmaker and a feature that buyers look for in high-end furniture.

To help master the art of hand cutting dovetails we have developed a set of 4 guides that helps achieve professional and consistent results every time.

Made from Brass and Gidgee the full set consists of 4 gauges, each with a different angle: 4°, 4.5°, 5° and 6° respectively. (you can also purchase just a single guide if you want).

These guides allow the student and seasoned expert to produce consistent dovetail joints more quickly and with less effort.

Read more →
MGFW T-Shirt
MGFW T-Shirt
A$35.00

Don't be caught out wearing anything else. Made and printed in Melbourne. These T-shirts are 100 percent cotton and feature the silhouette of the iconic Windsor Chair. Available in pitch black and a full range of sizes.

Read more →

Retail Partners

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View fullsize
View fullsize One last post on Netsuke. Three more examples of Susan Wraight’s work. The first one is not a Netsuke but more an example of her carving work that she was asked to put together for an exhibition. Stunning work I think you would all agree. Our l
View fullsize This is a box of Susan Wraight’s Netsuke carving chisels. Each chisel has a different type of timber for a handle. One of Susan’s past students was kind enough to make these handles for her. You can just see ‘White Beech’ writ
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View fullsize Eleni has been working on this epic and quite complex Day Bed for a while now and it is starting to look pretty amazing. Made from New Guinea Rosewood. Eleni attends our Saturday afternoon Open Course. #woodwork #madeinmelbourne #handmade
View fullsize We had a Working Bee on Sunday with a high ambition to make 30 stools for the Guild from timber that was lying around the school. 11 wonderful volunteers turned up for a day of making, talking and eating. We didn’t reach our lofty goal but had
View fullsize Susan Wright’s Netsuke Course starts its 3rd day today and so far it has been just brilliant. Today she brought in a lovely example of the four stages of development she tends to follow. From the left! 1. A plasticine model of the proposed Nets
View fullsize Bev has started her next project and has decided to buy this stunning elm board salvaged from The Royal Botanical Gardens Melbourne. Even more special in my opinion, is the hole on the side facing the camera which is where we extracted a series of o
View fullsize A few days again Rick brought in his finished Katana and Wakizashi stand made from Elm and Jarrah. The top Katana dates from the Second World War but the bottom Wakizashi dates from between 1661 and 1673 and was made by Yoshimasa from the Bushu ju Sc
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View fullsize Yesterday we held a sale for our students of my late friend and mentor Bryan Poynton’s hand tools. He collected over the years a sizeable amount of carving chisels. Too many to count. #woodwork #madeinmelbourne #handmade
View fullsize A few more images of our recent trip up to Echuca. 1. Under the impressive wharf structure at the river port of Echuca. 2. There were so many beautiful and original shop fronts within the oldest precinct of Echuca. The boards at the entrance to this
View fullsize Two of the highlights of yesterday’s milling. White oak from the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne. Unusually dark and slightly spalted. #woodwork #madeinmelbourne #handmade
View fullsize About ten years ago a managed to salvage some of this incredible figured ash from a back yard in Eastern Melbourne. The arborist had cut it into 1’ blocks. 🤯🤯🤯 Very nice to see it put to good use by Zac Ginnane. He has been restoring these b
View fullsize I came up stairs to the gallery to find this sumptuous beauty. A Blackwood table by Fred @fre.4 The light was just perfect. #woodwork #madeinmelbourne #handmade
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The Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this country and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and their Elders – past, present and emerging.