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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.

Tool Sharpening and Hand Plane Tuning

Classes

Tool Sharpening and Hand Plane Tuning

Josh Cohen

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$430.00 AUD

Presented by Michael Ooi

This is a very comprehensive one day sharpening course. The importance of this topic is ALWAYS overlooked to the detriment of your furniture making. Good woodworking absolutely starts with sharp tools and well tuned hand planes.

You will be directed to the MindBody booking page.

In this one day course, you will learn the fundamentals of tuning and sharpening a hand plane and sharpening of chisels and scrapers.

We will give you a comprehensive system that produces ‘razor sharp’ edges every time. We will also advise you where you can purchase certain items to enable you to create this same system

Instructor
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Michael Ooi

Coming from a background in music and architecture, Michael’s journey into furniture making was prompted by some ideas and interest that he had in instrument making (drums in particular). The study of furniture making seemed to be the most practical and logical step to acquire the necessary skills for wooden instrument making.Accordingly in 2014/15 Michael undertook a Certificate III in Cabinet and Furniture making at Holmesglen TAFE full-time.

Through participation in the Furniture Making course, he became more interested in the craft of furniture making itself and gained a great satisfaction and inspiration from the experience of working with wood.

Since 2016 Michael has been a full time furniture maker making furniture at Whelan, Westwood and Tide Designs.

Michael has entered pieces in the Student Craftsmanship category of Furnitex Awards in 2014 and 2015, both of which became finalist pieces and also received an award for Excellence in Craftsmanship at the Holmesglen TAFE Design Awards for 2014.

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Testimonials
Sharpening & Hand Plane Tuning Course

Thank you for your time and knowledge last Sunday.
I had an amazing day and I look forward to spending more time with you at the Guild.

Adrian Greening - February 2022


Fine tune the edge

I realised I was enjoying myself when at 6 after skipping lunch I was still keen to fine tune the edge on a newly transformed hand plane. The day removed one of the great mysteries of woodwork for me and I now feel empowered to get my on tools safe in the knowledge that I will be able to maintain them.

Kristian Puccio - June 2012

Staying Sharp

I recently attended the Sharpening and Hand Plane Tuning course conducted by Alastair Boell, which I found to be very informative. Alastair is very knowledgeable and is a very good teacher. Having refreshments provided by Alastair’s wife Jacqueline was a nice touch, and we were still there well after the scheduled finishing time. Highly recommended.

John Hogan - June 2012

When

4th May 2025
Sunday - 9:00am to 4:00pm
(1 Day)

30th November 2025
Sunday - 9:00am to 4:00pm
(1 Day)

Location
Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking.
14 Cottage St, Blackburn

 
categories Intensive
tags Sunday, Michael Ooi