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We've all struggled with mastering hand tools at some stage and just some simple tips and guidance can make all the difference between gnawing chunks of wood away and then resorting to sand paper in despair and the joy of slicing thin precise shavings cleanly and smoothly. Our upcoming 2 day course on working with hand tools will guide you through a couple of small projects using a variety of hand tools, learning about marking out, cutting joints and shaping timber and finishing with scrapers. The focus is on learning techniques that will last a lifetime. An Introduction to working…

Another packed Essential Skills Course by John Welsford was held over the weekend, really nice to see such an enthusiastic bunch learning a whole lot of new skills and numerous tips and tricks from John. As a part of the two day course the students used the construction of a small tool caddy as a means of getting some hands on experience with epoxy and how to do a neat tidy job of fibreglassing, filleting, taping and glueing as well as a whole lot of other subjects including sharpening and use of edge tools, Power tools and their safe use,…

Its a great time to learn some new skills, We have a bunch of exciting courses coming up in which you can expand your knowledge of woodwork or boat building, build yourself a small project and take away skills you will keep for ever and your likely to make a bunch of new friends along the way. lots of these courses are filling up fast so don't delay and choose yours today! We look forward to sharing our passion and skills in wood working. Upcoming courses Spoon Blade Oar Making 3-4 October (Only one spot left) An Introduction to working…

Its certainly been a challenging few months but we have two new and exciting courses coming up for September and October, Both of these courses will teach you a whole bunch of new skills and you will take home something that you've created with your own hands. make sure you follow the links for all the details and reserve your place. An introduction to fine woodworking, 12-13 September This is a two day course introducing you to some of the classic joints and techniques. You will take home a handy tool box created with your own hands. for all the…

Half Model The NZTBS Half Model Course is on this weekend 4th and 5th July and there is a couple of places available. Book Now HERE This is a fantastic 2 day course taken by Alan Hooper you will learn all about making half models and gain a thorough introduction to lofting and you will take home your very own half model. This is a hands on course building your own half model to take home. Its a great way to learn all about how a set of lines plans relates to the finished boat. Book Tickets Now

Last year I graduated from a weekend course with a half model of a sailing dinghy.   I took my boat home and mounted it on a mirror.  My grandchildren have asked why it has 4 oars. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of working with wood and being able to create something that makes me smile. This is a 2 day course on building half models run by the New Zealand Traditional Boatbuilding School.  We learnt the basics of lofting and developed an appreciation of how lines are used to design a boat hull. The hull takes shape after a few hours…

With the change to level two and the increase of group sizes to 100 we are now able to offer our much loved courses again. We have some new dates for our most popular courses below and more exciting announcements to come. Essential skills course with John Welsford. This is our most popular course and is a fantastic introduction to working with wood and building small boats. You will learn all sorts of tips and tricks, 20th - 21st June ( Now Full ) 31st Oct -1st Nov ( places avail ) find out more Here: Half Model Course with…

Unfortunately due to the Covid19 situation we have had to postpone or cancel all upcoming courses and shut the school down until the situation becomes safe to operate again. If you have booked on an upcoming course, Eventfinda will be in touch in the next few days to offer a full refund or to keep your spot on a future course when we are able to schedule these. Wishing all our friends and customers all the best, Stay Safe and Stay at home.

We have just finished listing a bunch of new and some of your favourite courses, make sure you check them out. Essential Skills course with John Welsford 4/5 April. more info here Introduction to Woodturning with Alan Hooper 18/19 April more info here Build a Half Model with Alan Hooper 2/3 May. more info here Lofting with Alan Hooper 6/7 June more info here and watch this space for an exciting new dinghy build opportunity. details to be announced soon.

There is still a couple of spots availible for the awesome half model course this weekend, make sure you grab one! qrf This is a 2 day course on building half models. You will learn the basics of lofting and develop a great understanding of how lines are used to design a boat hull. During the 2 days, you will develop your own half model to take home. Delivered by Allan Hooper. To find out more or to enrol click here

Build a Half Model Course. 14th-15th Sept. This is a 2 day course on building half models. You will learn the basics of lofting and develop a great understanding of how lines are used to design a boat hull. During the 2 days, you will develop your own half model to take home. Delivered by Allan Hooper. To enrol or learn more click here. Essential Skills Course. 21st-22nd September. This is a two day course and covers a range of essential skills. Click here for more info... Professional development sharpen and set. 7th November. This course is being offered as…