The Toliam Homestead WoodCraft Workshops started as an idea when my woodworking customers kept telling me I should teach this stuff.  Now, as many woodworkers would know, you don’t set up your workshop to take on students so I started thinking about how I would do this and researching to see if there were any classes or workshops being run in Canberra already.  I couldn’t find much so there was definitely a gap in this market.

I have a large 6 x 6 m workshop currently with an open bay the same size attached (all part of the one shed).  My plan is to enclose that open area and lay a new cement slab, electrical and lighting then set up 6 workstations, shelving and a teaching station in that space to allow me to host workshops for up to 6 participants and teach them the basics of woodcraft, including lathe work (wood turning).  This leaves the original workshop as my personal workspace and I will keep the bigger machines there for more advanced students and Club members.

Oh, yeah, the other idea my customers had was offering a WoodCraft Club, like a gym, where members could book in to use the facilities without attending a class.  Particularly for those who live in an apartment or just don’t have room at home to set up a workshop of their own.  So, part of my WoodCraft offering is also the Club, giving members an opportunity to pay by the month or purchase 3, 6 or 12 month memberships (with additional benefits the longer the membership) to allow exactly that option.

At this time, I am looking to raise funds to build the workshop and fit it out for classes.  You can see the types of pieces I will be teaching how to make on my website www.toliamhomestead.com.au

Thank you for your time in considering my project.