How to sharpen tools
The Course
This two-day course has been designed for those with little or no previous tool sharpening experience, who enjoy working with wood but have found difficulty achieving a satisfying standard of work due to their lack of tool tuning and sharpening skills. During the course you will learn how to sharpen wood cutting tools to professional standards and select new or second-hand tools that are well engineered.
The Tutor
Philip Hodge is a fully trained furniture restorer, cabinet maker and gilder and has been practising and teaching these skills for over 20 years. As well as courses from his own workshop Philip has also designed and run courses for BAFRA, Norfolk Local Education Authority and the Workers Education Authority. Philip is keen to pass on traditional skills and techniques to interested people as well as keeping them up to date with new materials and technology.
Participant Information
- Participants should bring with them:
- Any old woodworking tools that they may have, however damaged they might be, such as: metal and wooden bodied planes, chisels, gouges, hatchets and axes, bill hooks, drawknives, metal and wooden spoke shaves, sharpening stones, screwdrivers, scrapers, knives, cutting gauges, hammers etc.
- 2 sheets of 1000 grit wet & dry paper.
- Pair of gardening gloves.
- 3 kitchen rolls (paper towels).
- A candle.
- Notepad and pencil.
- Large tipped, black marker pen (permanent ink)
- Protective clothing.
- Pair of stout shoes or safety shoes (you will not be able to wear sandals or canvas shoes in the workshop).
Items that you will be able to borrow:
- Cabinet scraper.
- Ticketer.
- 30cm satin chrome rule.
- 6000g Japanese water stone.
- Honing stones.
- Engineer’s square.
- Cutting gauge.
- No 5 or 5 1/2 bench plane.
- Chisels.
- 4 & 10mm glass
- Mechanical and digital callipers.
Fee & Refreshments
£260 per person, to include tuition, teas and coffees. Please let the Museum know in advance if you have any special dietary requirements. The Museum cafe will be open or you may wish to bring a packed lunch.
Please read our Adult Day Courses terms & conditions.
Book Here
Courses at our Museum
Lifelong learning has been at the heart of the Museum’s mission since its founding over 50 years ago. We are dedicated to promoting the preservation of historic buildings and architectural heritage, as well as keeping alive the traditional crafts, trades, and industries of the Weald & Downland region.
We offer a rich programme of day schools, longer courses and evening talks that celebrate Historic Building Conservation, Traditional Rural Trades, and Crafts. Each course is led by experienced practitioners who are passionate about their field and generous in sharing both their knowledge and hands-on skills.
Whether you’re seeking a rewarding new hobby, aiming to develop practical expertise, or considering a career change, our courses provide inspiration and opportunity in equal measure. We invite you to explore our programme, discover what excites you, and join us in keeping these valuable traditions alive.
