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Why Masterclasses are Important

A master furniture maker discusses the use of the spindle moulder during a woodworking course.

We recently completed our 2024 Production Masterclass. Nine students made a total of 24 Waterfall Stools over a 6-day period. In many ways, this course represents the pinnacle of our Masterclass series, as there’s nothing else even remotely similar available in Australia. The Production Masterclass is an ideal opportunity for aspiring professionals and committed enthusiasts to broaden their understanding of the craft. A similarly powerful masterclass is our Open Project masterclass, that empowers a maker to take on a complex personal design under the assistance of a professional maker.

“Hi Evan,

As a long term “serious” woodworker, I must place on record that the Production Masterclass exceeded my expectations by a country mile.

The uncompromising pursuit of excellence by you and your team through process, procedures and attention to detail is simply outstanding.

The patience, clarity of explanation of processes and generous engagement of all course members during the week was very much appreciated.

May you and your team be able to find time to conduct future courses to inspire woodworkers, both young and old, to achieve skills that reflect the creed of Dunstone Design.

Kind Regards, David H (Vic)”

 

On our 2024 Production Masterclass, we had two sponsored places for younger makers. This was done to ensure that emerging makers have a chance to experience professional design, teamwork and advanced manufacturing. The Woodworkers Association of NSW sponsored Newcastle maker Hannah Cheetham while the Gottstein Trust sponsored Melbourne maker Owen Kirschenberg. Britton Timbers sponsored the native timbers used in the Production Masterclass.

If you are already a reasonably experienced woodworker, then it’s possible to go straight into the Production Masterclass. If you have less experience, then it’s ideal to do our Comprehensive Woodworking Masterclass first. Comprehensive Woodworking will give you the core knowledge from which to grow.

“Hi Evan,

The Production Masterclass was fantastic. I’m glad I’d done Comprehensive Woodworking and Summer Handtools first. They gave me enough core knowledge to get the most out of the Production course.

It was great to have the sponsored young makers on the course as well. This is one of the best courses in anything that I’ve ever done.

Thanks, Brigadier Eamon L, NSW.”

Dunstone Design is a professional workshop first, and a teaching space second. That’s why we are such a power option for the aspiring professional or the serious enthusiast. We teach professional, real-world techniques. Our courses are especially useful for secondary school manual arts/design tech teachers.

“I just completed my second course with Dunstone Design, the Production Masterclass. Evan, Alex and Will were all fantastic teachers throughout the week, sharing tips and tricks at every stage from design, material selection, processing, machine joinery, assembly through to finishing.

The course was thoughtfully paced, catering for beginner through to advanced skill levels. The guys delivered explicit training on the safe use of each machine, often with advanced techniques. Alex dived deeper into the workings of each machine as we stepped through the operations.

The Dunstone Design on-site showroom is a fine furniture gallery all by itself, jam packed with amazing works by the team. If you are considering a course or a commission, do yourself a favour and pop by to see it for yourself.

Thanks, Bradley T (NSW Secondary School Teacher)

Both sponsored students described the Production Masterclass as life changing. This knowledge will inform the development of their practice for years to come. You can listen to Owen’s thoughts HERE and Hannah’s thoughts HERE.

 

 

Two Waterfall stools in jarrah with another pair of Waterfall Stools in blackwood in the background.
Waterfalls stools in jarrah and blackwood.