Intro Woodworking Course: Make a Small Box or Cabinet

Make a small box or cabinet in this woodworking course in Sydney!



4 x 3 hours Class size 5 to 30 guests       $390
Sydney Activities
•
Craft
•
Woodworking
Looking for fun things to do in Sydney? Join a woodworking course with Wood Academy in Marrickville and learn how to make a small box or cabinet!
Whether you're just starting your woodworking journey or looking to refine your craftsmanship, this structured course is designed to develop your skills through a progressive series of hands-on projects. Each 4-week session builds on the last, allowing beginners to gain confidence while more experienced students refine advanced techniques.
New students begin with the Lift-Lid Box (Box 1), focusing on foundational hand-tool skills. Returning students progress to the Hinged Lid Box (Box 2), incorporating machine tools and precision joinery. Those continuing beyond complete the Advanced Decorative Box (Box 3) before moving on to custom jewellery boxes or small cabinets.
Why You’ll Love This Class
Structured Skill Progression – Each project builds upon the last, ensuring steady growth in both hand and machine tool techniques.
Hands-On Learning – Experience the satisfaction of working with both traditional and modern woodworking methods.
Creative Exploration – Move from guided projects to fully custom work, allowing you to bring your own designs to life.
Expert Instruction – Learn from seasoned woodworkers who provide personalized guidance at every stage.
Supportive Community – Work alongside fellow students who share a passion for fine woodworking.
Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Master Fundamental Techniques – Develop proficiency with essential woodworking tools and methods.
Build Confidence in Joinery – Progress from simple trenching and mitering to advanced decorative joints.
Enhance Your Finishing Skills – Learn expert techniques for assembling and refining your projects.
Create Heirloom-Quality Pieces – Take pride in crafting beautifully finished boxes and small cabinets.
Course Content and Structure
Class Format: The course runs in 4-week blocks. Each student progresses at their own pace through the following projects:
Box 1: Lift-Lid Box (Hand Tools Focus) – 4 Sessions (12 Hours)
Your introduction to fine woodworking starts here, using only hand tools to build a classic lift-lid box. You’ll learn:
Hand Plane Mastery – Work with smoothing, jack, block, and rebate planes.
Joinery Techniques – Cut precise trenches, rebates, and miters by hand.
Veneer Keys – Strengthen corners with decorative veneer splines.
Glue-Up & Finishing – Master marking, measuring, and assembly.
Box 2: Hinged Lid Box (Machine & Hand Tools) – 4 Sessions
For students returning for a second block, this project introduces machine tools and more advanced joinery:
Bandsaw Techniques – Split a box into two for a seamless hinged fit.
Router Table Skills – Create a raised panel lid and base.
Flocking Techniques – Line the interior with a soft, professional finish.
Box 3: Advanced Decorative Box – Ongoing Project
For students progressing beyond Box 2, this project refines precision techniques and decorative elements:
Veneering & Decorative Features – Apply veneer and incorporate pedestal bases.
Precision Joinery – Use table saw mitred keys or dovetail mitred keys.
Trays & Inserts – Create custom-fitted trays for jewellery or ornaments.
Beyond Box 3: Custom Jewellery Boxes & Small Cabinets
Once you’ve mastered the foundational projects, you’ll work with your instructor to design and build your own jewellery box or small cabinet. This phase allows for true customization, bringing your unique vision to life!
Note: Students work at their own pace, progressing through structured projects or refining custom designs.
Hands-On Experience
From your first cut to the final finish, every step of this course is hands-on. You’ll gain real experience working with hand planes, chisels, saws, bandsaws, and router tables, ensuring a well-rounded foundation in woodworking craftsmanship. Whether you're perfecting the fundamentals or advancing into custom casework, our expert instructors provide guidance tailored to your skill level.
Take Your Woodworking to the Next Level
Start with the basics, refine your skills, and create something truly special. Whether you're crafting your first lift-lid box or designing a custom jewellery box, this course provides the structure and support to help you succeed. Secure your spot today and begin your next woodworking project!
What you'll get
You depart not only with your handcrafted creations but also with a wealth of knowledge and skills. Armed with the ability to meticulously cut, fit, and finish, you now possess the expertise to embark on further woodworking endeavours.
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Knowledge required
Suitable for beginners with no experience up to intermediate students. Children 14+ are welcome to participate in this course.
Please note, we require a parent or guardian to be on the premises for the duration of the class if a minor is attending.
What to bring
  • PPE will be supplied; however, if you wish to bring your own should come with a face mask, safety glasses or goggles, and earmuffs or earplugs.
  • Closed shoes are a mandatory requirement for all students.
  • Those with your own tools relevant to the class should bring them along to get better accustomed to using them, but we also supply all tools if you don't have any.
  • We have a kitchen on-site with a fridge and microwave for those who want to bring their own food, and there are also takeaway options within walking distance.
Session repeats

This class series runs over 4 consecutive sessions, at the same time every week.

Suitable for

This class is great for a team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

Location

12 Gerald Street, Marrickville NSW

This venue is within walking distance from Sydenham station (600m).

Intro Woodworking Course: Make a Small Box or Cabinet location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Intro Woodworking Course: Make a Small Box or Cabinet

  • 5/5 from Kavey Fung, attended Sep 2026: Really loved learning a new skill as an adult in a more intimate space with great teachers - Michael is so lovely as is Rob. I liked learning in a classroom space which we often forget as adults. I really enjoyed that we could practise the skills by going through the process three times to get three finished boxes. It got me used to becoming more familiar and confident with using the tools.
  • 5/5 from Brian Eggert, attended May 2026: It was great to gain experience on a couple of hand tools that I had not previously used, and to do so under Michael's expert supervision. The time was both productive and fun!
  • 5/5 from Eduardo Pimenta, attended May 2026: The sessions were hands-on with plenty of time to practice with the tools. Michael has a nice and calm manner that make students comfortable to learn and ask questions.
  • 5/5 from Wilhelmus (Wim) Steemers, attended Apr 2026: Learned so much and was great fun! Teachers were great and the facility fantastic. Would certainly recommend!
  • 5/5 from Sindre Bloch, attended Mar 2026: Great class, great and patient teachers with a tremendous amount of knowledge. Made a few boxes with good quality handtools in a clean, streamlined and tidy workshop. Took away a lot of learnings from this. Will come back to learn more.
  • 5/5 from Michelle Laud, attended Mar 2026: The teaches were great very helpful. I made 2 boxes. Due to a flat battery I was an hour late to the last class so didnt quite finish t 2nd box but got it to the stage that I could easly finish it at home, this was my fault not the fault of the lenght of the course or the teachers. I enjoyed learning about the grain of the wood and the techniques to make the box strong. I really enjoyed making the second box as the first box I choose wood that was really hard to work learning that the choice of wood is important.
  • 5/5 from Elizabeth Calabria, attended Feb 2026: Loved the course! Fabulous instructors with clear step by step instruction balanced with self paced progress. Loved using the hand tools and seeing the finished product. The work shop is equipped with all the necessary tools and materials. Great to have excellent teachers with a passion for woodworking. Will be signing up for the next class!! Thanks wood academy!
  • 5/5 from Alex Falkiner, attended Feb 2026: Great course, I learnt so much, got to use a bunch of different tools and learn to work with different timbers. The results were beyond what I thought I’d be able to make! Loved it!
  • 5/5 from Cameron Faricy, attended Feb 2026: A great hands-on course with practical skills I’ll use across heaps of home projects. The instructor was phenomena… supportive, clear, and genuinely passionate about teaching - Highly recommended!!
  • 5/5 from Paul Nathan, attended Feb 2026: What a fantastic course well worth it. Easy to book. The 2 teachers were great. They explained everything to the whole class of 10. All the hand tools were in near new condition, clean and tidy workshop. Plenty of time to make 2 boxes in 4 weeks. Different woods to choose, different finishes (oils). Up to you. Teachers are there all the time walking around helping. If you are reading this don’t wait book now. I’m going onto the second course which is using the machines. Highly recommended and well priced course
  • 5/5 from Freya Stratton, attended Feb 2025: Amazing class with such a lovely community! I learnt so much and every question I had was met with so much wisdom. Thank you both
  • 5/5 from Julie Rea, attended Feb 2025: A fun class with great teachers.... they really know their stuff and how to communicate it. I went with my adult son and we both enjoyed the experience, plus we had 2 lovely boxes to show for it.
  • 5/5 from Daniel Fowler, attended Nov 2024: Great course. Learnt a lot. So satisfying to learn how to use new tools (especially the planner). And you get two oiled wooden boxes with lid to take home.
  • 5/5 from Nicholas Baldwin, attended Nov 2024: Even better than the first boxmaking course - learned new tools and made a beautiful box
  • 5/5 from Peter Degroff, attended Nov 2024: Loved it. The teachers were very accessible and responsive to questions as well as being very knowledgeable and patient. Would recommend.
  • 5/5 from Jack Leslie, attended Sep 2024: This is a great course for growing your basic woodworking skills. With the introduction of machines such as ban saws, table saws and routers, your woodworking opportunities are opened. On the other hand you continue to work with hand tools and hone the basic skills needed for any job.
Your teacher

Wood Academy
Wood Academy

5.0 (229)

There’s a certain magic in creating something with your own two hands. The focus it demands, the joy it imparts, the sense of accomplishment when you transform a simple piece of timber into something extraordinary. At Wood Academy, we celebrate the power of craftsmanship, the way it can ignite passion, inspire creativity, and instil a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s why we believe in one simple truth: Wood Work is good work. The more makers in this world, the better.
Sydney Activities
•
Craft
•
Woodworking

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2026-10-16 15:00:00
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production sydney Sydney NSW AU sydney