Make Your Own RIVEN CUTTING BOARD - on this one-day course you will discover how to rive (split), greenwood radially to form very strong and stable cutting boards for the kitchen.

• Date:        TBC(1 day)
  
• Cost:      £140
• Venue:     Northumberland Centre for Greenwood Craft at Kirkley Hall
• Time:        9: 30 - 4: 30pm    

A significant part of this one-day course will be learning the art of riving (split) greenwood logs. We'll carefully do this radially to form extremely strong and stable cutting boards. Cutting boards made this way will survive many years of use in the kitchen or dining table with reduced potential for warping.

This process is invaluable for making the best ‘blanks’ not just for boards but also for spatulas, wedges, pegs and boards.  We will turn the weakness in wood into its strength.

The course is suitable for people with little or no experience but for those with some experience this course could well be a revelation!

Course includes:

Timber selection - We will discuss why certain native hardwoods are most suitable based on species, growth patterns and other properties.

Timber process – You will learn a safe and efficient method of processing the selected timber.  Cross cutting with saws, Splitting/riving with axe, froe, wooden wedges and maul.  How to use an axe, drawknife and hand plane to shape the timber.

Design – you can design your own board or be inspired by one of Tom's imaginative examples.  We'll consider the strength and weakness of certain designs, freehand drawing, symmetry/asymmetry, proportion and utility.  Using a carving knife, we will finish the board with bevels using safe knife grips.

You'll be taught a range of techniques using hand tools with the emphasis on safety and control throughout.

You will leave with at least one cutting board. But more importantly, the knowledge, inspiration and confidence to continue making these beautiful items in safety.

Tutor Tom Turnell has been greenwoodworking for many years and recently ran a small shop and workshop.  He specializes in riven cutting boards and other hand-made utensils for the kitchen,

He has researched woodworking techniques and design from different times including Ancient Egypt, Viking and Medieval to contemporary makers.

On Make Your Own RIVEN CUTTING BOARD, Tom will inspire you with his enthusiasm, skill and beautiful examples of his work.

Maximum number of students: 6.