Five Day Foundations of Hand Tools with Frank Strazza
Monday to Friday, April 12 to 16, 2026 10.00am – 5.00pm daily
Coburg Studios
69 Charles Street Coburg 3058
Melbourne Victoria
Build the fundamental hand skills that lie at the heart of fine furniture making.
During this intensive five day masterclass, students will develop practical skills with traditional hand tools while learning the methods, techniques, and joinery used in fine woodworking. If you want to become a better craftsman, this is the workshop you must do.
Techniques covered will include:
● Sharpening chisels and plane irons
● Proper use of chisels, handsaws, hand planes, and scrapers
● Chisel paring techniques
● Cutting accurate dados
● Sawing accurately to a line
● Through dovetails
● Half-blind dovetails
● Tapered sliding dovetails
● Mortise-and-tenon joinery
● Setting up and tuning a hand plane
● Proper hand-plane techniques
● Four-squaring rough timber entirely by hand
● Establishing flat, square, and parallel surfaces
The emphasis throughout the week is on developing accuracy, control, and a sound understanding of traditional hand-tool methods—skills that can be carried directly into future furniture-making projects.
Tools , PPE & Materials
Some hand tools will be required to complete this workshop. Participants will be issued with a required tools list and workshop manual when purchasing a ticket. All benches and additional equipment required is supplied.
Participants should wear sturdy clothes and covered shoes suitable for woodworking. Participants need to bring their own PPE including eye and hearing protection and a dust mask.
All materials required to complete this masterclass are supplied. John Madden from WOOD DUST is available to answer any questions and discuss your attendance in advance to ensure a smooth experience. Email John at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au
The Yarn
WOOD DUST is hosting a 'Yarn' featuring Frank Strazza during his tour. This is an intimate Q&A type evening where you can get to know our special guest a little better and ask all your burning questions. Your ticket to Frank's Hand Tool Masterclass includes entry into this event being held at the Coburg Studios on Thursday evening April 15 from 7.00pm.
Meals
All meals including lunch, morning and afternoon tea are provided each day of the workshop. The individual dietary needs of participants is considered.
Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is for anyone who wants to expand and master the use of a wide variety of traditional hand tools directly from a recognised international craftsmen. This is a genuine opportunity for you to become the craftsperson you want to be.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions apply when purchasing a ticket to attend this five day woodworking masterclass. Visit the WOOD DUST Terms & Conditions located in the website footer to learn more. If you have any questions regarding this workshop email John Madden at hello@wooddustaustralia.com.au for more information.
Tickets on Sale
If you want a comprehensive traditional hand tool woodworking learning experience, then this masterclass is for you. Tickets are on sale now, only 10 places available so reserve your bench space today.
