Stool Making Workshop

Recent reviews of Stool Making Workshop

• 5/5 from Sam Green, attended Sep 2026: Really great workshop. It wasn’t a race to finish the stool, Aidan really spent the time to explain the why behind what we were doing. The end product was fantastic, and the experience of getting to that point was also great. Rather than simply using machines, we used hand tools so the finished stool was much more personal. Thanks Aidan!
• 5/5 from Anonymised ClassBento customer, attended Sep 2026: OK this is a long one as I've got a lot to say. If you're reading this trying to decide if you should take this course - and you're wondering if it'll be worth your time - the answer is a definite Yes. I only have one small issue that I cover at the end. But keep reading for my thoughts... Some quick facts upfront: there were three of us (excl Aidan) which made for a great experience. You are not in a huge class being lectured at. You are basically working WITH Aidan and its very hands on - you are doing all the work and it is a graft! Bring lunch! And a jumper if it's a cold day. Anyway, on to the day... this course surprised me in a number of ways. I don't want to spoil the surprise for you - but go in with no expectations. I say this because I am blown away by how much I've learnt, not just practical woodworking skills but - appreciation in general for hand-made furniture. Aidan has thoughtfully designed this course in a way that he would've wanted if he were totally new to woodworking, and unfortunately for him he'll never know how impactful this day together was for me (the curse of being the master!). Aidan helped demystify a lot of things, but most importantly instilled a new sense of curiosity and confidence when approaching wood-based projects. Don't be fooled by the simplicity of the stool you will make, it is riddled with interesting complexity, attention to detail that compounds into a stool that will literally outlive you from the techniques you learn to put it together. The generosity of Aidan's experience and time on this course makes this easily worth ten times what you pay, so if it's still running I would sign up ASAP as you will likely not find someone who a) cares this much about woodworking, b) cares more about you getting the most out of the day (i would wager he would run this course for free if money were no object) c) is as adept at teaching so much in such a short time (despite being 8 hours!) in a way that doesn't feel overwhelming. Yes there is jargon but it's optional to remember it, you will use tools you've never used before that are abundant and cheap - and not just get a taste but literally become at least mildly competent with the tools from the sheer graft of making your stool! OK the one small issue, I wish it were two days - as a cursed perfectionist I had to get my pace on to get my stool done! The day goes by so quickly so don't be put off by it being a whole day.
• 5/5 from Ben Scutt, attended May 2026: Aidan ran a really fun, engaging and relaxed day-long workshop and I'm super happy with the stool I made and took home at the end. You could tell he is incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about woodwork and furniture making. I found the process really inspiring, and appreciated that Aidan took the time to structure the course so we could actually go away and take these skills home, and feasibly start working on more similar projects without having to buy lots of expensive power tools.
• 5/5 from Marian Leach, attended May 2026: Thanks Aiden for an absolutely fantastic day. I learnt so much and had a relaxing time planing my legs! 100% recommend this class for anyone beginner or otherwise, Aiden is a great teacher and you come away with a beautiful milking stool (if you have the skills!)
• 5/5 from Harrison Edwards, attended May 2026: A super engaging workshop with an incredibly knowledgeable teacher. Aidan creates great, relaxed environment with plenty of hands on making while happy to explain any of the more technical elements of wood working without breaking the flow of the day. While there is a set plan you do still get to make a good amount of design decisions for yourself.
• 5/5 from Anna Roberts, attended Mar 2026: What a great course! Aidan structured things really well ensuring that even someone with no woodworking experience could still walk away with a beautiful and functional object. He provided help and advice when needed but also let us get on with it, ensuring we got to practice and develop our skills. Really was a quality day. Cheers Aidan!
• 5/5 from Niall Palmer, attended Mar 2026: Had a wonderful time learning how to make a Stool with Aidan! The class was detailed, and there was a lot to get through, but you left with a real sense of accomplishment knowing that you had made your own piece of furniture at the end, with some help from Aidan, of course! It's great for those who are complete beginners, like I am, as it's only a small class and Aidan takes the time to explain, demonstrate and guide each process. Very much recommend it to those who are interested in getting into woodworking or who want to try something new outside of their comfort zone, as it's a great way to spend a day.
• 5/5 from Emily Robinson, attended Mar 2026: An absolutely brilliant day, I would 100% recommend to anyone interested in wood and handcrafting. Aidan was a fantastic instructor, sharing all of his knowledge with us but allowing us to get stuck into using the techniques. Really over the moon with the stool that I’ve brought home!
• 5/5 from Bharat Mistry, attended Jan 2026: Great Class and a wonderful day. Aiden was a great teacher - informative and the instructions very clear. Using hand tools was so much more rewarding than with power tools. Inspired me to buy a couple of hand tools and try myself at home. We ended up with a stool/side table that the family are very impressed with.
• 5/5 from William McCue, attended Jan 2026: This course was fantastic, it was a small intimate group and Aidan is clearly a very knowledgeable and thoughtful professional who loves what he does. He taught us to put a lovely stool together from scratch using almost entirely hand tools, which is cool in itself but it was taught in way that Aidan wanted us to learn why we were doing specific techniques, instead of simply following instructions. Things I'll remember if I'm ever working with wood again. I'd love to do another day with Aidan.
• 5/5 from Nicky Staniforth, attended Jan 2026: Aidan was a fantastic teacher. The length of the session was enough time to really understand the techniques and tools required to make a beautiful stool. The class size meant we all had enough support and Aidan could answer any of our questions. Would highly recommend this course. Very happy with my stool and knowledge to take away!