Cleft oak gate making - 8-11 August 2024 (LLC)

Do you live, work or volunteer in Denbighshire? Are you aged 18+ years?

Please note that this is a condition for taking part in this course.

Cleft oak gatemaking - Taught by Jack Ritson

Over 4 days Jack Ritson will introduce you to traditional green woodworking techniques, taking a close look at the different grades and characteristics of oak for strength and beauty. You will learn the art of cleaving to split your log into various sizes using wedges & froes. You will then use an axe & drawknife to shape these on your shave horse, and finally cut mortice & tenon joints for assembly into a finished and beautiful gate.

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Cleaving is the technique of splitting wood down the grain rather than the more conventional sawing of fibres. Consequently, cleft wood is an incredibly strong, durable and long lasting material. The gates you make will use the natural shape of the wood and require no treatment due to the high tannin content in the oak. You will take home a handmade gate of up to 4ft wide that will make you proud each time you walk through it!

Please inform us 48 in advance if you are no longer able to attend so we can offer your space to someone else. For detailed information about your course, please see  https://www.wernogwood.co.uk/everything-you-need-to-know

In a collaborative partnership between Wernog Wood and the Little Learning Company, this course is funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, awarded by Denbighshire County Council.

As a condition of your fully funded space, you will be required to fill some official forms for the funders on the day of your course. These will be available in English and Welsh and will include:

- Heritage Skills Project Enrolment form

- Learner feedback form

- Photo consent form