The Best Little Woodworking School in the Southern Hemisphere

The surgeon who saved my life after a life threatening injury shared an interest in woodworking with me. We became good friends and I sometimes joked with him that he should protect his hands as there were no blueprints for me, they were all in his head as he put me back together. He sadly passed away recently.

Scott, my Mum's Brother was the founder of that woodworking school - John Shaw. He lives across the valley and you may be able to see his house in one of your still shots. You guys should link up, it would make for a entertaining video 😄. All the best from Napier, NZ.

Thank you for including the little old teddy bear. It was cute.

Hey Scott, thanks for taking us along in your woodworking course. If this is your version of a break, it's great!!!!

I did a term of beginner woodworking in Australia with Stuart and he is hands down one of the best teachers I've had. He's a fantastically talented woodworker, a wonderful teacher and a genuine and kind man. As a hobby woodworker I'm looking forward to seeing more of this content.

I live just around the corner from this place, and have had many students stay at our Airbnb. Love listening and seeing how they progress thrive at the school. Great place.

My grandfather was a builder/joiner/wagon maker in Dutchland. I never knew him because he died in 1947. His workshop was demolished by ze Germans during the war. My father told me how the walls were all completely 'clad' in jigs for wagon frames and wheels. EngelsCoachShop is a great yoobetoobe channel for this.

Hi Scott,can you feel the bug biting? Making furniture can be so satisfying and the ability to produce jigs and fixtures to achieve this is also a bit addictive. Best of luck with your journey.👍👍

I’ve been working in the finish carpentry world for the past 4 years. Since the beginning of 2024, I’ve been in and out working in a cabinet shop. Learning how to build cabinets and drawers. It is definitely way more fine of work than trim carpentry. So far, it has pushed me to be better at trim work. I’ve been blessed to be a carpenter.

These pictures bring back memories of when I learned the profession of carpenter in Germany and passed as a journeyman with a license. Yes, in Germany every profession has to be learned and passed a test, then you are a trained specialist.

It's funny you're doing the furniture course. I found your channel during the early part of the pandemic when we had what was as much of a lockdown as we had in the US. Several things came together around the same time. I had a new detached garaged with electricity so for the first time my 1930s house had a place to work that wasn't just putting up two saw horses in my driveway. And working from home I could put my laptop away and just go to work in my garage on a house project. I started fixing so many things that had been unfinished for years and was watching loads of YouTube videos to learn how to do things. From the specific how-to videos I ended up being served a few woodworkers and your channel. As I wasn't going to build chairs or desks those fell off the feed, but I kept watching your show and became a subscriber. Now I'm not building anything -- living in an apartment now actually after a move -- but enjoying your journey to make your home your own and learn things along the way.

New Zealand is such a beautiful place. Love seeing it every video!

Scott, I can see that this journey into fine woodworking is going to rejuvenate your mind, body & soul

David Haig is a genius, his rocking chair is stunning.

Extremely interesting Scott, thanks for taking us along!!

This is bringing back nostalgia for me. I went to "school" for wooden boat building in Rhode Island at the international yacht restoration school (IYRS). One of the greatest experiences of my life and is some of my most fond memories. That was 17 years ago. Holy shit, how time flies. Still making jigs though. 😎

I’ve worked in and been through lots of different workshops over my few years of “building”, and my favourite part is always the “wall of jigs”. Some shops even celebrate a “jig of the week” - or month.

Awesome they are letting you film!!❤

Really enjoyed that, but more importantly, it looks like you enjoyed it too. The people there seem to friendly, that's so nice. What a lovely group of people.

Welcome Scott we’ve been waiting for you 👏 👏 👏 you will make an amazing craftsman and you already a passionate carpenter