Michael Fortune, the internationally renowned furniture designer and highly respected woodworking educator, will be conducting a series of workshops in Perth in January 2027.

Places are strictly limited, and bookings are essential. Strong interest is expected, so reserve your place early to avoid disappointment.

Take advantage of this rare opportunity to learn from one of the world’s leading furniture makers.

To reserve a place, contact Carolyn Ellis at secretary@fwwa.org.au.

Michael will present the following workshops

Workshop Details

5-Day Chair Design Workshop

This intensive five-day workshop explores the design and construction of dining and desk chairs, widely regarded as one of the most rewarding and challenging forms of fine woodworking. Participants will learn a practical, step-by-step process for designing chairs that combine comfort, strength, functionality, and visual appeal.

The course combines chair design theory with hands-on construction techniques. Participants will gain an understanding of anthropometric data and ergonomic principles, enabling them to create chairs that fit the human body comfortably. Under Michael's guidance, each participant will develop an original chair design, produce scale drawings and models, and build a full-size mock-up that can be tested and refined.

Throughout the workshop, demonstrations will cover chair-making jigs and fixtures, methods for dealing with curved components and compound joinery, upholstery basics, and practical construction techniques. Michael will also share examples from his extensive body of work, illustrating his design process, sources of inspiration, and proven manufacturing methods. A presentation on the history and evolution of chair design complements the hands-on learning experience.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding anthropometric data and chair ergonomics

• Designing for comfort, strength, and aesthetics

• Simplifying compound angles and complex joinery

• Creating scale drawings, models, and full-size prototypes

• Developing and using specialist chair-making jigs and fixtures

• Techniques for constructing curved chair components

• Simple upholstery methods for chair seats and backs

• Incorporating distinctive design details and unique features

• Evaluating and refining chair designs through full-size mock-ups

• Understanding the history and evolution of chair design

3-Day Design & Development Workshop

Where do design ideas for furniture come from? How do I develop my own ideas? This course will introduce participants to a series of simple benchtop design exercises that will exponentially expand how and where students look for inspiration. This course is for woodworkers who want to move beyond working from plans or copying other woodworkers’ designs. Sharpen those scissors, plug in that glue gun, and have fun while developing your own unique furniture designs. This course will change your perception of furniture making.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• How to identify design ideas in your environment

• How to develop your own custom design sequence

• How to sketch, make models, and create full-size mockups

• How to critique your own work

• How to assemble an idea bank that will be useful for years to come

Mastering your Bandsaw

The bandsaw can be one of the safest, most accurate, and most versatile machines in your workshop, provided it is correctly set up and used. In this workshop, Michael will demonstrate how even a new or well-used 12" or 14" bandsaw with a modest ½-horsepower motor can be tuned to cut precise joints and resaw accurately without the need for expensive blades or aftermarket accessories.

Participants will learn the fundamentals of bandsaw setup and operation, including installing new tyres, selecting and setting blade tension, blade tracking, cutting curves, and resawing techniques. Michael will also demonstrate a range of practical jigs that can significantly expand the capabilities of the bandsaw. Illustrations will be provided so participants can build their own versions at home.

Despite operating one of the most comprehensively equipped woodworking shops in North America, including three industrial table saws, Michael rarely uses a table saw for ripping timber. Instead, he prefers the smallest of his bandsaws, a 15" General. “I purchased my small bandsaw in 1974, tracked the blade once with only modest blade tension, installed the factory fence parallel to the mitre slot, and have not had to adjust it in over 40 years,” boasts Michael.

Let the bandsaw master show you how to make this simple machine the most versatile in the shop.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Learn how to tune your bandsaw to make perfect cuts

• Make a variety of jigs to make your bandsaw more productive

• Learn bandsaw joinery

• Learn correct resawing techniques

• Learn to select blades

• Select a bandsaw in today’s market

• Eliminate blade drift

• Learn pattern bandsawing