Choosing Hand Tools for Building Furniture – What and Why, presented by Derek Cohen

Ever wondered how many hand tools you really need to build fine furniture—and why?  At this meeting, we will dive right into that question with a talk titled “Choosing Hand Tools for Building Furniture – What and Why.”

Derek will unpack the design and construction of a detailed cabinet featuring a coopered door and drawers. You’ll see how the build comes together, explore options for tweaking the design, and learn which hand tools are used at each step—and what makes them the right choice.

The highlight? A travelling toolbox weighing just 17 kg but packed with over 60 hand tools, including saws, planes, chisels, gauges, and several clever original designs made specifically for furniture making.

Expect plenty of inspiration, practical insights, and a good dose of tool‑geekery.

From Bench to Browser: An Introduction to FWWA Online, presented by Geoff Glasson and Kim Horne

This session will introduce members to FWWA’s new website, what it offers, and how it benefits both the Association and its members. The presentation will explain how the website acts as a central hub for information, events, and showcasing our woodworking activities.

The talk will also cover how linking the website with social media helps promote FWWA to a wider audience. Starting right at the basics, members will be guided through a simple explanation of what social media is, how people use it, and why it’s a useful tool for community groups like ours.

There’ll be time for a cuppa, a chat, and a raffle draw between presentations.