Melbourne Guild of Fine Woodworking

If I could give The Guild more than five stars I would. I’ve been coming here for half a decade now, having completed the beginner course of the shaker nightstand (twice, it was that good), and two other major projects of my own (photos below).

I’ve been able to build on the fundamentals I learnt in the beginner course thanks to the outstanding tutelage of the teachers. The breadth of their knowledge is exceptional, and is matched by their wonderful support. It really is a welcoming environment.

The school has everything a woodworker could want, from hand tools to larger industrial machinery that just wouldn’t fit in a personal shed at home.

The Guild offers a range of courses, and also runs specialty courses throughout the year, along with a great open day/hand tool event usually in the latter half of the year.

I did my research before picking a woodworking school, and truth be told there were schools located closer to my home, but none that could match The Guild for experience, courses, specialty events and the range of tools.

Whilst these were the many reasons I chose The Guild, the reason I’ve remained has been the wonderful people, the supportive and positive environment, and the friendships I’ve made.

My son Adam has been attending the Melbourne Guild Fine Woodwork for the past five years.
During that time he has developed a new set of skills and a higher level of confidence, due to his participation and engagement in this collaborative and supportive community.
Adam had made a range of items using traditional woodworking techniques under the tutelage of highly experienced and talented teachers.
He has made bird boxes, a dovetailed jewellery box, a Jumanji board game, which is all hand carved, as well as a few other items of his choosing
Adam has been able to attend the Guild via NDIS funding, he has enjoyed the friendships, camaraderie and skill development over the years.
I highly recommend anybody to give it a try.

A few years ago, I made the decision to enrol in an intensive course on Perch Stool. Looking back, it was one of the best choices I have ever made. In fact, I enjoyed the course so much that I decided to join an open workshop class. Initially, the class was held at night, but it later moved to Wednesday mornings. With the guidance of Alistair and other instructors, who were always willing to share their knowledge and skills, I was able to improve my woodworking skills and confidence. Alistair’s good humour and encouragement played a significant role in helping me complete projects that I had only dreamed of before. The MGFW is an incredibly welcoming and friendly place to learn woodworking, and I am extremely grateful to Jacqueline and Alastair for their support and guidance

I've completed the shaker nightstand course and two terms of open classes at MGFW, and it's my favourite part of the week. The teachers are deeply knowledgeable, and find a great balance in sharing that knowledge with beginners like me vs the very experienced people in the open classes. My skills have improved leaps and bounds, it's so much fun, and the other students are welcoming and inclusive. I've made this side table with a drawer from scratch starting as a complete beginner, and I'm so proud of myself. I love the result, it's a genuinely beautiful piece of furniture. In comparing this school to others I've found it to be competitively priced, and the teachers they get in are amazing, it's worth keeping an eye on the one-off courses for international guest teachers

Always leave my evening workshop session with a glow. Nothing better than tinkering with like-minded individuals and fantastic instructors. This place almost feels like home. Cheers MGFW

The Guild has been a crucial step in my woodworking journey. Having done Cabinet making at TAFE and also working in the industry, the guild has provided a unique and invaluable environment to experience fine woodworking techniques and skills. Plus the community and atmosphere is great.

Such a great place to learn woodworking. I came to The Guild with no woodworking experience but was helped through my first project every step of the way by some fantastic teachers. All of their instructors are highly skilled, patient and fun. I was very quickly very exposed to all the tools, machines, equipment and foundational skills I needed to start building a small display cabinet. I found a really friendly mix of fellow students - a great mix of beginners and more advanced woodworkers. Highly recommended.

Highly recommend. Doesn’t matter what level of skill or experience, the friendly instructors will help guide you through project at whatever pace suits. It is such a nice relaxed atmosphere where the joy of woodworking can be shared by everyone

I’ve done many classes at MGFW and always enjoy myself. The teachers are very experienced and nothing is too much trouble. Anything is possible and no mistake is impossible to fix. Alastair and Jacqueline are flexible and always helpful. It is the perfect place to do woodwork in Melbourne.

A excellent place to take my mind off the day to day and collaborate with some of best teachers and students. The facilities and equipment are excellent and have allowed me to improve my woodworking and make new friendships.

Had a great time learning how to make Kumiko with Alastair. The course was very well run, all students left with an amazing Kumiko panel and the skills to make more! I’ll definitely be taking more courses in the future.

Been going here for years now. Great place, with great teachers, who are able to guide you on whatever project you want to create. Would recommend it to anyone from beginners to experienced woodworkers

Excellent tuition and service. Had the best time at MGFW. Do yourself a favour. Get on board. Thank you Alastair & Jackie. I’ll be back.

Ive been on and off at the school for about 7 years now. The teachers are super passionate about their craft and work at a pace that suits my learning. The school is very well equipped and the staff are very accomodating. Highly recommend anyone considering taking up woodworking and you'll learn from some of Australia's best fine furniture makers. Its given me so much confidence with tools I ended up doing a kitchen and bathroom renovation!

Amazing school with great woodworking facilities. Perfect way to enhance your skills — whether you are new to woodworking or have experience you can be a part of the student community here as they have open courses or more structured ones to suit all. Jackie, Alastair and the whole roster of teachers have incredible wealth of experience and knowledge to impart. Alastair also has access to some hard to find species of timber for your projects, available on site. Highly recommended!

10 out of 10! Been a student since start of this year 2023 and completed my first 6-months project based course in building a Shaker style night stand table. Immediately re-enrolled for another term and then the next term. Friendly people, supportive teaching team, best workshop setup and just a great source of inspiration and good vibes! Most heartily recommend! Suitable for all background and skill level and all ages.

As an older person with no experience of furniture making, let alone the confronting machinery used, I was apprehensive.
I am, after one term a commited Guilder, enjoying the experience of learning skills and using machinery I’d never contemplated.
The expert team at the Guild are extremely supportive, patient, and so knowledgeable.
The camaraderie makes for a relaxed learning environment.
I wish I’d started earlier.

I started classes over a year ago and haven't looked back! I came in with zero experience and an interest in furniture making. The teaching team are extremely knowledgeable and have helped me bring many projects to life. I now look forward to my classes every week. If you tossing up whether to give woodworking a shot, I highly recommend trying one of the beginner classes.

I started my MGFW journey a few years ago now when I completed a shaker night stand course. Since then I’ve attended the open woodwork course on Tuesday evenings and have completed a major project (dinning table) as well as completing some short courses. Through all of this training I’ve continued to grow my woodworking skills under the tutelage of Alastair and his specialty artists who impart their wisdom and skill in a safe and inclusive educational environment. If anyone has a desire to start woodworking as a hobby or special interest I cannot recommend the MGFW more highly, you won’t be disappointed, especially with the range of timbers Alastair also has available for your special project. Thanks Jacqueline and Alastair