Course Description

MSF40222 Certificate IV in Furniture Design and Manufacturing

The course offers each student:

  • Predominantly practical instruction covering a broad range of fine woodworking skills 
  • Related theoretical and design studies, technical drawing & design fundamentals
  • Intensive training in the use of a comprehensive range of woodworking machinery 
  • Personal bench space within a small group 
  • Individual guidance from well established and respected professional furniture makers/designers
  • Specialist visiting lecturers 
  • Access to our Design Studio that includes laser cutting, digital routing and 3D printing
  • Visits to other workshops, exhibitions, timber yards, suppliers etc. 
  • Use of library, fully equipped photographic studio and other resources 
  • Full accreditation for AUSTUDY for those eligible 
  • A recognised tertiary qualification (Certificate IV) for all successful graduates 
  • A superb working environment 

The course objective is to develop, in one year, the personal skill, knowledge and confidence that will provide a strong foundation in the craft, enabling graduates to continue working with wood as a profession.

An introduction to Fine Woodworking

TERM 1

Learn how to look after your hand tools, make your own tools, set up your bench and workshop, and construct the perfect hanging tool cabinet. You’ll learn the principles needed for using hand tools and safely operating machinery. 

  • Establish and maintain a safe furniture-making work environment 
  • Select, use and maintain hand tools for the creation of custom products
  • Set up, operate and maintain basic static woodworking machines for furniture designs

 

Joints and Curves and an Introduction to Design

TERM 2

Make your own dovetail saw and use it to learn the art of dovetail joints. Develop and build a piece of furniture with a traditional drawer, and practice a range of curving techniques such as steam bending, coopering, laminating or kerfing.

  • Interpret and respond to a design brief
  • Investigate materials and technologies for design projects
  • Prepare and present design and manufacturing information
  • Generate design solutions 
  • Produce drawings to communicate ideas
  • Construct joints for custom furniture 
  • Produce manual and computer-aided drawings from design concepts
  • Assemble custom furniture 
  • Produce curved and shaped components for custom furniture

 

Designing, Prototyping and Completing a Project

TERM 3

Put your newfound skills to use in designing, prototyping and constructing your own batch project for potential commercial sales.

  • Research furniture styles and movements 
  • Produce technical drawings 
  • Design, construct and test jigs

 

Making an Exhibition Piece

TERMS 3 & 4

Channel your creativity and practice into a piece that’s worthy of your Graduate Exhibition. This work should demonstrate your awareness and understanding of the design principles you’ve studied throughout the year.

  • Produce timber veneered components for custom furniture
  • Make scale models
  • Select timbers for furniture production
  • Project Management and professional development
  • Organise all aspects of the year end exhibition
  • Make a portfolio with a complete record of the project (including photographs)

 

Design & Make a Chair

TERM 4

Combine everything you’ve learnt to design and make a chair. Your most demanding project so far, you’ll need to consider cover design, prototyping, structural concerns, ergonomics, materials and processes, production and basic upholstery techniques.

Design and make a chair