This small to medium sized Tool Sharpening workshop provides an opportunity to learn some valuable skills for tool sharpening and restoration.

Bring along your own neglected and blunt tools and discover how to give them a new lease of life.

In our ‘throw away’ society it is often considered a waste of time to repair or restore old and broken tools and equipment. The skills for fixing and maintaining items are gradually becoming lost. Help to reverse this negative trend and learn how to sharpen your own small and medium sized gardening and craft tools yourself.

The day will be split into two separate workshops…

• Morning session – 9.30am-12.30pm : Smaller items such as craft knifes, secateurs, chisels, scissors (not hairdressing scissors).
• Afternoon session -1.30-4.30pm : Medium sized items such as spades, axes, sheers, loppers, billhooks.

Each session will start with essential health and safety advice. This will be followed by an introduction and demonstrations of the different techniques including choosing the right file, using oil stones and a whet stone grinder. For the rest of the session you will then have time to work on your own tool sharpening, under expert tuition and guidance.

For each session please bring up to three of your own items (from the list above) that you would like to repair. No saws, chainsaws or powertools please.

All tools and equipment for the task will be provided.

The tutor for this workshop is Peter Drake.

Peter has a long history of teaching and helping to develop Denmark Farm Conservation Centre. His hedge-laying and stone walling skills are hard to match within the county and West Wales.

Please bring a packed lunch if you are staying for the full day. Hot drinks will be provided.

Places are limited to 7 participants and must be booked in advance.