Urban Woodworker was started in 2012 by Jeremy Tomlinson in collaboration with Roundhouse Community Art and Recreation Centre in Vancouver. Urban Woodworker now operates in three locations.
On November 1, 2018 Urban Woodworker opened the Community Woodworking Studio, its second location in Lower Lonsdale North Vancouver.
2022 Urban Woodworker started offering its courses in Surrey at the Clayton Community Centre, its third location.
photos by Blake Watson
Jeremy Tomlinson is a woodworker, wood turner and expert in teaching the use of hand tool methods and techniques in furniture making and woodworking in general. He demonstrates hand tool woodworking extensively in Canada and the US through his association with Lie-Nielsen Toolworks. Formally trained as an Aircraft Mechanic and later in Mechanical Engineering, Jeremy finds delight in inspiring others to learn the methods and techniques of hand-crafting furniture and other treasures of wood. His engaging demonstrations on the fundamentals of hand tool woodworking benefit professionals and amateurs alike.
Video by Ayrin Wong
Instructors
Ryan Inman – January 2019
Ryan Inman believes furniture should be enjoyed from one generation to the next. His goal is to make attractive, timeless, high-quality furniture, and share the techniques involved with others.
Ryan started spending time in his garage about ten years ago. Things started getting interesting. Despite being the son of a wood-shop teacher, and the grandson of a furniture upholsterer, he pursued a career as a Chartered Accountant. He came to craft later in life when he discovered the joy of making something with his own bare hands.
After attending the Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking Artisan program as a foundation, he started building and exploring. Ryan creates heirloom furniture in his studio in North Vancouver using domestic hardwoods. He enjoys sharing what he’s learnt, and believes teaching the craft will keep it healthy for future generations.
Ryan teaches Woodworking Basics Level 1 and Drop-in sessions.
Ed Pretty – January 2019 – Ed started by offering Turning at the Roundhouse and after a couple of years away has re-joined our group offering Turning in Clayton Community Center.
My name is Ed Pretty and I’m a woodturner. I was a firefighter for the City of Surrey for 35 years although I grew up in a family entrenched in logging and farming, so I have a broad background in self-sufficiency. While in the fire department I became a certified trainer and have trained people in all aspects of that discipline, motorcycle skills (my other passion) and woodturning.
I was given a lathe when I was nine and my father taught me the basics of turning between centers. I proceeded to make my fortune making and selling file handles but, alas, I learned more about the laws of supply and demand than turning. I first saw bowls turned on a lathe in the early 80’s. I was hooked on this new (to me) dimension in turning. Really hooked.
Seeking knowledge, I helped form the Fraser Valley Woodturners in 1988 then joined the newly formed Greater Vancouver Woodturners. My basics were instilled by my father, but I have learned (and continue to learn) all my advanced knowledge from masters from literally around the world at the GV guild.
My artistic work is presented at the Circle Craft Galley on Granville Island and the Audain Art Museum Gallery in Whistler. I presently do freelance commercial turning, teach at Lee Valley Tools and in my own shop and now at the Roundhouse. I demonstrate and run workshops for other guilds both in Canada and the US. In 2018 I demonstrated at the annual American Association of Woodturners symposium in Portland, OR.
Making shavings and teaching others is what I do.
Ed teaches our turning courses at the Roundhouse in the Yaletown district of Vancouver.
Tristan Noone – February 2019
Bio to be added soon
Tristan Instructs Hand Tools Level 1 and 2, and Level 1 Basics in Lower Lonsdale and Roundhouse.
Mark Benstead – April 2019
Mark grew up around carpentry and home construction in England. Having a grandad and uncle with their own carpentry/joinery business meant that sawdust was never far away. His parents renovated and built houses in England and France, including a wood chalet, which he helped out with. School summers were spent repairing sash windows and wooden sailing boats.
After moving to Canada in 2001 Mark was heavily involved in the finishing aspect of a complete house renovation. Working on the wooden projects (staircase, balustrade, fireplace, cedar shed ) motivated him to further his fine woodworking skills through research, classes and personal projects. He is mostly interested in traditional joinery using hand tools.
Always seeking to improve his skills and learn the myriad techniques, styles and tools, Mark is eager to share his experience and help people discover the intriguing world of woodworking.
Mark instructs Hand Tools Level 1
Charlie Chao – May 2019
Charlie began his woodworking experience 30 years ago when he first designed and built a custom speaker enclosure. His engineering background has helped with the disciplinary aspects in woodworking and proved invaluable during his studies in fine woodworking. He recently improved his mortise and tenon skills by spending time with renowned master furniture maker David Charlesworth. He has also trained and improved his hand-sawing skills and hand-cut dovetails with master furniture maker Rob Cosman.
He is currently enjoying fine furniture building by spending time volunteering at Urban Woodworker studio and further improving his fine woodworking skills by studying under Jeremy Tomlinson.
Darrell Mussatto – September 2019
Darrell credits his father Tookie for his love and enjoyment of woodworking. From an early age he was able to spend time with his him in his workshop and take on various woodworking projects. Having learned basic hand and power tool techniques it quickly became a very satisfying lifetime hobby.
While pursuing various careers in health care, education and politics and wanting to improve his woodworking skills Darrell began taking courses at Urban Woodworking. This only increased his enthusiasm for working with wood and the joy that comes with completing a project.
He now shares his enthusiasm for wood by teaching Woodworking Basics level 1 and Drop-in sessions.