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Canada's first woodworking school dedicated exclusively to hand tools.

by over 4671+ accomplished woodworking
students since '08

I learnt more in the first semester of the resident program at the Unplugged Woodshop that I had done about anything in years

Tom Raw Resident Student

A deliberate & methodical approach to wood working with your hands.

You'll never believe the quality & complexity of the pieces you are able to produce using only hand tools. We will show you exactly how to do it and break it down step by step within our in-person classes.

Our workshop brings together people from all backgrounds and walks of lifes with a common passion for woodworking.

The school offers a range of classes for any level from an Introduction To Woodworking for Women, to all-day Saturday Bootcamp Classes, Green Woodworking Classes, and many more.

find the right course for you
Our current class schedule

Reserve your spot before it's sold out

We have three semesters starting in September, January and April. Classes almost always sell out so please reserve your spot well in advance.

View our full Class Schedule

Leslieville
Located in one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Toronto

Our shop is in downtown Toronto, the fourth largest city in North America, with lots of opportunities to shop, eat and drink.

You'll have much to see and experience while you're here.

Over 4671+ accomplished woodworking students since '08

A truly hand-tool work-friendly environment

The UW-Toronto is well equipped with traditional style workbenches and dedicated saw benches. Each bench is equipped with a full set of tools and task lighting. Students are able to complete any task from sawing dovetails to french polishing and parquetry at their bench with no need for additional resources.

A safe and inspired educational experience

Discover the tools, materials, methods and techniques used here at the Unplugged Woodshop within a community of like minded individuals and genuine teachers that care about you and your learning progress.

Take your craft to the next level

No matter which course you take, from a single afternoon to the 10 week Artisan Program, within the Unplugged Woodshop you will grow physically, mentally and spiritually. We will challenge the limits of what you thought you were capable of and push you beyond the individual level you started at.

The space was fantastic. The people were fantastic. The environment is motivational and inspirational. The neighbourhood is livable, alive and fun. Toronto is an inviting, accessible and friendly city. This is a great place to come and indulge a passion.

David Bank Resident Student

your lead instructor
Designing, building & teaching custom furniture made by hand for over two decades.

“This East coaster is certainly humble about his extensive resume; he's written two popular books about traditional woodworking using hand tools, and is commissioned internationally - from Australia to Germany - to teach his craft.”

My website has reached hundreds of thousands of visitors worldwide, my videos have been watched by millions and I had the pleasure to teach thousands of dedicated students in person, through my books and online.

“Why is Tom Fidgen one of the best-selling woodworking authors on the planet? Because he makes you want to prop his book up in the workshop and start building.”

This is my life's work. I breathe and live woodworking everyday since I can remember. Two decades worth of content and thousands of happy students are the proof that I take my craft very seriously. There is a reason why I was invited to write for industry behemoths like Fine-Woodworking Magazine, Popular Woodworking Magazine, Canadian Woodworking Magazine, Furniture & Cabinetmaking Magazine, British Woodworking Magazine and many more.

And I want to pass this legacy on to you. My in-person classes are the primary and most approachable way I teach the tools and techniques thousands of traditional woodworkers use everyday.

Tom Fidgen

Tom Fidgen, Founder & Lead Instructor

the teachers’ generosity, experience, and enthusiasm skillfully lead us through a thorough, fully hands-on,tour of all important aspects and techniques of traditional woodworking and left us confident we can tackle any project

Filippo Tampieri Resident Student

Bestselling Books

The Unplugged Woodshop

Hand-Crafted Projects for the Home & Workshop

by Tom Fidgen

“I have never been so inspired by a book […] and I'm indebted to Mr. Fidgen for giving me the mojo to get back into my shop and create rather than camping out in front of a TV watching others create.”

Made by Hand

Furniture Projects from the Unplugged Woodshop

by Tom Fidgen

“My husband was very pleased with this book [and] he is out in the work shop now making the tool chest. […] great for beginners or the more experienced wood worker”

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