In today’s furniture design industry, mastering CAD (Computer-Aided Design) is essential for both efficiency and precision. CAD tools like Fusion 360 enable furniture makers to create detailed 3D models, generate technical drawings, and visualise designs before committing to materials. This course will help you develop the skills necessary to bring your ideas to life digitally, ensuring that your designs are both functional and professional.
This course covers the fundamentals of Fusion 360, focusing on the tools and techniques that are most useful for furniture design and production. Whether you are new to CAD or looking to improve your skills, you will gain hands-on experience in creating 3D models, generating technical drawings, and learning how to efficiently work within Fusion 360.
This course is delivered by Charles Dedman, a furniture designer with over 10 years of experience, specialising in both interior and exterior solid wooden furniture – championing British timbers and ‘made to last build quality’. His expertise is backed by extensive education in design and hands-on practical making.
The school’s facilities provide a collaborative environment where you can learn alongside other aspiring designers and makers. The course is structured to provide both practical hands-on experience and the theoretical knowledge you need to integrate CAD into your workflow, ensuring that you can apply these skills directly to your furniture making process.
Take your furniture making to the next level with the skills to create professional, high-quality designs. Whether you are working on custom pieces or larger production projects, mastering CAD is a valuable investment for your craft. Sign up today to start your journey at the Farnham School of Furniture.
Please ensure your laptop meets the system requirements to run Fusion 360. For detailed information on compatibility, visit the Fusion 360 system requirements page.
To purchase one of our gift vouchers, just visit our Gift Vouchers page.
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Each bespoke project starts with a design brief to establish the client's personal objectives and requirements, as well as the intended location and environment for the furniture. This Elm dining table was designed to accommodate family get-togethers and to provide an informal alternative to the more formal furniture in the client's dining room.
Since Dutch Elm disease came to Britain 20 years ago, Elm has become an increasingly rare type of wood. Nevertheless, we were able to source an exceptionally good example of this beautiful light timber. The rich grain markings complement the simple yet elegant design of this table. The solid Elm top features tactile curve-chamfered edges and under-arching table rails, providing additional leg room. The sculptured legs and gentle scoops on the underside of the table top are a contemporary take on a typical Arts and Crafts embellishment.
The table is finished with several coats of oil, which protects the wood from spills, and will develop a warm patina over time. This particular table was designed to sit 8 people, but can be made to order in any size and timber to suit your individual requirements.
Materials: Elm
Dimensions: To Order
Finish: Oil
Guide Price: POA
This table was commissioned as part of the Summer House Restoration Project at Buckingham Palace and was presented to Queen Elizabeth II at her Coronation Festival in July 2013. See the video below for more information.
The Coronation table is part of Aidan’s Aestas body of design work. Inspired by the Crocus flower, the top resembles six inner petals made from carefully selected English Walnut, embedded in a Cherry surround. The stems of the six petals flow down and out through the open centre of the table to form the table legs.
The Coronation Table marries contemporary design with traditional craftsmanship to display the natural beauty of fine English hardwoods. A limited edition of five commissions based on this design will be made to order in a choice of timbers to be agreed with buyers.
Materials: English Walnut and Cherry (or as required)
Dimensions: D:1650mm H:720mm
Finish: 14 Layers of Oil
Guide Price: Please enquire
The Aestas jewellery box takes its form from a primrose flower. It features six petals that open individually, each with a carved handle resembling a flower’s stamen. Once opened, they reveal a suede lined interior with six removable trays.
They were first exhibited in the Summer House at Buckingham Palace for the Coronation Festival in July 2013. They are a limited edition collection.
The Aestas jewellery boxes are available in the following wood and interior combinations:
Materials: See above
Size: 29cm wide by 7cm tall
Weight: 1kg (approx)
Price: POA
This bespoke sideboard was commissioned by a client who wanted a piece of furniture made using traditional cabinet making techniques throughout, so it would be an heirloom piece, to be passed on to his children. It was developed for a specific space within the clients dining room, to hold the family silverware and crockery.
The sideboard took inspiration from the architecture of a Japanese temple roof, as the client has lived in Japan for many years, where he met his wife. This idea is realised through the cabinet tops upward flowing curved chamfers on both sides, as well as the mirrored oblique grain patterns of the sideboard doors.
From the beginning of this project the emphasis was on craftsmanship and honesty of construction through the use of exposed joints. The tapering legs and through wedged tenons give weight and solidity, countered by the flowing grain direction on the drawer fronts and under arching chamfer on its top.
The sideboard’s design allows a comparison between the carefully selected timbers, highlighting the striking contrast between the rich Black Walnut and the light Sycamore. The simplicity and honesty of the design result in a strong, yet elegant statement.
Materials: American Black Walnut and Sycamore
Dimensions: L:2250mm H:980mm W:550mm
Finish: Oil
Guide Price: Please enquire
Where better to keep your precious items than in a beautiful handmade keepsake box?
The design of this piece references a Japanese roof with its downwards running lines on the top. The simplicity of the design shows off the contrast between the dark Bog Oak and the lighter Brown Oak
Bog Oak is a rare wood that has been buried in peat bogs and preserved from decay for thousands of years. The wood is stained dark brown/black by tannins in the acidic bog water. The complexities in removing and drying this type of oak make it one of the most luxurious and expensive timbers in the world.
We can make bespoke keepsake boxes to order in sizes and timbers to suit your requirements and preferences. Please enquire to discuss timber and inlay combinations.
Materials: Bog Oak, Brown Oak
Dimensions: L:290mm W:130mm H:75mm
Finish: Oil
Guide Price: Please enquire
