Michael Thornbury
Senior Woodworking Editor
monassos.org Ltd
"Woodworking isn't about having expensive tools or fancy equipment. It's about understanding your materials, respecting the wood, and taking time to learn properly. That's what I've tried to teach for the past sixteen years."
From Apprentice to Educator
Michael's journey into woodworking began at age 18 when he apprenticed under a master craftsman in Gloucestershire. He wasn't just learning to make things — he was absorbing decades of knowledge about British hardwoods, traditional joinery, and the philosophy of working with your hands.
After completing his formal training at London College of Furniture in 2008, he worked as a professional furniture maker for eight years. But something shifted around 2015 when he started volunteering at a local Men's Shed. That's where he discovered his real passion: helping others discover woodworking, regardless of age or background.
Today, as Senior Woodworking Editor at monassos.org Ltd, Michael spends his time translating what he's learned into guides, articles, and projects that actually make sense to beginners. His shelf-building projects? They've helped hundreds of UK hobbyists develop real foundational skills. He believes woodworking should be accessible, achievable, and genuinely enjoyable.
16 Years in Woodworking
Apprenticeship Begins
Started formal training under a master craftsman in Gloucestershire, focusing on traditional joinery and hardwood selection.
London College of Furniture
Completed degree in furniture design, bringing formal design education to complement his practical craft skills.
Professional Furniture Maker
Worked on custom furniture projects, developing expertise in British oak, ash, walnut, and sustainable sourcing practices.
Men's Shed Volunteer
Started volunteering at local Men's Shed, discovering the transformative power of accessible woodworking instruction in community settings.
Senior Woodworking Editor
Developed beginner-friendly curricula at monassos.org Ltd, creating accessible guides on hardwood types, hand tools, and practical projects.
What Michael Teaches
Practical knowledge built from 16 years of hands-on experience and community teaching.
British Hardwoods
Oak, ash, walnut, beech, and elm. Michael teaches you how to identify them, understand their grain, and select the right wood for your project. No guesswork — just practical knowledge about what works and why.
Hand Tool Mastery
Chisels, planes, saws, and hand drills. Learn which tools you actually need, how to care for them, and most importantly, how to use them properly. Hand tools aren't old-fashioned — they're precision instruments.
Project-Based Learning
His signature shelf-building projects teach real skills through making. You'll learn joinery, finishing, and problem-solving by building something you can actually use. No theory without practice.
Men's Shed Community
Passionate about accessible woodworking in community workshops across the Midlands and South Wales. He's trained facilitators, developed curricula, and helped dozens of Men's Sheds get their programmes running effectively.
Beginner Instruction
Demystifying woodworking for people starting from scratch. Michael's approach is patient, practical, and never condescending. He remembers what it's like to be confused by a plough plane.
Sustainable Sourcing
Understanding where your timber comes from matters. He teaches how to source British hardwoods responsibly, supporting local suppliers and sustainable forestry practices.
Teaching Philosophy
Michael doesn't believe in shortcuts. Woodworking is a craft that rewards patience, attention to detail, and respect for your materials. He's seen too many beginners rushed through fundamentals, only to struggle later.
His approach is straightforward: start with the basics, build real projects, make real mistakes, and learn from them. Every guide he writes, every workshop he facilitates, is designed around this principle. You won't find hype or unnecessary complexity here — just honest instruction from someone who's spent years learning and teaching.
He's particularly passionate about making woodworking inclusive. Age doesn't matter. Previous experience doesn't matter. What matters is showing up ready to learn, and having someone guide you properly. That's why his Men's Shed work means so much to him — he's seen the real impact when people discover they can make something beautiful with their own hands.
Michael's Guides & Articles
Practical, beginner-friendly resources on British woodworking.
British Hardwoods: Oak, Ash, and Walnut Explained
A comprehensive guide to identifying and selecting native British hardwoods, understanding grain patterns, and choosing the right timber for your projects.
Hand Tools Every Beginner Actually Needs
Skip the marketing hype. Learn which hand tools you truly need to start woodworking, how to care for them, and how to use them properly without frustration.
Build Your First Shelf: A Step-by-Step Project
Michael's signature project for beginners. This step-by-step guide walks you through planning, measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing your first real woodworking project.
Finding Your Local Men's Shed: Community & Learning
Discover how Men's Sheds work, what you'll learn, and how to find one near you. Whether you're in the Midlands, South Wales, or elsewhere, there's likely a community workshop waiting.
Ready to Start Woodworking?
Browse Michael's complete guides on British hardwoods, hand tool techniques, and beginner projects. Everything you need to get started is in the woodworking section.