Nick James Design

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Designer and maker of fine furniture, made by hand in his workshop in Newcastle upon Tyne. Nick work

30/10/2026

Just making chair legs…

27/10/2026

Some things are almost too good to cover up!

A busy start to the week on the router table. I’ve swapped my usual 16mm roundover cutter for this rather enormous 38mm one, and I’m loving the results!

I love making dining tables. There’s something really satisfying about making them!

In fact, I’m so pleased with how this oak frame is turning out that it’s going to be a shame to put a top on it.

But then I suppose it wouldn’t be much of a table if I didn’t and my peas would end up on the floor! 😂

22/10/2026

It’s been a while since I’ve made one of these benches - think I can just about remember how to do it - hope so - it’s one of my favourites!

16/10/2026

Not a bad way to end the week – spending it in a swimming pool! 🏊‍♂️

Back at in Manchester for – an incredible exhibition in a truly incredible venue.

I’ve brought along a few new pieces this year, and it’s always a pleasure to share my work with new faces and returning customers alike.

And of course, one of the best bits is catching up with all the other talented makers – over 200 of us under one roof!

A brilliant celebration of making, creativity and craft!

09/10/2026

A satisfying end to the week, finishing off this oak stool.

It’s something I’ve been meaning to make for years. Customers have often asked if I could add a back to my stools, particularly at .

My answer was always “Yes, of course!”… and then I never quite got round to doing it!

Well, a recent commission finally gave me the push to work out the design, and here it is!

Really pleased with how it’s turned out, and I’ll be taking it to Manchester next week for .

Come along and try it for yourself!

08/10/2026

Back on the router table make more stool legs - this time a little different…

10 points if you can spot what’s changed! 🏅

07/10/2026

A very satisfying joint coming together today.

Cutting a walnut halving joint using a combination of Japanese hand saws and router work — blending hand-tool precision with the accuracy and repeatability of modern machinery.

I’ve always enjoyed this balance in woodworking - when traditional skills work alongside contemporary techniques.
My preferred method is sawing the sides by hand, removing the bulk with the router with a flush cut bit from then carefully fine tuning until the two parts slide together with that perfect little bit of resistance.
And then comes the best moment — when the joint finally seats properly for the first time!

19/09/2026

Hand-cut meets machine precision.

This is my take on a three-way tri-halving corner joint—a three-dimensional puzzle where every cut has to land exactly where it should.

I used a combination of hand-sawn joinery and router cutters to achieve the precise dimensions needed for all three pieces to intersect and lock neatly into place.

Traditional skills and modern tooling, working together to create one very satisfying joint.

Address

Mushroom Works, St Lawrence Road
Newcastle Upon Tyne
NE61AR

Telephone

+441912244011

Website

http://www.jamesdesign.co.uk/

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