Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

14 Dec 19'

Michael Bidny reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"A very worthwhile course which was " hands on ". I started to understand just how versatile my router could become, and with Mark's guidance a completely new world was opening up. Thank you Mark. Would I recommend this course to others - Yes. Would I attend any further courses ? - Absolutely yes 5 Stars."

11 Dec 19'

Steve Johnson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is a course I can thoroughly recommend to individuals of all abilities who want to try their hand at box making and come away after two days with a box they can be proud of. There is no default box that everyone on the course makes, within reason (there are some superb boxes in the showroom) you are able to choose joining method for the sides, lid hingeing techniques, different woods for the lid, whether to line the box or not. There were four of us on the course and all the boxes had our own individual styles evident when we had finished. A ratio of pupil to teacher of 2:1 meant that Mark and Richard were always available to offer advice and demonstrate the next stage of your particular box and nothing was rushed. Even if you don't intend to take up woodworking you can spend two days having fun in great company, learn new skills and leave with a beautiful box."

8 Dec 19'

Carol Hughes reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This Box Making course was a great treat. I have never done anything before which would count as woodwork. However, even as a complete novice I was encouraged through every stage and by the end of the 2 days had made a beautiful and unique box. There were 4 students with Mark and Richard as teachers. Whilst we started with making a basic oak box, we all asserted our individual styles in choosing the wood for the lids, whether it should be a mitre or a dovetail joint, what type of hinge would best suit and whether a lining for the inside would enhance the final box. We progressed at our own pace, but never felt rushed. There seemed plenty of time to ask questions and to be shown how to do things or solve a problem. There were breaks for coffee and lunch. If you are looking to try something new or different I would highly recommend this course."

3 Nov 19'

Kate B reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"A fabulous two day course, with a great product to take home. The tutors Mark and Richard were so talented and knowledgeable. They had endless patience, providing just the right level of support, whilst allowing us the freedom to learn, try things out and make design decisions. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, enabling us all to work and make decisions at our own pace. Everyone in the group used different woods for the lids and slightly different designs, which made it really interesting. I have learned so much about types of wood, machinery and tools. It's a fabulous environment - both the workshop and location, and I would thoroughly recommend the course. Thank you."

22 Oct 19'

Johanna reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I cannot recommend this course enough. I am a serial crafter/learner but I have never done anything as brilliant as this. My partner and I are total novices and were both excited and apprehensive about the course, having not done any woodwork since our school days. Richard and Mark completely put us at ease and were so patient and supportive throughout the course. I can't believe how much I learnt and it has certainly given us both the bug to do more. The boxes we made are so beautiful and unique. Absolutely loved it, no better way to spend a weekend!"

7 Oct 19'

Sue Bloxham reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"I ended up having this course on a one to one basis which was excellent as I was able to go at exactly the right pace and take into account what I already knew. Mark helped me use and assess my own router and the bits I had been given. We covered and practised all the various techniques and he shared lots of useful tips, waiting for me to make copious notes for later reference. I highly recommend it."

13 Aug 19'

Anna Debbage reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I simply loved this weekend course. The ratio of two tutors to four students worked really well, there was someone to step in and help or advise whenever it was needed. Both Mark and Richard were very gentle and calm in their approach and the energy of the weekend was ideal for a sensitive soul. It was also a lovely space to be in - and for me personally really helpful to see the setup, as I'm hoping to set up a workshop at home but had been lacking confidence and know-how. The course has, I believe, given me the confidence to go ahead and do it. I also was pleased that I could get on at my own pace without pressure to keep up with other people, and stop for a break anytime I wanted to. Stepping outside the workshop is to step into a beautiful, tranquil setting of fields and hills and sheep and trees and sky..... I'm delighted with my box - and with the whole experience. If you're after learning some key skills and coming home with a beautiful, professional box you've made yourself, go for it!"

6 Aug 19'

Paul reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I was very excited to be going on this course and had been looking forward to it for months. It is obviously a very popular course, and with good reason. A wonderful workshop, plenty of space for everyone (4 pupils and two tutors), a great selection of tools and Mark and Richard are excellent mentors. I describe them as mentors because, although they are there to teach you the basics (and they do so brilliantly), they let you get on with it. They are watchful, mindful and step in at just the right moment to give you pearls of wisdom that are obviously years in the making. I am confident that the experience (and confidence) I have gained during the weekend will carry me forward into my own projects. A truly wonderful experience; thank you!"

18 Jul 19'

Barry Jensen reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Brilliant weekend. Attentive instructors and a professional outcome. Can't wait to return and try other boxes or items.."

18 Jul 19'

Perry Touzel reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed this Box Making Course. Very experienced course instructors were a fountain of knowledge that will no doubt be invaluable for moving forward with other woodworking projects. Not only did I come away with an exceptional box, I had a great weekend in the beautiful Lake District."

16 Jul 19'

Marie Duffield reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"I bought a router a couple of years ago, had quite a scary incident with it and it has been in my shed in its box ever since. I decided it was time to 'get back on the horse' and did a router course with Mark. It was excellent. He was flexible with dates and I was lucky to have one on one tuition. I came away feeling completely confident to use my router again, and have learned lots more about its capabilities. I would highly recommend this course."

16 Jul 19'

Phil Jensen reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"An excellent course. The small class size means that there is a good student to instructor ratio. Someone is always on hand to supervise and offer help. Mark and J are both exceptional woodworkers but also have the ability to impart their knowledge upon the student. They offered an insight that could only come from those active in the industry and which would take the beginner years to work out by experimentation. As the course has an element of flexibility we were all able to produce boxes of different styles which allows for personal creativity and the feeling that it’s not just another ‘off the shelf’ generic course. I would thoroughly recommend."

12 Jul 19'

john chappell reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Very good course, Mark is an experienced cabinet maker. I would recommend this course."

25 Jun 19'

Clive Hickman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Really great course. I was amazed by the finished box that I made, having never tried working with wood before. I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to try their hand at working with wood."

24 Jun 19'

Martin Baum reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I had a fantastic time on the two day box making course......it didn't feel like a course at all. Mark and Richard have a great way of passing on the skills needed without making it too 'teachy'. Not only have I made a beautiful Oak and Walnut box that I am so proud of, but I have learnt great skills and added confidence to try making things on my own. I was originally going to spend the money for the course on a new router but I am so glad that I invested it in the course instead.....now I know that all the tools in the world will not improve my woodworking without the skills and understanding I learnt from Mark. I am sure I will be attending more courses with Mark and Richard in the future."

13 May 19'

Mary Hollinshed reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Lovely course, well thought-out and designed to give relative beginners to fine woodworking a good set of core skills. Tutors are friendly and very helpful - when you get one standing next to you holding a lamp so you can see what you’re doing, you know you’re onto a winner! Lots of excellent tips and techniques, and you will come away with a lovely box with which to astound friends and family!"

10 May 19'

Will Garton reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"The two days I spent in the Wood Workshop near Penrith, with Mark's guidance and three other like-minded students of the craft, were hugely rewarding and something I will definitely repeat. Some may be put off by the price, but I assure you that the course was worth every penny. The tips and advice you receive, as well as the access to a fully-equipped workshop and excellent quality hardwoods, are valuable and the price reflects the experience. By the end of the two days I am left with a beautiful hardwood box of oak and Ash, fully oiled and waxed, the likes of which I never thought I would be able to create. I intend to go on and practice at home, with the list of suppliers provided by Mark to help me produce the best quality boxes I can. This course is well worth it for the skills and experience you will gain, as well as the box. Excellent course."

8 May 19'

peter reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Anyone who knows me, knows I am a classic Taurean, a "Bull in a China shop" so attending a fine box making course was to say the least challenging. I thought it beyond my capabilities. However from the very first moment the whole course was a absolute pleasure, a small mixed group of strangers but all with a common goal to improve their skills. Mark is the most welcoming of people, he immediately gave us all the assurance to attempt making a range of boxes that we all thought were impressive and delightful to look at. He was always assisted by Jay who ensured that none of us were left unattended. They provided detailed explanations on many skills that are so simple when you know them but make a massive difference to the look of the finished article. I have no hesitation in recommending the course to anyone, regardless of your skills, you will learn more in these precious hours than you will in a life time browsing the internet."

5 May 19'

Tim Swales reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is a brilliant course. Run by very talented and knowledgable people. Lots of information given about tools and machinery and the wood that is used. The workshop is amazing and has such atmosphere it encourages you to make beautiful things. The passion for the subject oozes from the environment you are working in. Highly recommended. Anyone from novice to the more experienced will gain great skills and knowledge."

11 Mar 19'

Laura Cave reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Thoroughly enjoyed the 2day box making course with Mark and Jay. They were very patient and laid back, always happy to answer any questions. I was astonished how well my box turned out and now have the confidence to do more. Thanks guys!"

7 Mar 19'

Paul & Sheila Wright reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a great way to spend the weekend. Mark and Richard were excellent instructors. After initial instructions we were encouraged to do everything for ourselves. They were always on hand if we got into difficulties. Their knowledge and skills are unbelievable and their levels of patience endless. Their workshop is well stocked with plenty of different high quality work working tools, that we were guided into using in order to make our boxes. Our boxes are for our twin grandchildren and the knowledge that dad-cu and mam-gu made them make us very proud grandparents. Thanks guys, you are an awesome duo."

4 Mar 19'

Tony reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great course. Mark and Jay looked after us well. The 2 student to one tutor ration meant that you could always get help. Looking at the example boxes at the beginning was quite daunting but the careful step by step guidance made the process stress free and enjoyable. The course fee may initially seem a bit expensive but it's more than worth it for the training, experience, access to all the machinery, materials etc and the end result of a beautiful box."

1 Mar 19'

Maureen Brown reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a great weekend , Mark and Richard were very good teachers very patient explaining everything clearly as we went along. I liked the fact that Mark and Richard showed us what to do and then left us to do it but still there if we needed them. The end result was a great box that my friends did not believe that I had really made and were very impressed. Thank you very much Mark and Richard ."

24 Feb 19'

John Chappell reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Lovely way to spend a weekend, mark and richard are very knowledgable cabinet makers but are also down to earth when teaching part of their skills to everyday people like me ? Well worth booking this course."

21 Jan 19'

Tracy Playle reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I’ve known Mark for a few years now as I’ve been on other courses that he runs (all of which I HIGHLY recommend). But this course was outstanding. I had such a wonderful weekend. Mark is so skilled and brilliant at explaining things and not making you feel stupid when/if you make a mistake. You get to add some of your own personal touches and ideas too. The box I’ve come away with is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever made and I already have friends and family wanting me to make one for them now too! I need to send them on the course. Thanks so much Mark! Will be seeing you again soon."