Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

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."

21 Jan 19'

chris reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Enjoyable weekend , good company ,interesting oppurtunity to learn new skills in a relaxed atmosphere , Thanks to Mark , i went home with a good loking box."

17 Dec 18'

Mary reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Wonderful two day course with Mark and Richard. They were happy to share their experience, patiently explained the methods and created an enjoyable friendly atmosphere. At no point did you feel rushed and care was taken in ensuring each person got as much as they could from the experience. I am very proud of the box I created, it exceeded expectations and then some! Each course member created something unique and to a really high standard. Thoroughly recommended and I hope to return in the future"

10 Dec 18'

David Heppell reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"A box making course! What do you have at the end? A box of course. But I wouldn't have expected to make a beautiful oak box (with dovetail joints) and with an elm lid (with lovely graining) supported on hidden pin hinges. Mark and Richard were excellent as they supported and guided each of us in making a box of our choice. Maybe this should be called an introduction to cabinet making for absolute beginners. Excellent!"

9 Dec 18'

Deb Mills reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I wanted to make something special for my late husband’s ashes. It was a rollercoaster of emotions for me doing this and to be honest my head was like treacle but with a lot of help and encouragement from Mark & Richard I’ve made the most beautiful box and I think he’d be proud of me. It was a lovely weekend and they give me a lot of support, the other 3 people doing the course were great too! I’d really recommend anyone to have a go, if I can do it anybody can. I wish I could post a picture of my fabulous box!"

7 Nov 18'

Neville Sanderson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I'm 73 and the last time I did woodwork was at the Grammar School in the 1950/60's so to say I was a bit nervous was an understatement. I thought there's no way I could make a box remotely the same as the ones on show in the workshop..... but how wrong I was !!!!! I made a very professional box of which I am so proud. The mitred corners were 95% perfect and the fitted lid with its hidden hinges looked very impressive. Our tutor Mark was the reason I did so well. He was good at explaining each step and showed us how to safely use all the various tools and machinery. I have booked another weekend course for next year.To anyone who is interested I would say "Have a go like I did". You will enjoy it. Thank you Mark for all your help and guidance."

1 Nov 18'

Paul reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a fantastic tutor and his workshop is great! He was happy to answer any questions that I had (about the making of the box and general questions about woodworking) and struck a good balance between showing me what to do and letting me work on my own. I'm very happy with and proud of the box that I've made, especially as I have never done anything like this before. The sides of the box are dovetailed together and the lid is attached using brass pins, but there was the option to do mitred joints and the option to use brass hinges too. After Mark's course I really want to acquire some tools and try and make some more boxes like the one I've already done. Very enjoyable weekend on the whole!"