Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

30 Oct 18'

Paul reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a fantastic tutor. He is very patient and guides you really well. The time flies by (even though the clocks went back this weekend). I have just done the box making weekend and I cannot believe that a novice woodworker walked out with such a lovely box! It was relaxed and enjoyable. I have learnt such a lot and will be back for sure for more teaching."

7 Oct 18'

Andy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I wasn't sure what to expect after my wife bought this course for me as a gift. On arrival on Saturday morning, Mark asked us to pick the type of box we wanted to make and I thought "there's no way I'm going to make any one of these". I was wrong! Two days later I had a wooden box I was really proud of. Mark's style of delivery, the pace of the course and the workshop all come together in what is a great weekend. I've left with a new sense of belief that I can make stuff, some new skills and a bunch of ideas for spending long hours in the man-shed. I hope to be back for some other courses. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this course to anyone with an interest in learning some new skills and actually creating something tangible."

22 Sep 18'

David Bradley reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just completed the weekend box making course with Mark and it was everything I wanted it to be. As you would expect, the workshop was very well equipped and Mark’s instructions and guidance on the safe and correct use of each tool or piece of equipment was spot on. I picked up lots of useful tips and tricks over the course of the weekend and I had a lovely dovetailed oak box with walnut lid to show for my efforts. A really enjoyable weekend in lovely surrounding spend with a great bunch of fellow students and a very passionate and knowledgeable craftsman. I’m off to start saving for a Wood Rat !"

18 Sep 18'

Jane reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I came on the course hoping to get some experience with woodworking machinery. I left with lots of ideas and a beautiful box I made myself. The atmosphere was relaxing from the cameraderie of my fellow students to the patience of the instructor; a thoroughly fulfilling way to pass a weekend."

20 Aug 18'

Colin Dulson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Excellent course. Fun and relaxed with a small group where each person got all the attention they required. Mark was great at teaching you and letting you do the work which meant that you really feel you'd accomplished something at the end of the weekend."

19 Aug 18'

Nick reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Having just completed the 2 day weekend box making course with Mark I can say it is thoroughly great fun. Mark is friendly and a wealth of knowledge and has a wonderful way of explaining everything so you can understand. His passion shines through and is infectious and I will be continuing wood work as a hobby. The product from this course turned out amazing, mark having coaxed unknown talent out of me. Thank you so much."

16 Jul 18'

Alan Haughan reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What can I say. The other reviewers are spot on. Great weekend box making. Relaxed style from Mark puts you instantly at ease. Very clear yet detailed advise and supervision. You will come away with a box you have made which you will be proud of, and will have learned lots as well, whether a beginner or not. Go - you will be glad you did!"

2 Jul 18'

Nick Booth reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"It is difficult to believe that someone who has always been clumsy and imprecise with wood can be taught to make a beautiful hardwood box (in oak) that looks and feels fabulous. Mark enabled me to do that in two days on a fantastic box-making course which was well run, allowed us to work independently, learn how to use hand tools and machine tools, and feel more confident doing previously impossible projects at home. A great course in a great location, highly recommended."

28 Jun 18'

John Kirby reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I arrived with some trepidation - I did a little woodwork in school in the '70s but since then only Ikea. But I was very quickly put at my ease and started to enjoy myself hugely. I learned a lot and am now ridiculously proud of the wooden box I made during the course - I have shown it to everyone! Thank you Mark."

24 Jun 18'

Lesley reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark has the patience of a saint. This course was an unexpected Christmas present for me and accordingly surprising. I never thought I could make an interesting box but I have. Mark has an enormous attention to detail and could convey this without being intimidating. A great way to spend a weekend and I am impressed with my insight into what it takes to make a good wooden box. Thanks very much"

17 May 18'

Andy reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I'm sat looking at the results of the May box making course attended last weekend and still can't really believe just how good it looks. My last wood working efforts of any kind (other than flat-pack furniture assembly or patching up a skirting board) was around 54 years ago as a 12 year old. That experience was traumatic and resulted in a wobbly teapot stand that only a mother could love; this one was cathartic and resulted in a fine looking box. I've just re-read through all of the previous reviews for this course, in the hope that I could think of something that hasn't already been said. I can't though! You might be forgiven for thinking that there must be a degree of exaggeration in many of them, but I can confirm that I found that all were accurate. Mark was a patient and helpful guide to technique, tools and scary machinery through every stage of the process. He demonstrated what needed to be done and watched over your initial efforts with advice as necessary, but never doing the job for you. This was a well-organised and very enjoyable course that I would give 6 stars to if it were possible. Recommended to all - thanks Mark!"

15 May 18'

Charles reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I made a box! The only thing I have ever before made out of wood was kindling and a fire, I left Mark's workshop with a fine wooden box of which I was very proud. The workshop was very well organised, Mark is a great tutor with a very "put you at ease" style which took any apprehension away. Having selected the style of box, received safety training on the machinery we set about cutting the wood and assembling the pieces that would eventually be the box. This was a practical hands on box making workshop, progressing at my work rate. I learnt to use various types of machinery and Mark was always on hand to advise if needed. I thoroughly enjoyed the workshop, I have confidence to tackle other projects and will be back to learn skills on a wood turning lathe. Having started with no knowledge I can thoroughly recommend this workshop as great value and giving a new skill to be proud of. Brilliant!"

30 Apr 18'

Mark Henderson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just finished my weekend course with Mark on box making, what a great and interesting time spent with a guy with so much skill and knowledge of wood, from learning about timber joints to the hints and tips they give you, things you would never have thought of until they are pointed out to you, I myself have worked with timber and sheet materials for many years but this was still an eye opener for me to see a master at work. The items they produce have to be seen to be believed, taking into account the challenges faced when working with a natural product such as wood. So many thanks go to Mark for his teaching over the last 2 days I will take this back to my own workshop and try to apply some of the skills he has shown me. I would recommend these courses to anyone that has a love of wood. Many thanks for all your help again."

26 Mar 18'

Simon reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What an amazing weekend! Whatever expectations I had for this were exceeded by the excellent Mark and Richard. Having done no woodwork since school, other than bodge a bit of DIY, I felt a complete novice. No matter. I was helped along when I needed it and left to it when I could cope, no stress. I am proud of the box I have made, it didn't think it would be as good as it is. That is down to the help from the guys. I thoroughly recommend this weekend to any one."

25 Mar 18'

Sarah Gravell reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great little weekend. Choice of boxes to create. Step by step help as required. No experience necessary. End result - something to be proud of, and some new skills. Relaxed environment. Many thanks."

3 Mar 18'

Ron Sutcliffe reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"My wife, Lara, and I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend course. Mark and Richard were great hosts and teachers; it's clear to see their passion for what they do. We came away with a couple of lovely boxes to be proud of and an enthusiasm to take the skills and tips we gained into a new hobby at home. Highly recommended."

22 Feb 18'

Gill Geach reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"A fabulous course & worth every penny. Mark & Richard are excellent patient tutors and explained things very well. I have never done any type of woodwork before & was very nervous by Mark & Richard soon put me at ease. I came home with a beautiful box which I am so proud of. Many thanks Mark & Richard for a great experience."

20 Feb 18'

Robin reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I really enjoyed this course. Had not done any woodwork for many years but was helped to get back into it by Mark and Richard's patient and excellent tuition. I learned lots of great tips and hopefully will be able to put them into practice in the future. I was delighted with the box that I made. I would highly recommend this course."

26 Nov 17'

Mal Weightman reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Great course and I came away having learned so much. Made a lovely dovetailed box with a feature Australian silky oak lid, which was brass pin pivoted and the inside was leather lined.. all over a weekend. With 2 students to one instructor (Mark) there was never any problem in asking for advice or questions. Worth every penny!"

23 Oct 17'

Steve Lumb reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Excellent course and Mark a very patient teacher and balanced the right amount of teaching and demonstration with allowing me to get on with my box and quietly supervising. End result a beautiful box, far nicer than anything else I have ever made and a shed load of new skills. What my wife didnt bank on when she booked the course were all the essential items of workshop equipment I will now need to buy to kit out my own workshop ?"

18 Sep 17'

Hussain reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"The weekend box making is real joy. No matter how much woodworking background one has, there is a lot to learn from Mark who is a very creative craftsman. I am glad i came for this course it was well worth it. Thank you Mark. You have certainly made me a more confident woodworking hobbiest. Hussain"

18 Sep 17'

Sallie reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"So many firsts for me this weekend, including the first time I have written a report on-line! I had to!!! What a fantastic course. The family were amazed at the box I created - if I can anyone can. Mark is an excellent teacher. There were two of us on the course and the other person had far more experience than I, even having his own work shop. I would definitely class myself as a beginner but I was not made to feel inferior in any way. On arrival we were asked what type of box we wished to construct - 2 different shapes, mitre or dovetail corners and 3 different lid mechanisms. We chose completely different styles of box and Mark showed us the both the techniques required, calling the other over when demonstrating the next step. I have never used machinery before - Mark was very clear in his instruction and I felt very safe as a result of his attention to detail. Each piece of equipment (hand or machinery) was explained as in what it does and how it is used. He also taught us some maintenance tips for hand tools e.g. sharpening chisels. Mark has provided details of suppliers (materials and tools) should we wish to have a go at home. We were made very welcome. There was the opportunity to have a drink whenever you wanted but I became so engrossed I forgot - until we were told it was lunch time! Thank you so very much for a fabulous weekend. I have a beautiful box - they don't keep the best wood for themselves. I will definitely be back when I can."

17 Aug 17'

Craig S reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Excellent course. Mark was outstanding in showing us everything and we were never kept idle. This was my first time wood working and everything was made exceptionally clear and simple. The materials and tools were also second to none and all thoroughly detailed and explained. I can not recommend this course enough!"

20 Jul 17'

Tom Wilson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have just completed the weekend box making course and would highly recommend it . The help and tuition from Mark was exceptionally good . I am proud of the boxes I made and the skills I learned . It is one of the best things I have done ."

8 May 17'

Paul Tait reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This was the first woodworking i had ever done, never really used tools, or even knew the names of some tools. Mark was an excellent teacher, i learnt so much over the two days, he was also very patient and answered every question i had, no matter how stupid the question was! I used a variety of hand tools and power tools, and had a lovely box by the end of the weekend. I found this course as a great introduction to working with wood and would absolutely recommend this course to anyone who asks, and would definitely take any future courses that Mark puts on."