Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

6 Apr 17'

Ian Cairns reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"A very good course. I had no real previous wood working skills but even so managed to produce a very satisfactory box in the two days. Mark is a good tutor and along the way I picked up a lot of useful information from him on using tools and materials. Recommended."

15 Mar 17'

Liz reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have recently returned from this box-making course in Penrith and it was excellent. Mark teaches in a very relaxed and encouraging manner which enabled me to dust off some old woodworking skills and learn some new ones. I now have a beautiful lined flip top box made of oak and ash. I would fully recommend this course!"

26 Feb 17'

Sam Kellet reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark is a true craftsman. You will learn a lot on this short course. I loved it."

1 Dec 16'

Colin reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Previously attended furniture course in the same workshop. It has been revamped and the new layout lends itself to the function with more room in the central area. Mark was well prepared for the course; more than ready for the students and our questions about the project. His teaching style is quietly confident; courses without the dramatic effect are so much more enjoyable by all parties, Able to share knowledge in a workshop environment, underpinned by his experience; nothing phased him. His belief all of the potential problems can be resolved; basically reinforcing the belief that Tradesmen get things done rather than admitting defeat. Two days well spent in a frosty Penrith; coming home with a sense of achievement and a beautiful lined Jewellery box as evidence to all of those doubting the potential for such a short course. Thanks again Mark, it was like coming home to a welcoming, stress-free family atmosphere. I might come on another Course, and will definitely pop in next time I am in the area."

25 Aug 16'

Joe Warbrick reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Having already covered a fair amount in fine furniture woodworking on my college course I went on the box making course and really enjoyed it. I learnt various new techniques on machines and by hand including decorative dovetails, cutting hinges, finishing and lining boxes. Mark and Richard were both brilliant tutors and passed on their skills and knowledge of woodwork with great enthusiasm. The ratio was fantastic with 2 tutors to 3 students. I was delighted with the end result. I would highly recommend this course and would like to do another."

17 May 16'

Matt reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic course! I arrived as a novice with a limited idea of how to do much with wood. The challenge of making a box over a weekend seemed a little daunting, especially when offered the choice of what sort of box to make while looking at a range of Mark's work. Mark is an excellent teacher, and quickly helped me gain confidence as I learnt a whole range of new skills. His experience both as a craftsman and teacher shine through with great tips and support all given in a really relaxed style. The course is held in Mark's very well equipped workshop which is in a beautiful setting just a few minutes walk from the Rheged centre. By the end of the course I was amazed at how much we had covered and even more amazed at the box I had made."

30 Mar 16'

Steve reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I really enjoyed this course. Mark was friendly and helpful and guided us in making the boxes rather than being overly prescriptive. At the start of the course you are shown samples of the boxes that Mark sells and you can choose the one you want to make (or design your own using elements from a number of styles if you prefer). You are then instructed in how to safely use the various tools/ machines needed to make the box and given the space to learn the required techniques at your own pace (in my case that meant making a lot of mistakes and wasting a lot of wood). I was also impressed with the quality of timber we were given to use, I expected to be using standard timbers but we given beautiful pieces of furniture grade oak to work with. All in I had a fantastic weekend."

15 Dec 15'

colin reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I admired Mark's boxes when attending the Cabinet Making courses in Penrith and made the decision to build on my woodworking skills by attending the Box Making course. Just returned from a most enjoyable Box-Making weekend in a snowy Cumbria; it was a welcome sight to see the smoke of the wood-burner drifting skyward as I pulled into the car park. Mark provided the tuition in his quietly confident manner. Each stage was described in detail, and any hiccoughs managed without any fuss or panic. (on Mark's part anyway) Patience personified! Mark was supportive through the entire process from choosing wood; preparing the wood; selecting a design and onward to the conclusion of building a high quality box with light oak sides and brown burr oak back and front; with a burr oak top to die for. He even managed to help me with my ongoing projects once the box was complete; sharing his knowledge freely; at least two will be finished by the Christmas deadline. The short duration of the course belies the usefulness of the transferable skills taught in this forum. Thanks again Mark, for your encouragement to be more adventurous in my projects. I fully intend to return to further my skills next year and look forward to being reacquainted with my Cumbrian support network."

10 Nov 15'

Derek Reay reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have just completed the weekend box making course and was impressed not only by Mark's own boxes but his depth of knowledge and how he explained everything in detail as we proceeded - and I ended up with a beautiful Cumbrian Elm box which has been much admired. The detailed explanations, hints, tips, sharpening, info on workshop practice all added to my knowledge. Above all, Mark has very high standards and this rubbed off throughout the course."

14 Sep 15'

Mike reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I greatly enjoyed this course. Mark explains the steps, techniques and tools used to take selected timber and produce a professional-looking box. The workshop has a good range of woods available and Mark takes you through each stage of making a box and the variations you can have. I would recommend this course to anyone who has an interest in trying their hand at box making or craft woodwork in general. Starting as a box-making novice, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the result I achieved with Mark's tuition."

22 Jun 15'

Wayne reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Just completed the box making course with Mark - June 2015. I'm an amateur woodworker with limited experience but with Marks expert tuition and guidance I managed to make a beautiful, high quality box that I can be very proud of. An excellent opportunity to learn new skills and improve knowledge. Relaxed approach in a well equipped workshop in beautiful Lakeland setting. I can thoroughly recommend the course."

23 Mar 15'

Jay reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I've just completed the box making course and absolutely loved it! its great to see your very own piece come together from a 'lump' of wood to a beautiful box. Mark was a very good teacher - very patient with me! I'd love to go back and do more of the courses run at the wood workshop."

16 Jan 15'

Mark reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I had previously been on a cabinet making course that Mark teaches with Richard at the Wood workshop, While there I admired Mark's boxes on display in the showroom with much envy. Talking to him about his boxes, he told me about the courses he was setting up and I jumped at the chance to be on the inaugural course. I already knew the standard of tuition which not surprisingly was maintained on the weekend course. Good fun, relaxed but at the same time fairly intense. The result.....a fantastic box, the standard of which I was amazed at, especially in 2 days! Admittedly with lots of guidance :-) Thanks for a great weekend. will be back for more courses in the future."

13 Jan 15'

Gorden reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Having been with Richard and Mark on the 5 day tools and things course I wanted to try my hand at "box making" on the brand new weekend course. What a great weekend we had lots of fun, a great deal of informative was gathered and I went home with a lovely box to show/give to my wife. Highly recommended."