Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

23 Jul 22'

Brian reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Brilliant course, where I learnt an awful lot. Masses of help and advice given by very knowledgeable and friendly tutors in a lovely, relaxed environment. Can't recommend it highly enough"

21 Mar 22'

Aneez reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"This is an outstanding course. The teaching is excellent, you learn through practice and all three tutors were welcoming and helpful. It's pitched at the right level for complete novices and I feel more confident to start tackling some personal projects. Hopefully will book into Course 2 later in the year to consolidate what I learnt."

3 Aug 21'

Fiona Campbell reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I recently undertook course 1 as a complete novice. I was absolutely blown away by the experience. The tuition was excellent from start to finish. Richard and Mark were both so knowledgable and patient. They both have a gift for teaching and sharing their craft. The work book provided was useful and was excellent to continue to add notes to throughout the week. In addition to learning how to make a specific piece of furniture, teaching about specific tools and how to use them safely was invaluable. Also information about setting up a home workshop and buying tools (including second hand tools was really helpful). Everything was carefully thought out and well planned and executed. I have done many courses in my time but this was up there among one of the best. I felt it was excellent value for money and have no hesitation in recommending. Also great was the fact that Richard and Mark are both prepared to be contacted for advice if needed, after the course. Looking forward to consolidating what I've learned so far and to developing new skills on Course 2 in March."

2 Aug 21'

Delia Jackson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I cannot speak highly enough of the course. I arrived with no prior knowledge of woodworking and left with a fantastic step stool which I had made. Richard and Mark are so patient and no question is too trivial - they help you and explain every step. Thank you both - you have given me the enthusiasm and confidence to continue on my woodworking road and I look forward to seeing you again in March for Course 2!"

25 Jul 21'

Janice reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just spent an amazing week on Course 1 and have returned home with a piece of furniture I am really proud of. The tutors were really helpful and supportive, with well planned lessons and projects to start our wood craft journey. Our group of four were all beginners but I have no doubt there was flexibility to cater for a mixed group with everyone sure to learn new tips and tricks from the very talented and enthusiastic craftsmen. Course 2 booked!"

24 Jul 21'

Dee Houghton reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Fantastic course: well organised with a really high quality of practical teaching. The days are well structured and it is great value for money. There were only 4 students (and 2 teachers - Richard & Mark), but we were all given clear instruction, guidance and support throughout. Both Richard & Mark are approachable and friendly and our group gelled really well - so much so, we all booked course 2 together again for next year. Covid distancing was adhered to along with face shield which made us all very comfortable. The days are really packed - none of the common hours breaks and lunch - they keep you busy 8.45 - 5pm with a 45 minute lunch break. You can help yourself to drinks but I found I was too engrossed in learning new skills and lost track of time with the days flying by. As a novice, I learned loads and have a lovely solid oak table to show for it. I would highly recommend and would do it all again!!"

29 May 21'

Christine Clement reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Loved the course - course 1. I have learned so many new skills and how to use tools over 5 days. Richard, mark and Jay are all fantastic teachers. I’m really looking forward to course 2."

26 May 21'

Anna Northam reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I've just completed my 5 day 'course one' with Richard, Mark and Jay. I learned so much over the 5 days and am keen to keep going and learn more, so, course two booked, as well as the box making course with Mark. There's much to take in, but, when you are one of only four students with 3 tutors (we were lucky enough to have Jay helping out, too) you're in a pretty privileged position, therefore, well worth the investment. Looking forward to the next course."

25 May 21'

Nigel Green reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent course(Course 1). The instruction and help over the week was very good, introducing a variety of new skills, techniques and use of workshop equipment. It was very satisfying to take home a finished course project (coffee table). Looking forward to Course 2."

24 May 21'

Karen Shaw reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished course one and it was a really confidence builder for me, having never had any formal woodworking tuition before. Richard and Mark are excellent at teaching, their tutorial sessions are clear and well set out to follow the stages you are doing as you work through making your project. They demonstrate the use of tools very clearly and then allow you to do the work whilst being quick to step in if needed or for advice. Lots of information to help with how to take things forward in the future, so I’m now off to build my own work bench and go from there. Looking forward to the second course."

22 Dec 20'

Thomas reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Did both 5 day woodworking courses. Loved every minute of it. Learned so much. Mark and Richard are so helpful and are happy to answer all and questions I had. The setting for workshop is beautiful and lovely place to eat lunch (weather permitting). If you are interested in learning woodworking skills then book yourself a place on course 1 and go from there."

11 Oct 20'

Paul Stone reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Absolutely brilliant course. Both the tutors have a breadth of knowledge and skills and are very good at explaining stuff in a very clear way. Its also nice you can work at your own pace including tea breaks when you wish. They are also good at working around non conventional problems and helping find solutions with you, meaning you learn a lot of stuff you might not get from text books or videos. Very easy going and there's a lot more to learn that I had imagined. A great week, well worth it."

9 Oct 20'

Bob Jefferson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Spent the last week on the course. Fantastic experience and renewed my very old and basic woodworking skills. I made a spinning stool and spent the first day understanding wood turning as a new skill. I learnt how to use a bandsaw, router, thicknesser/planner, bobbin sander, circular saw, and loads of hand tools. I made a handmade dovetail joint and how to set a hinge. The importance of preparation and finishing using oil and wax was an experience in itself. Loads of praise and kudos to Richard and Mark who lead the course and as a novice I was not made to feel inferior. I have already booked another couple of courses with them in the next few months - Covid depending of course. They also had made the workshop Covid safe - as far as able. Money well spent!"

3 Oct 20'

Justine reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"This was a great course for anyone like me who hadn’t done any woodwork since school and would recommend it to anyone. The whole week was really enjoyable, the location beautiful and the workshop something to aspire to. I made a spinning stool which allowed me to try many types of tools, hand held and power, for the first time. Richard and Mark gave us all as much time and support as needed and the lunch time sessions were really helpful. Masks, visors, hand gel and ear defenders all provided Looking forward to the next course!"

2 Oct 20'

Sam reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Fantastic course - would definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in starting woodwork projects. I'd not done any woodwork since school, but I successfully made a lovely looking small table, and was very happy with the end result and the skills I learned over the week. The workshop is well equipped with all the necessary woodworking tools such as lathes, band saws and routers, as well as hand tools such as chisels. All protective equipment was provided (dust mask, face visor, ear defenders). The instructors, Richard and Mark, were great and with only 4 people in the group, they could give each of us a lot of instruction and support. Each lunchtime there was a 30-45 minute lecture on an aspect of how to choose, use and maintain woodworking tools and set up your own workshop. They actively welcomed any questions and were always keen to help. The setting is also beautiful, and looks out across the Cumbrian hills."

4 Apr 20'

Derek reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I did course 1 and then booked course 2 immediately afterwards, both courses are excellent and really bring your woodworking skills out. The people and the place is better than I could of wished for, I highly recommend this course. I now have a beautiful hand made table in my hallway, thank you very much Richard and Mark."

13 Mar 20'

Robert Barr reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I have just completed my Step Stool - Course 1. Excellent tuition, help and advice. Relaxed informal atmosphere, safe working practices emphasised. I have now a piece of furniture that would sit along side any of our existing furniture, on show. Functional but stylish."

7 Feb 20'

Clive Hickman reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"The quality of tuition was exceptional Along with the practical work there is a 30minute lecture at lunchtime which was really informative and gave great guidance on the best tools and what to avoid. I made a spinning stool which far exceeded my expectations on what I would be able to do. Lots of practice on a particular technique before attempting on the stool, and given guidance but not interference. No question too trivial and very supportive."

30 Oct 19'

Peter reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What can I say. Absolutely brilliant course, tuition and great fun. Having completed both courses, in October, back to back it was the best 2 weeks I've had for a long time. The first course is meant to introduce you to the various tools used in the workshop and show you how to use them safely and effectively. This in turn gives you confidence to make your project for the week......although always under the watchful eye of both Richard and Mark...trust me they don't miss a thing and will ensure you stay on the straight and narrow! I made a 'Dumpy' which is a small 3 legged side table and the thrill at the end of the week to see it completed is of the scale! Having coming from the 4x2 and 6 inch nail brigade of woodwork to produce something like this was truly amazing. Week 2 was more about the wood itself. Looking at the history, types and origins of wood to how to work with various woods to. A trip to a wood yard was also included and it gives a great insight into how wood is prepared to the point of you buying it. On this course my project was a 3 drawer box made from 2 different types of oak and beech. As with the the table I was truly thrilled with my completed piece and still look at thinking "did I actually make that!". Apart from the obvious teaching of correct working methods both Mark and Richard are quick to part with their little tips and knowledge gained from experience...things you won't get from books or online videos. And Richards 45 minute workshops are ...well lets just say they legendary! I can wholly recommend these courses if you wish to take up woodwork. As I have said the tuition is excellent and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Thanks to both Richard and Mark for giving me a new direction...workshop being delivered in November and a fortune being spent on tools ready for it! Lol! I would also like to say thanks to the other 'students' who helped make the workshop a great place to be."

13 Oct 19'

Rachel reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I had a great week at the Wood Workshop under the tuition of Richard and Mark - they willingly share their exquisite skills and knowledge in all things to do with wood and tools to work with the wood. The balance of tuition and letting you get on with it, under a careful to eye to gently steer you back on track if, like me, you veer off course. I made a spinning stool - my family are very impressed. The course gave me the opportunity to try out many tools and machines that I would have shied away from if not given the confidence by this course. I feel much better equipped to start using my lathe at home and a much better understanding of the design and making process. I highly recommend Richard and Mark as teachers. I'm all ready for course 2 now. Thank you."

11 Oct 19'

David Hey reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Throughly enjoyed the course, and I was very happy with the Spinning Stool that I made, my first ever wood working project. Richard and Mark give you just enough tuition so that you feel confident in what you are doing, and always have an eye open for when you start to go wrong. I would recommend this to anyone interested in wood working."

28 Jul 19'

Gary reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent course! Richard and Mark are easy going, excellent facilitators, teachers and craftsmen who delivered knowledge and experiences at a pace suitable for me. I chose this course as I had a poor woodworking experience early in life and whenever I did some wood work as an adult, always seemed to come out with something less than I had planned. I'll deal with the negatives first before continuing. As someone who is a 'professional sceptic' there were none. The positives don't just end with Richard and Mark, they continue with the setting, the workshop, the range of hand and power tools - all good. The daily sandwich/salad van was excellent too - good prices, straightforward tasty food prepped well. There were well timed tea breaks with a nicely positioned 'midday' informal lecture on e.g. tool sharpening (with practical examples and the chance to do it yourself). What did I get out of it? A really enjoyable, relaxing week - one of the best 'holiday' weeks I've ever had. I also ended up with a piece of functional, pleasing to the eye furniture I made with Richard and Mark's guidance which was beyond what I thought I could achieve in a week. Follow Richard and Mark's principals from measuring and marking out, to cutting, making and finishing and you will achieve something truly beautiful. I know it sounds a bit OTT, but try it. There are other woodwork courses closer to me (about 30mins drive). I chose to drive 2.5hrs, spend additional money on accommodation and didn't regret it. Two days after the course had ended I'd taken up a slot on course 2 which I had no intention of doing as I my main 'wood' interest is wooden boats. I did this because of Richard and Mark's style but I also like the workshop which just seems right. And of course two teachers to four woodworkers is spot on. If you lack confidence in what you think you could do with wood, have some experience but are not sure how good you could be or have never entertained the idea of working with wood - give course 1 a go. I don't think you will regret it."

6 Apr 19'

Gael Mcguigan reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I recently attended week one and two consecutively. From first stepping through the door I found myself surrounded by a dizzying array of hand and power tools, and this was just in the first room! After feeling a little apprehensive that I might not be up to finishing a project to the standard of the pictures seen on their CraftCourse site, Richard and Mark with their relaxed demeanour and boundless knowledge quickly settled any nerves and over the course of each week I gained so much confidence and knowledge I’m still processing it all a few weeks later. I thoroughly enjoyed both weeks and can’t recommend them enough to anyone wishing to take up a new hobby. If you have no prior experience or are wishing to expand on your existing knowledge and have been pondering about doing the course, stop pondering and just do it, I guarantee you won’t regret it."

28 Mar 19'

Sandra reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What a fun week! The workshop is in a lovely location and full of everything you need. Richard and Mark are patient, generous tutors who are always on hand to instruct and guide (and provide a bit of elbow grease when arms are aching!). I made a lovely step stool and got the opportunity to have a play with some other tools while I was waiting for my glue to dry (lathe, scroll saw, mitre saw....). I would thoroughly recommend this course, you will come away with a piece of beautiful furniture and the confidence to use hand and power tools for your own projects."

27 Mar 19'

Geof Cartwright reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I attended this course in March 2019. An excellent course, well lead by Richard and Mark. Facilities were very good and the lunctime "toolbox talks" were very imformative. Thanks very much."