Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

22 Nov 16'

Michael White reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have always loved wood but never had the chance do do any workworking at school so here I was, recently retired, with the opportunity to go all the way to The Lakes to go back to being a 15 year old again on a course called "Tools & Things". This was drive that was really worth it. Richard and Mark do not hang about with introductory lectures - you get straight into it. I was making a step stool and started measuring up when it dawned on me that I just had a pile of wood and how on earth was it all going to go together! Richard and Mark took me through it step by step by showing me how to do a particular task and then saying over to you. I made a point of trying out all the different joints by hand and now have a much better appreciation of what is involved in this wonderful world of wood. Thanks Richard and Mark and I cannot recommend the course highly enough."

20 Nov 16'

Jane Weir reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I did wonder, when I was driving up to Cumbria to live in my van for 2 weeks in October, if I was nuts, going all that way for a woodwork course, but it was totally worth it! I am back home now, after two brilliant weeks, with two great pieces of furniture a few new skills and more of a clue what I’m doing to show for my time. Right from the start, Richard and Mark were welcoming, friendly and inclusive. They were patient, knowledgeable, good fun and supportive, with bags of experience between them and loads of tips that helped us all get the most out of the fortnight. They kept us all moving along at a pace that meant that we could all finish by Friday but still had time for questions and to learn from each other - particularly handy, as people did different projects, so it was interesting to learn from watching them. Having completed the two courses I feel like I have a lot more idea of what I need to do to get up and running in a workshop - I just need to find somewhere to host all my projects now!"

9 Oct 16'

Denise reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I booked for the course as a complete novice, never having even picked up a chisel yet came away having completed a table. The tuition was relaxed, expert and friendly and Richard and Dave had infinite patience. It was a great experience, thank you. I enjoyed the lunchtime lectures very much."

8 Oct 16'

Dave Parker reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished the 5 day tools course and came home with a beautiful, small side table which has been much admired already. I chose the course partly because they only have 4 students at a time, the intention being to give students a very high level of personal attention and coaching. This proved to be true and Richard and his colleague Mark were on hand all the time and took great care to explain and demonstrate every step we took. Richard is very open and is keen to share his experience and knowledge so you learn a lot in a short time including the daily post-lunch lectures (It's worth taking notes because there's so much and it's easy to forget). We used a wide range of tools from basic hand tools like chisels and saws to heavy machine tools like lathes, band saws, routers etc and I would feel much more confident about using them in the future. The atmosphere is informal, relaxed and friendly. I would recommend it to anyone interested in woodwork whether you're a beginner or just want to raise your standards."

12 Mar 16'

Richard Hollingsworth reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Have just completed Course 1 and intend to continue onto course 2 at the next opportunity. The course was very good, quite relaxed with very experienced help from Richard and Mark whenever required. It is an excellent course for those like me with only limited previous experience. That said, for those more experienced there are more difficult projects that can be tackled and all power tools are available to try or use on your own projects if you have time. The projects can easily be completed during the 5 days so it is a good idea to have a few extra things in mind that you want to try or do in order to make use of all the available time, help and equipment that is on offer. The project you take away with you will be superb and your friends and family will be surprised at how professional it looks! Richard gives lunchtime talks on relevant topics each day and he will tailor these to participant's desires. I think their flexibilty of approach, coupled with their obvious vast knowledge and experience and the relaxed pace is what makes the course so enjoyable. One recommendation would be to outline the project stages at the start so you know what is coming next - on occasion I was unsure so not prepared properly for the next stage (eg taking my time as I knew there was another day only to be told with 10 minutes to go that I needd to oil the project so it could dry over night)."

16 Feb 16'

Campbell reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Very well constructed course, covering all the tools including the what, why, how. Great workshop giving each student plenty of space and all the tools needed. Good friendly atmosphere, very encouraging to the students. Richard really great and ably supported by Mark. I would recommend to anyone who wants to get started in woodworking."

15 Feb 16'

Tanya Tanner reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Course 1 These guys were fabulous and we can't stress that enough. We were guided and supported with gentle encouragement and challenge at every step of the way. Richard and Mark ( and Ash) were both relaxed and patient with my husband and I, and especially our teenage son, a complete beginner. Each day was full of developing skills, friendly banter and of course gleaning as much knowledge as possible from our " wood gurus". We all finished our projects beyond our expectations thanks to the brilliant tuition. This was in fact our family holiday and what a great week it was, great activity, great people, we hope to return soon, if they will have us!"

15 Feb 16'

Tanya Tanner reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

14 Feb 16'

Sheldon reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What a great course - I have been an enthusiastic amateur woodworker for 20 years and kept looking thinking course 1 or should I contact Richard about course 2. I have a bandsaw, lathe, router and a good selection of hand tools but thought the projects looked good and it might be an idea to get to know a new way of working before attempting something more complex. I am so pleased I did, learning how to use power tools, machines and many hand tools yourself or watching videos is not the same as spending a week with 2 professional cabinet makers. I got so much out of it and came away with a side table with a finish I have never achieved before in addition to lots of things to try in my workshop . Richard and Mark have a great way of teaching and guiding you when you need it and building on what you already know. With just 4 people and 2 instructors the atmosphere is relaxed but very creative and you learn from everyone's questions and get to discuss techniques and experiences with everyone on the course. I am looking forward to returning for course 2 in the future."

6 Feb 16'

David reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just come back from having done this course and had a fabulous time. Richard and Mark are great teachers. They are generous in passing on their experience and letting us in on their woodworking "secrets". I have learnt so much this week and made a piece of furniture I wouldn't have believed I could do before the course. Learning how to turn wood on the lathe was great fun! The lunchtime lectures were also very good and I've picked up a lot of information, hints, tips and "do's and don'ts". This course has given me a lot of inspiration and confidence and I can't wait to get cracking on my own projects! I'm already planning on signing up for the second course. If you know little or nothing about woodworking and want to take it up as a hobby, I don't think you could do better than attend this course. Thanks Richard and Mark for a fantastic week!"

30 Nov 15'

James Caine reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have attended course one which I really enjoyed and feel that I learned a lot, thanks to Richard and Mark's excellent tuition. I ended up with a piece of furniture which I am very pleased with and is far better than I imagined I would produce. I will definitely be attending Course 2. I have no hesitation in recommending this course."

1 Nov 15'

Rose reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"A very enjoyable course, thank you to Richard and Mark. During the course you get to try a great variety of tools and techniques which would be daunting in other situations, but the expert and patient Richard and Mark make it very achievable and enjoyable. I came away with a great deal of useful tips that I will certainly take up, and the positive feeling that I can use tools correctly and keep them in good working condition, and also a very nice chair!"

26 Oct 15'

Chris Whittle reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Having just completed Course 1 on the 23rd October, I must say that this course exceeded my expectations and wildest hopes. Richard and Mark provided a mine of useful information both in the lunchtime lectures and numerous brief "group hugs "throughout the week, as specific points of learning were covered real time. The camaraderie of the group built during the week and I was surprised to find that whatever our initial level, we all learned together and shyness rapidly became confidence. Techniques were shown and practised, safety, modern machinery options and easy ways were always in mind. The results spoke for themselves. 'Must book Course 2 for next year !!"

25 Oct 15'

Michael Hall reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I last did woodworking at school over 40 years ago and, although I enjoyed it, was never very good. Now, following retirement, I signed up for this course in the vain hope of being able to measure, mark and cut accurately, and produce an ottoman style footstool (hah!). I’ve just come home, five days later, with a beautiful ottoman style footstool constructed in oak, and am sitting writing this with my feet comfortably on said stool and feeling very proud of myself for the first time in years! This is due entirely to the instruction I received from Mark and Richard, which was perfect. There were no questions too stupid and they were excellent at making me feel capable. I was introduced to a wide range of techniques, using both hand and power tools. With only four pupils on the course each of us could progress at our own speed and I never felt rushed at any stage. In fact, it made a great change being able to take my time! The lunchtime chats (not really lectures) and ‘group huddles’ were very informative, ranging from discussions on how to use screws (no Birmingham screwdrivers here), through tools to buy and setting up a workshop. As others have said, if you’re thinking of doing this course, stop thinking and sign up! You'll love it. I’ve come away ready to start creating with the tools I currently have and looking forward to the next course in a month’s time. Need to sharpen my chisels first, though."

15 Jun 15'

Cyril Wardil reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I had a great week with Richard and Mark 8th - 12th June and learned a lot of tips as well as being encouraged to make a good job of my project. Looking forward to Course 2 in October. Cyril Wardill Derby"

24 Apr 15'

Paul Driver reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished this course and arrived home with the beautiful chair that I made on the course as well as increased confidence, skills and ambition to make more. The enthusiasm, passion and patience shown by Richard and Mark is infectious and led to a great learning environment as well as great fun. I was impressed that within 10 minutes of arriving I was using a lathe for the first time and continued to learn new techniques all week. The format of learning by demonstration then immediately doing, with help on hand when needed and achieving the goal of taking a beautiful handcrafted piece of furniture home is a winner. I have already signed up for their more advanced course."

21 Mar 15'

Jess reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Well, I didn't think it could get much better than Course 1, but Richard and Mark have surpassed my expectations yet again! Course 2 was an amazing week of building confidence and knowledge. It was a really good consolidation of the techniques learned in Course 1 coupled with a steady flow of information and plenty of hands on experience. By the end of the week I felt that I had a really good grasp of the concepts required and the ability needed to set to work on my own projects, right from the designing stage, through selection and purchase of the wood required, to construction and finishing. All I need now are a few power tools….."

17 Mar 15'

Derek reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"BIG thanks to Richard and Mark (and Ash) for a fantastic week in Course 1 - Tools. I had not done any serious woodworking since the mid 1980s so I was obviously quite rusty and a bit apprehensive as to the experience and skills expected on Day 1. Not to worry. Richard and Mark literally start from the beginning and cater the instruction to the knowledge level of each individual. Keeping the class size limited to four 'future woodworking masters' makes that possible. As I recognized early on Day 1, there is no mucking about. Class started at 0900 and by 0910 myself and another student were turning wood on the lathes, neither of us ever having done it before! Awesome. I also realized the skills I may been taught a long time ago were not necessarily the right way to do the task or operate the machine/tool...or perhaps they were initially but I picked up some bad habits along the way. Either way, Richard and Mark have a keen eye and desire to ensure you obtain the very best technique and efficiency, proper safety, and end result. And the best part...by the end of the week you have something to take home to display proudly and prominently, whilst you sit back and bask in the rays of your newfound confidence."

16 Mar 15'

Mark the mad biker reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have just finished course 2 last Friday, March 13 2015; straight after finishing course 1 the previous week. I am glad I did the two courses back-to-back as it gave me a continuity which would have been lost if I had waited for any length of time between the courses. Learning about the different woods available, how to get the wood you need, how to order from a saw mill what you need, and how to choose the correct wood for your projects, is a must to learn if you want to be serious about your woodworking. Richard and Mark are first class in giving this insight. The visit to the saw mill was an experience not to be missed. I have learned so much on the course that I now feel confident about walking into a mill and using the correct terminology to order what I need. The courses have given more than I thought and I am now prepared to venture into woodworking as a hobby. Many thanks to Richard and Mark for all their help and guidance during my time in the workshop"

9 Mar 15'

Mark, the mad biker reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I last did woodwork in 1976 when I was at school. I had a desire since then to pursue this further but life got in the way. So, last autumn I started to plan to do something about learning woodworking skills. I searched for reviews on various courses I found on the internet and discovered Richard's workshop and his courses. I was very impressed by the reviews and the descriptions given by former students so I decided to take the plunge and enrol. I started the week by turning up late and annoyed with myself for missing the beginning but Richard and Mark helped me to get started and they helped me to improve not only my skills but also my confidence in the workshop as the week progressed. I have learned a tremendous amount from both of them. The lunchtime lectures are a brilliant idea and I have gained so much from them. I was unsure what I would learn from the course and whether it would be of use to me, but, I need not have worried, this course has armed me with the knowledge I need to get the right tools, how to use them, and how to look after them. Brilliant. I would recommend to anyone wanting to step into woodworking to get enrolled and let Richard and Mark set you on the correct path."

16 Feb 15'

Syma reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I recently attended Course 1 at The Wood Workshop and am here to recommend it to anyone reading this who hasn't already been! The small group size mean Richard and Mark are able to provide individual support and guidance to each group member, all with the utmost patience. Starting out as a complete beginner, I left with much more confidence and knowledge than I'd anticipated could be gained over the five days; all thanks to two excellent teachers and the comfortable environment they provide. My only criticism is I haven't been able to stop thinking about building my own workshop since! I can't wait to come back and learn more in Course 2."

11 Feb 15'

Jess reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What a fabulous way to start on my journey into woodworking. I started the week with no previous woodworking knowledge (not even a lesson at school) and finished the week feeling like I could be a bespoke cabinetmaker (with a little more practice maybe!) Richard and Mark were brilliant teachers, instilling confidence from Day 1, they were helpful and patient without being patronising and never rushing or demanding, but letting everyone progress at their own pace. It was a fun and relaxed atmosphere, such a brilliant way to absorb the wealth of knowledge that was on offer - loved the lunchtime lectures, a great way to cover some really useful topics and discuss more general aspects of working with wood. Can't wait to come back and get stuck into Week 2, now I have more confidence with the basics and a lovely collection of very sharp chisels there'll be no stopping me!!"

7 Feb 15'

Steve Hadfield reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"An excellent 5 days. I arrived with minimal woodworking skills and left full of enthusiasm and ambition to learn more. Richard and Mark could not be more friendly or helpful and were anxious to tailor their teaching to each students individual needs. I will be back for more sometime in the future."

28 Nov 14'

Nigel from Tyneside reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Course 2 has proved to be more challenging, as one would expect. Just like before Richard and Mark were excellent. They are undoubtedly excellent cabinet makers, but on these courses it is their ability to help you develop your skills which is invaluable. Their love of wood and what they do is infectious. From start to finish it was brilliant fun and after the second day I found myself phoning home to chat to my better half and realising that I had a grin like a cheshire cat. If you are interested in developing your cabinetmaking skills then this course is a must."

28 Nov 14'

Nigel from Tyneside reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Having recently attended the level 1 course I have to say that it was excellent. With classes of a maximum of 4, the course was not only informative, but incredible fun. Richard and Mark are incredibly knowledgeable which not only enabled them to teach the more experienced members of our group, but also patient enough to nurture the novices. If you are thinking of doing this course my advice would be...just do it, you won’t regret it."