Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

16 Aug 20'

Kate reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic course! With an abundance of ppe and measures in place to keep us safe in the time of COVID-19, each of the four participants was able to learn the woodworking skills required and put them into practice to create a truly beautiful box. With his expertise and a wealth of patience from Mark, each step of the process was clearly explained before we were let loose in his well-equipped workshop. For a well-spent and rewarding weekend in the beautiful surrounds of Cumbria, I wholeheartedly recommend this course."

3 Mar 20'

David Little reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I came to this course wanting to learn how to make a nice wooden box, having never attempted anything like this before nor the knowledge to do it. By the end of the two days I'm very happy to say I managed to make a nice box, I picked up new crafting skills and an abundance of woodworking knowledge. I have no hesitation whatsoever in recommending this course to anyone who is willing to pick up some tools and be taught how to use them to create an item you will be very proud of. A special mention to craftsmen Mark and Richard for their patience and encouragement. It was a very enjoyable and worthwhile two days."

24 Feb 20'

Keith Hutchinson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"What a fantastic weekend, excellent tutors and a friendly environment. Mark and Richard provided friendly advice and guidance at a pace that we could all absorb. Explaining and demonstrating the key points clearly and with patience. Four students all with various levels of ability all came away with hand made boxes that would not of been out of place in a shop window. Will definitely be looking at more courses with them. Thank you."

23 Feb 20'

Malcolm Donnelly reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I have no criticism. I am a complete novice having sat behind a desk my whole life, and I was apprehensive that I would make a fool of myself with the simplest task, even measuring. I needn’t have worried. Mark and Richard were supportive, encouraging, practical and expert in every respect and I managed things I never dreamed I’d be able to do, under their friendly supervision. To cap it all I have a beautiful box to prove that it really happened! I thoroughly recommend this course. If you have half the fun I’ve had you will be very happy indeed."

26 Jan 20'

Kev Leho reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is an absolutely brilliant course. The workshop and setting is fantastic with quick access to the M6. There were plenty of tips from both Mark and Richard which come from years of experience and great advice on selecting the right tools and how to use them. I personally found it useful that they covered some of the more basic tool handling techniques. Both Mark and Richard were great tutors, very approachable, and on hand for any questions and advice. I found the ratio of 1 tutor to 2 pupils ideal as it helps you to cover a lot over the 2 days and they are on hand to spot any errors that you may be about to make. You end this course with a beautiful box which honestly looks professionally made. I highly recommend this course."

21 Jan 20'

Malcolm Simms reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I took away from this course so much more than a beautiful box (with which my wife is as thrilled as I am). Lots of technical tips, insights into tools, methods and materials of which I would otherwise have remained ignorant and an ambition (and hopefully ability) to continue to improve the design and execution of my artefacts. Both the setting and the workshop are inspirational and Richard and Mark are genial and empathetic tutors who always appear relaxed but have an uncanny ability to spot an error before it is committed."

20 Jan 20'

Paul Bolton reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"Mark and Richard offer a range of woodworking courses from their shop and workshop on the outskirts of Penrith in the Northern Lake District. It is very easy to access being close to the M6 Penrith turn-off and is set in beautiful scenery. I attended the box-making weekend in January with 3 other like-minded students. We were first introduced to the sample pieces on offer in the shop to give us inspiration into the endless possibilities of wood and style on offer. Having been shown how to go about it, the class then proceeded to construct simple oak jewellery / trinket boxes with either mitre or dove-tail machined joints. We were given access to the wood store to select the timber for the lid which is where you can let your imagination run away with you. I chose a beautiful piece of curly mahogany and some burr oak for the lip of the lid to contrast with the oak box .Having fitted the lid we then applied a superb (secret recipe) sealer and wax before lining the base of the interior with suede. I have to say I am very pleased with the result and now have a ready -made Valentine's present for my wife! Mark and Richard offer expert tuition in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere , and I can thoroughly recommend this course to any one with an interest in creative woodworking."

22 Dec 19'

Chris Roberts reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"Great course. A very interesting day that has given me greater confidence to use my router, and to understand not only its potential but also its limitations. We also learned the advantages and disadvantages of different types of routers and different techniques through demonstration and hands-on experience. An added bonus was some excellent tips on care of hand tools."

14 Dec 19'

Michael Bidny reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"A very worthwhile course which was " hands on ". I started to understand just how versatile my router could become, and with Mark's guidance a completely new world was opening up. Thank you Mark. Would I recommend this course to others - Yes. Would I attend any further courses ? - Absolutely yes 5 Stars."

11 Dec 19'

Steve Johnson reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This is a course I can thoroughly recommend to individuals of all abilities who want to try their hand at box making and come away after two days with a box they can be proud of. There is no default box that everyone on the course makes, within reason (there are some superb boxes in the showroom) you are able to choose joining method for the sides, lid hingeing techniques, different woods for the lid, whether to line the box or not. There were four of us on the course and all the boxes had our own individual styles evident when we had finished. A ratio of pupil to teacher of 2:1 meant that Mark and Richard were always available to offer advice and demonstrate the next stage of your particular box and nothing was rushed. Even if you don't intend to take up woodworking you can spend two days having fun in great company, learn new skills and leave with a beautiful box."

8 Dec 19'

Carol Hughes reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"This Box Making course was a great treat. I have never done anything before which would count as woodwork. However, even as a complete novice I was encouraged through every stage and by the end of the 2 days had made a beautiful and unique box. There were 4 students with Mark and Richard as teachers. Whilst we started with making a basic oak box, we all asserted our individual styles in choosing the wood for the lids, whether it should be a mitre or a dovetail joint, what type of hinge would best suit and whether a lining for the inside would enhance the final box. We progressed at our own pace, but never felt rushed. There seemed plenty of time to ask questions and to be shown how to do things or solve a problem. There were breaks for coffee and lunch. If you are looking to try something new or different I would highly recommend this course."

3 Nov 19'

Kate B reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"A fabulous two day course, with a great product to take home. The tutors Mark and Richard were so talented and knowledgeable. They had endless patience, providing just the right level of support, whilst allowing us the freedom to learn, try things out and make design decisions. The atmosphere was calm and relaxed, enabling us all to work and make decisions at our own pace. Everyone in the group used different woods for the lids and slightly different designs, which made it really interesting. I have learned so much about types of wood, machinery and tools. It's a fabulous environment - both the workshop and location, and I would thoroughly recommend the course. Thank you."

22 Oct 19'

Johanna reviewed: Box making weekend in Cumbria

"I cannot recommend this course enough. I am a serial crafter/learner but I have never done anything as brilliant as this. My partner and I are total novices and were both excited and apprehensive about the course, having not done any woodwork since our school days. Richard and Mark completely put us at ease and were so patient and supportive throughout the course. I can't believe how much I learnt and it has certainly given us both the bug to do more. The boxes we made are so beautiful and unique. Absolutely loved it, no better way to spend a weekend!"

7 Oct 19'

Sue Bloxham reviewed: Router day, how to safely use and maintain a router

"I ended up having this course on a one to one basis which was excellent as I was able to go at exactly the right pace and take into account what I already knew. Mark helped me use and assess my own router and the bits I had been given. We covered and practised all the various techniques and he shared lots of useful tips, waiting for me to make copious notes for later reference. I highly recommend it."

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."