Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

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."

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."