Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

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."

11 Feb 19'

Paul Balcon reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I attended the February 2019 course, I was one of four students of varying ability tutored by 2 extremely competent and enthusiastic instructors. The hours flew by, I loved it!. Each day included an hours lecture and I learned that what I thought I knew was wrong even some of the basics, (although it seemed obvious after I'd been told). There were also subjects which introduced us to new skills and areas of knowledge. I was also really pleased with my resulting project and left enthusiastic about putting what I'd learned into practise. I really recommend this course, the venue is great and the banter between the tutors and the students throughout the course was entertaining and friendly."

22 Jan 19'

Shirley Appleby reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"Another informative week in the workshop! This is my third week at the woodwork shop and it is always an excellent experience. Anyone considering doing week three, I can highly recommend it. Shirley"

27 Nov 18'

kerry Gray reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I have done course 1 & 2 now and will be back for course 3 Richard and mark are very compitant, patient teachers who have taught me a great deal increasing my confidence levels and competence in carpentry Thanks both and see you for course 3 Kerry"

19 Nov 18'

Paul reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"An excellent course that has given me a good grounding in proper woodworking. Richard takes the time to show you how to do things properly and I was very impressed with the outcome at the end of the week. As well as the project piece I thoroughly enjoyed working on other techniques which Richard was only too happy to help with and also getting to make some pieces on the lathe and scroll saw. All in all an ideal course for beginners and occasional woodworkers who want to improve their techniques."

5 Aug 18'

Matt Rice reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I thoroughly enjoyed my week in Penrith. The course has taught me the right way to sharpen, set up and use hand and power tools, in addition to teaching some very useful woodworking skills and techniques. Richard and Mark provided a very relaxed and enjoyable place to learn, explaining things clearly and giving me the confidence to go away and try things for myself. I hope to go back for course 2."

25 May 18'

James Steele reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"My wife bought places on this course as a present for me and one of our sons. I hadn't done any wood work since school but had talked about trying it again for years - without actually doing anything about it. The course was fantastic. Richard and Mark are true craftsmen with an obvious and infectious enthusiasm for their work. They put the students at ease from the word go and within a matter of minutes we were starting to turn the timber on our benches into beautiful pieces of furniture. Throughout, instruction, guidance and assistance were available in a constructive, easy-going and very patient manner. Each lunchtime, Richard gave one or two informal lectures on various tool-related aspects of wood work which were tremendously helpful and there was also the opportunity to gain experience in techniques not directly related to the chosen project. The week flew by and at the end each of us left with a finished work that none of us, I think, would have felt was within our grasp at the start of the course. I heartily endorse all the positive comments from previous reviewers and would love to attend the second course. Thank you."