Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

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."

20 Nov 14'

Peter Preston reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I'm 62,recently retired and was keen to learn more about working with wood. Have made some functional objects, such as a chicken-coop, using recipes from the net but have only ever worked with soft-wood and most of my constructions involve lots of 4x2, numerous screws,few right angles and no finesse. I was apprehensive as I drove 300 miles to the course that I would be out of my depth and would feel very stupid all week. However, as are all the best teachers, Richard and Mark were very understanding of our different capabilities and right from Day one, with their expert guidance I began using all the tools . I'd never used a sharp chisel in my life and it was a revelation how one could up one's game with decent tools. I was concerned with my inexperience that I would get less time on the big boy tools but we were soon all using the lathes, band saw , pillar drills, routers and sanders with careful guidance on safety. The lunch time lectures were fun and very informative , preceded by munching our sandwiches outside (weather permitting), with a beautiful view over the fells. My family were shocked by the quality and finishing of my spinning stool when I returned home ( I am usually considered a percentage player for my domestic projects) so they felt Richard and Mark had not only improved my skills but taught me that 'good enough' could be bettered. Thank-you very much Richard and Mark for a very enjoyable, stimulating but non threatening course in a beautiful situation. I stayed in Amber Nook which is a lovely log cabin and a great base for doing some fell walks before the course."

15 Nov 14'

Tony Watts reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I'm in my fifties and last did any serious woodwork when I was at school so was apprehensive about doing this course, to say the least. I need not have worried as Richard and Mark are both good humoured, patient, and approachable as well as being superb craftsmen. I've just finished my third course at the Wood Workshop and each time left with a completed piece of furniture of a quality that you would struggle to buy in a shop. It is a huge thrill to see lumps of tree transformed into works of art under the tutorship of R+M Don't expect to lose weight as Angie calls daily with a van full of pies and sandwiches, well worth buying not just because they are delicious but also because Richard's dog, Ash, will be your very best friend while you have a single crumb left. Can't wait to return"

13 Nov 14'

Shirley Caldwell reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I went on Course 1 - I've never been on a woodworking course before - and the standard of tuition on this one was beyond outstanding. Richard and Mark are really wonderful people in their own right - then add to that decades of woodworking and cabinet making experience between them and you may rest assured you are in very safe hands. It was only last week that I set off with a heavy cold and a few pieces of oak wood on a work bench in a Woodworking Building. Richard or Mark are there to teach you what to do - and ensure that what you do - you do correctly. They are both wonderful chaps each possessed of an amazing amount of patience; especially for those of us who'd never seen a band saw and weren't even too sure what a router was or did! As the week progressed I used various large woodworking tools - which I have never seen before - and indeed am unlikely to have access to....Sometimes my poor little brain cells thought they would explode but there was always Mark or Richard on hand, especially with the electrical tools to ensure no damage was done. It was amazing what I learnt [I have been thinking a lot about all that I learnt]. Richard gave us a talk about tools, tips and how to care for tools at Lunch-times....I picked up numerous really useful chunks of information - and I really loved those talks...Perhaps it was that there was time to concentrate purely on what he was saying - and a lot of it was pure gold. By the time Thursday came we had put my Step-Stool together - it was held in clamps overnight....and come Friday I was busy applying oil and wax to the finished project. I still can hardly believe it. The stool now stands in the hallway of my house - :-) just so no one can get in without seeing it - and saying `Did you make that?' Well somehow with a bit of help from my friends - so-to-speak I did. The course does more than what it says on the tin. The attitude of Richard and Mark is exemplary - they are there solely to help you achieve the best possible outcome - they are totally focused on helping you make something quite outstandingly good. You get taught really well - and there are no shortcuts to excellence. I learnt some things and some techniques that I will always remember... One final word.....and that is about Value, the course is extremely good value for money. I don't say that lightly. [I'm not wealthy]. Richard continues to give more and more value....especially on the Friday morning when he very kindly showed me the other machines - that I hadn't need to use; and it was pure joy to see how the woodworking shop is set out so well and is so organised. It was certainly a `different' type of course....but one I will never forget. It has encouraged me to do more with wood. I may even set up woodworking building of my own. I will certainly be doing some more courses with wood - as it has tapped into a new place of creativity within my brain. Somewhere along the line it was an honour to be around such skill and experience woodworkers. Richard and Mark? Unforgettable and thank you both for being you.:-)"

9 Nov 14'

Pete Simpson reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Very enjoyable week, sorry it's over. Great atmosphere and plenty of chance to learn new things additional to chosen course content. Lunch time talks by Richard were very informative and led to wider topics of discussion which can save time and money in the future. Richard and Mark give guidance, then allow you to progress at your own pace. They keep an eye from a distance, ready to step in if you ask for help, or see you struggling. Course is structured to give time to complete project and also have a go with other tools, and learn about different techniques - all adding to the value of the experience. Thanks again."

21 Oct 14'

Heather Skee reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I attended the 5 day woodwork course tooland things in September 2014 and I'm so pleased I did. It is amazing how I, a complete beginner could turn lumps of wood into a beautiful piece of furniture! But under the guidance of R&M I have, and I am now the very proud owner of a wonderful, hand crafted chair. To achieve this I needed the correct guidance and support from enthusiastic teachers, an array of power tools, sharp hand held tools, a little humour and of course the wood. Though the atmosphere was relaxed and fun we were all made aware of the relevant rules of safety and were briefed on using tools and given clear instructions. I learned many skills and had a fab time whilst doing so. I highly recommend this course, the instructors are first class! Thoroughly enjoyable. Well done R&M! Thanks again, Heather from Newcastle"

23 Jun 14'

Ken from Sheffield reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I went on course one, thinking that I could have skipped it and gone straight on to course two. How wrong I was. Woodwork has progressed since I did it at school. I learnt tons of stuff. Richard and Mark are very capable and patient tutors. It was so good that I attended both courses twice and learnt a huge amount from the revision. Fortunately I have the means to build a well stocked workshop for myself. I could not have done this had I not been on the courses. I am now up and running and trying to reduce the errors in my work."

28 May 14'

Eugene reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"A very good and fun week, I had an excellent time and learnt a lot. Not just making the project but also the lunchtime lectures and the trip to the sawmill. Richard and Mark were great and always at hand, the right balance beteen instruction and letting you work on your own. Will be back for the second module."

28 May 14'

Carol S reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"As an older and complete beginner I was very nervous that I would not be able to get through it all. However I need not have worried Richard and Mark were excellent and the teaching and support they give is excellent. I have learnt a great deal and come home with two excellent completed projects. Much admired by everyone. Thank you."

25 May 14'

Richard Feinmann reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I am so pleased with course 1and2 I can make things which I'm proud of thanks to richard and mark. New skills, friendly groups and best of all helpful, skilful teachers I would recommend to all, whether as introduction to new hobby or as a really enjoyable week with something you made to remember it by"

27 Mar 14'

richard walmsley reviewed: Five day woodwork course - wood

"I wholeheartedly recommend attending this course. For those who have always hankered to learn or brush up their school carpentry skills, and make something worthwhile, then this is the course. Richard and Mark were always helpful, instructive, patient, and encouraging. They made it a fun and rewarding experience. The lunchtime lectures are extremely informative and along with the fabulous setting in the lake district it all adds up to a tremendous experience and value for money."

23 Mar 14'

michelle sinclair reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"The only thing in the workshop that was familiar to me on arrival was a rubber! My resolution for the year was "to make things". As a complete novice I had no idea what to expect and was absolutely thrilled with my stepping stool at the end of the week. Richard and Mark, plus Ash, were welcoming and made everything seem possible. I would recommend anyone to have a go at this! Do try to find time to enjoy some of the lovely Lakes and Penrith as part of your trip."