Lakeland Cabinet Makers reviews

23 May 25'

Robin Bown reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"This five day course has been inspirational. Mark is an excellent tutor, and as there are only four participants, we all had support and encouragement when we needed it. I have come away feeling much more confident, and with plans to enhance my workshop. Mark has provided us with a useful list of tools to reference for future investment. I highly recommend the course, and will be returning! "

19 May 25'

Robbie Grieve reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished a five day course with Mark, the whole week was excellent. There were four of us, as it happens all doing different projects. Although slightly daunted to start with we were soon put at ease by Mark who was a great tutor. We’re were each supported through our projects but also given time to just get on with it. When an interesting point cropped up in one project we all gathered round to learn how to navigate a problem or deal with an issue. Each day we also had a short talk on a particular subject such as sharpening tools or measuring out. Lunch was taken sitting outside looking across the countryside to Helvellyn and chatting about our projects and carpentry. A very worthwhile course, well lead by Mark. I will be returning for another course next year. Highly recommended."

17 Mar 25'

Dave G. reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Going to the Lakeland cabinet maker was a surprise present, I was a bit nervous before I went as I have little to no knowledge or skill. I need not have worried, Mark (cabinet maker and teacher extraordinaire) was really friendly and has a great way of mixing practical experiences using power tools with theory and teaching on methods and hand tools. I started with a few planks of (very nice) oak and ended up with a beautiful step stool (one of 4 possible projects in the first course). I have been inspired to have a go at home and am busy assembling hand tools and planning a workshop to have a safe place. If you (or someone you know!) is interested but unsure – I would say give it a go. If you don’t want to do more you will spend a week building something and have a great experience at the very least. Thank you Mark!"

22 Feb 25'

Mike Taylor reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"What a great way to spend 5 days. I felt relaxed throughout and have come away with something way better than I thought that I could produce. Fantastic sense of achievement. "

21 Feb 25'

Stephen reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Greatly enjoyed the 5 day course from the starting point of a complete novice. Patient and kind supervision throughout from the inspiring Mark and delighted with the table I made. I plan to return for course 2 later in the year."

18 Dec 24'

Chris reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I really enjoyed the course which exceeded my expectations. Mark is an excellent teacher and throughout the week we learned lots of techniques and use of tools. By the end of the week the project allowed me to take away an impressive step stool, and more importantly the confidence to try more challenging projects on my own. The daily talks on a range of topics were interesting and useful. Thanks Mark."

16 Dec 24'

Nick B reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"A brilliant course. Mark is a great teacher who strives for perfection and helps you to try to do the same. I made a step stool during the week and love it. All of the work involved beautiful oak. During the week we learned how to use and maintain several tools. After being shown how to use tools Mark allowed and expected us to use the tools independently. But he was vigilant and spotted emerging issues early, and was always available to reassure and resolve problems. I would highly recommend the course."

1 Sep 24'

Rob reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Great week and great course in August 2024. Mark is a great teacher - lets you get on but also steps in if needed! Thrilled with my new coffee table and learnt so much about woodworking, hoping to do course 2 soon!"

27 Aug 24'

Meg reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Course was very good. Mark is a great teacher and very patient. I love my new step stool!!! Would recommend to anyone fancying a go at woodwork "

20 Jul 24'

Linda reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent week, learned so much and came away with an amazing piece of furniture. Mark made the whole process really enjoyable, he has a very supportive and relaxed approach with great advice on how to get started with wood craft, from information on tools, wood suppliers, health and safety and getting your work space set up. Met some lovely people as well. The setting is perfect, easy to get to from the M6, parking is great, plenty to do of an evening in the local area. I now have a real appreciation of what proper wood working is based on and how much work goes into making things. "

19 Jul 24'

Chris reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Such a good week - learned so much, came home with a great piece of furniture and much more knowledge and skill. A perfect setting to get away from it all and had a great time and many laughs with Mark and my co-trainees!"

19 May 24'

David McCall reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I had a fantastic week on the course. Mark was welcoming, friendly and extremely knowledgeable. The course is suitable for both novices and people with some prior experience. There was a choice of 4 nice projects for the week and you could also learn from the projects other participants were undertaking. I made a piece of furniture that I’m really pleased with and will use for many years to come, which I couldn’t have done without Mark and his well kitted out workshop. I will definitely come back for another course as and when time permits. Thanks Mark!"

17 May 24'

Angus Burnside reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I've just finished this course and it was a great experience! Mark is a great teacher and extremely knowledgeable on everything about woodworking! I'd recommend this for everyone from beginners to people who already know a little and are looking to learn more as there were so many tips and techniques and things I learnt! Although you are choosing from a list of projects you then can be as creative as you like and I felt I came away with a usable and unique piece of furniture that I'm proud of and could never have made without Marks help. I'm definitely going to return in the future for the second course. 10/10 week. "

26 Mar 24'

Andrew Parker reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent course! I made a small side table. Mark taught me how to use the lathe, band saw, sander, router table, woodrat, and many other tools. He was patient, helpful, and supportive throughout. I look forward to taking the second course in the series at some point in the near future."

25 Mar 24'

Michael Jones reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"A brilliant course - I made a superb coffee table under Mark's supervision having never done anything of the sort before and learned a great deal about looking after and selecting tools not to mention how to use them. "

22 Feb 24'

Patricia Weir reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Really good course. I am ( was) a complete beginner yet was able to make a lovely coffee table with Mark's supervision. I think he has the level of assistance just right. He shows you how to use tools and then you do it. Would highly recommend to either a beginner or someone with some experience who wants to gain a bit more confidence. "

21 Feb 24'

Paul Dixon reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Really enjoyed the week and very proud of what I was able to create. Brilliant setup and just the right amount of "supervision". Thanks Mark and see you next year for course 2."

8 Dec 23'

Jayne reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Excellent course, the tutors are amazing and I can't believe the quality of the footstool I made - neither can anyone else! Never used any of the power tools before but feeling confident and keen to do more. Highly recommend."

4 Nov 23'

Hazel reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Really enjoyable week and ended up with a gorgeous product. Jay and Mark were fantastic teachers, very friendly, patient and helpful, and the helpers Pheobe and Hamish really made the week. The small class size of 4 people makes a really nice friendly atmosphere and you get plently of 1 to 1 tuition, which means you can get guidance on how to put your own design into the product. I would recommend this course to anyone who's ever had any interest in woodwork or feels like trying something new."

15 Jul 23'

Keith Lockwood reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I’ve just spent a very enjoyable week on course 1. The workshop is a great and realistic place to work and the limit to 4 students works well. To come away with a valued product is a great feeling. Mark’s tuition is friendly, but professional, by demonstrating and talking about the various aspects of the tools and techniques is a very informative way of presenting the course. I was so impressed, I will probably do another."

14 Jul 23'

Andrew Shepherd reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Outstanding. Mark exceeded all my expectations. The instruction, facilities and tone were all spot on. I genuinely struggle to think how it could be improved. "

14 Jul 23'

Louise D reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"Just finished the 5 day course and I am setting off with my step stool in the car feeling proud as punch. The whole week was great, excellent tuition, not only to complete your project but also on wider woodworking subjects. The workshop is cosy with tea and coffee and biscuits. This week I have used lots of clever woodworking machines (with great supervision and explanation to boost confidence and stay safe) as well as the more basic chisels and scrapers that I used at school a million years ago. I’d recommend this course to everyone. Deeply enjoyable to make something from beautiful wood. Thanks to Mark. "

31 May 23'

Tom reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"The 5 day woodworking course served as an excellent introduction to woodworking for novice to the skill. I haven't done any woodworking previously but by the end of the course felt happy enough to start constructing a small workshop in my garage ready to start a new hobby! The tutors were excellent and very patient, providing good tutorials on how to use tools and then giving you enough space to learn and use the skills. For anyone new to the hobby or looking to learn a new skill I would thoroughly recommend this course, hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did!"

17 Apr 23'

Kevin reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I really enjoyed the course. I went on this as I had enjoyed woodwork at school and wanted to see if I would as an adult. The relaxed atmosphere and great knowledge sharing by the experts not only made the experience enjoyable but also resulted in a good quality product being manufactured. I would highly recommend this establishment, so much so that I am returning for the second course to learn more theory, hand and power tool skills."

16 Apr 23'

David Vose reviewed: Five day woodwork course - tools

"I can completely endorse all the positive comments from previous reviews. I had no experience of woodworking and now have a much treasured spinning stool to go with our wheel……AND(I) I can boast that I made it myself. Obviously I’ll be playing down all the hugely positive instruction, encouragement and support that Jay and Mark provided to make it happen. Perhaps more important than the stool though is the certainty that I won’t be stopping there. My son wants me to make a him a desk. I’ll be back!"