Frequently Answered Questions

  • Are your classes suitable for children? Under 18s are welcome if accompanied by an adult also taking the class.
  • What level am I? 
    • BEGINNER – no practical woodwork experience
    • INTERMEDIATE – some DIY experience but no formal tuition
    • ADVANCED – competent with both hand and power tools; has made several solid wood projects; formally trained
  • I don’t have a PayPal account, so can I pay another way? PayPal handles all of our website transactions. You don’t need a PayPal account to use this service, just make sure you have your debit or card details to hand. We accept bank transfers on request. If your company or institution is paying the course fee and would prefer to be invoiced, then please email your request.
  • Where are you? We are located in an industrial estate in Tottenham, about halfway between Seven Sisters Road and Tottenham Hale stations. Directions to the workshop can be found on the Contact Us – Directions page of the website. Do not rely on Google’s instructions which will take you to the road at the back of the building.
  • The class I want to join is full. Is there a waiting list? Yes, you can sign up here for our cancellations and extra places update.
  • Do I get a recognised qualification with your classes? No, but we can provide a certificate of attendance on request.
  • Can I pay a deposit now and the balance later? Yes, you can pay a 20% non-refundable deposit now with the balance due at the latest 7 days before the start of your class. Email us if you want to use this option.
  • I have to cancel my course, can I get my money back? You can cancel up to 3 days before the start of your class but there is a fee. See Cancellations and Refunds for full details.
  • I have to change the date of my course, can I switch to another day? You may change your date up to 3 days before your class is due to start. See Cancellations and Refunds for the full details.
  • What happens if I have to cancel or change my date with less than 3 days notice? We’ll try to sell your place to someone else, but if we can’t make it happen you’ll lose your course fee. See Cancellations and Refunds for the full details.
  • Do I need to bring my own tools and materials? No, not unless you want to.
  • Can I bring my bike in? Yes
  • Is there car parking on site or nearby? Not really. If you can, come by public transport or bike.
  • Should I bring my prescription glasses? If you need reading glasses you’ll probably need to bring them to your class. However, the type of work we do at the bench may demand a slightly different prescription. Find out from your optician what kind of lenses you’ll need.

Workshop Safety

Working with wood is not a risk-free undertaking. You should expect that you will receive the occasional cut, bruise or splinter. However, the risks can be minimised by following these simple instructions.
  • Do not put your hands in the path of a sharp tool, such as a knife or chisel.
  • Do wear shoes or boots that will protect your feet from tools and materials falling from the workbench. Sandals, ballet slippers or pumps are not suitable.
  • Do wear a dust mask and any other personal protection when instructed to do so.
  • Do not wear loose scarves and necklaces. Tie back long hair when working with portable power tools.
  • Do not wander into the work areas of the other businesses that share the workshop.
  • Do not go into the machine shop unless instructed by your tutor.
  • Do not use any of our power tools without being shown its safe use and potential dangers.