Our workshops in Custom Lane and Portobello are dedicated woodworking and DIY spaces, complete with a wide range of large-format tools. We have a table saw, band saw, chop saw, planer thicknesser, and a whole host of other power and hand tools at each site.
New dates released weekly on Thursdays 8pm
Open Workshop Sessions
Open sessions are for members to come and work on your chosen woodworking project. They are free and for all levels of experience. Beginning woodworkers are very much welcome! You will have access to:
- a wide range of large-format tools,
- an individual workbench,
- and our volunteers and other members will be happy to guide you through every step of your project.
You only need to have completed a health & safety induction in order to attend workshops. We usually run these inductions right before open sessions, so you can sign up for both an induction and an open workshop the first time you come.
We also have a open session for people with disabilities every second Saturday of the month. Read more about it on our accessibility page.
Women & Non-binary Makers Sessions
Our Women & Non-Binary Makers Sessions are the same as open workshop sessions, but are specifically for women and non-binary makers. Come and work on your own project in a safe and inclusive space!
We started these sessions after we noticed that, although our membership is pretty much evenly divided in terms of gender, mostly men were using the workshops. We believe this is down to the lack of availability of woodwork classes to more marginalized genders, so we are looking to restore the balance!
Taught Paid Classes
Our taught, paid classes are for both members and non-members where you can learn to make something from reclaimed timber and take it home. Usually these classes are aimed at beginning woodworkers. We offer a range of classes, including power tool basics and wood turning, as well as guided woodworking projects like making a plant stand, a beer caddy, or spoon carving.
Proceeds from these classes go towards keeping the Tool Library open and enable us to offer ongoing support to both our community and other charities that we partner with/help/support.
Note: as a Tool Library member, you benefit from a 10% discount on all classes. Sign up here.
Free Classes & Community Builds
Free classes and community builds are for both members and non-members to come to the workshop or to another community space to learn skills while making something for another charity or community organisation.
Past sessions have included making Little Free Libraries, accessibility ramps, outdoor benches, and bird boxes. Stay tuned to our social media channels to find out the latest opportunities.
Upcoming Classes & Events
We release tickets for workshops, inductions, classes, and events roughly once a month. As they are volunteer-powered, it depends on our volunteers’ availability if sessions or classes will take place.
All of these sessions/classes/events require prior booking, so have a browse on our Eventbrite page to see what’s happening next and to book your spot! (Weekly tickets release on Thursdays 8pm).
