The Unplugged Woodshop

ok

Great instructors, great environment to learn more about wood working!

I needed a set of chisels sharpened and they were the only people who I could find that could do it. The people are awesome and they did a great job. Definitely the place to go for hand tool sharpening or to learn old school woodworking techniques as they are also a school.

Tom Fidgen: The unplugged woodshop review.Things I wish I knew before taking this course.I took the 10 week Artisan course in the Fall of 2022. I’m a novice and, considering the price and time commitment, I had very high expectations. I was very disappointed in the end, and would suggest people look at the numerous, better options.Instruction time is very low on average. More instruction early on, but towards the latter half of the course, you spend 90% of the time working on a project, using skills you’ve already learned. The instructor spends most of his time working on building his guitars and furniture away from the students.The instructor has, to my knowledge, no formal teaching accreditation, and it shows. He has woodworking skills, but teaching is definitely not his strength. When teaching a new skill, he goes over it very quickly, and we often had to ask him to repeat things later. He has these “tests” that are basically stupid trivia questions written by a former student. The instructor often didn’t know what the questions were.If you want to gain some good woodworking skills, find a competent, experienced woodworker and pay them to give you one-on-one instruction for a lot less than $8000. Or, take an established course through a college, run by competent teachers, for much, much less.

Attended a show here was pretty interesting.

A great place to learn about woodworking without power tools. Tom and his whole team are very skilled and excellent teachers. It's a laid back environment with lovely people who can make anyone feel at home regardless of your experience.

I attended the Joinery workshop this weekend and had a great experience. As a teacher I can also say it was excellent educationally speaking. A relaxed, positive atmosphere in a clean, bright workspace. Clear knowledgeable instruction with ample support along the way. I walked out with a product I was proud of, despite being exhausted from the previous work week. It would be hard for me to say how it could be better. Also great customer service when I had a rescheduling issue for a previously booked bootcamp. The same spirit of community that is a hallmark of Cape Breton lives at the Unplugged Workshop. Thanks to all the staff.Ps. Please consider hitting the helpful button (thumbs up) or not helpful button if you found my review useful to you. It would give me more feedback than just the number of reads.

Great spot. Loved the half day class I did.