I started taking classes at Makeville with almost no knowledge of woodworking. Three classes and a year later I was building large cabinets with advanced joinery. The helpful and knowledgeable staff have allowed me to continue to grow this passion as I challenge myself with each project. Everyday I go into the shop I arrive to find the tools clean, organized and well tuned so I can get right to work.
-Oliver F
Makeville Studio is a wonderful place to begin learning woodworking and start a very rewarding craft. I started small, learning how to make cutting boards and bookends. After taking some classes and completing the woodshop certification test, I was able to continue working on projects at a friend’s studio. Makeville taught me the importance of safety and protection, as well as how to use essential tools like the table saw, band saw, miter saw, and jointer. I am incredibly grateful for the lessons I’ve learned and look forward to continuing my woodworking journey.
-Kafilah M
I am a graduate from The Cooper Union School of Art and a New York City native. I joined the shop in 2023 and had a really pleasant experience during my woodworking certification and shop sessions that I have scheduled. All of the staff are kind and thoughtful and always have great insight and great safety oversight during all of my experiences using the shop at Makeville Studio. The certification process was really professional and organized to ensure my safety while allowing me to demonstrate my knowledge of shop tools and safety procedures. I hope to utilize the shop at Makeville Studio more this year and schedule woodworking sessions via the accessible calendar.
- Danny P
Makeville is my happy place: I’ve been fortunate to develop my hobby over the last three years through excellent private lessons, flexible studio time and even a basics class — and am excited to try more classes soon (Makeville is always iterating on their class schedule!) . This alone is awesome but what I have also found at Makeville is a small but collaborative community of creators, people who challenge me to up level every time I come in, and folks who are kind and fun. I feel lucky to even call some of them friends. And in today’s increasingly fractious world, I don’t take this for granted.
- Anita M
I had never done woodworking before. A year ago I took the "Intro to Woodworking Boot Camp" (I found it on Google while trying to buy an end table) and was hooked right away. Over the following months I took classes on hand tools, routers, and decorative boxes; it was great to bring a near-finished project home after each one. I got certified to use the shop tools and built a backyard bench on my own. Now I am working on my first chair; consultations with Jenna showed me how to plan the project, buy lumber, and use the additional tools I needed. Every teacher at Makeville has provided clear instruction and great encouragement--it's been one of the best learning experiences I've ever had.
- Greg G
Having retired in 2015 then moved back to Brooklyn in 2016, I was weary of how to keep busy or find a hobby. Visiting my in-laws I saw they had snack tables which were adequate for snacks not much more, I wanted bigger. I found on Youtube a woodworker who built dinner folding tables, his video guide immediately showed I needed a work area. Moving to a one bedroom apartment had its space limitations. Fortunately, I found Makeville; a professional woodworker’s shop open to beginners. The equipment and the staff, professional craftsmen themselves, are top notch. Each session has a moderator who is available to keep me on track; answering my basic questions with patience and helpful advice. I highly recommend Makeville.
- Bill M
I'm incredibly grateful Makeville exists. When I wanted to make a serious career shift and needed to pick up some woodworking skills, I learned the basics and more from the super knowledgeable and friendly staff. And now that I've transitioned to constantly working on projects, it's great to have such a welcoming community alongside all the tools I need. It's like home away from home, except with a bandsaw. Thanks, Makeville!
- Nick D
Makeville has been the perfect place to start my wood working journey! First I took an intro class and had a couple 1:1's for a special project. Through these lessons, I built up my skills enough to get certified and finish my project independently. It's such an accepting space with a community who is always to lend a helping hand. The staff is very helpful and super focused on safety which I appreciate. I look forward to going every time!
- Trinity K
I've always been interested in woodworking but intimidated by the lack of knowledge and access to tools. Taking the Intro to Woodworking class was a great way to jump in! Steven, the instructor, was knowledgeable and patient and gave great guidance on how to work safely, and getting access to their full workshop of high-quality tools for studio time has been fantastic. If you're looking for a way to dip your toes into woodworking, the folks at Makeville make it super easy.
- Takumi H
Makeville Studio is the best place/community to be a part of if you want to do woodworking in the city! It's become one of my favorite outlets in all of New York. The people who run it have a wonderful energy and are always willing to help or advise on a project! It took me a long time to get back into making things but very much have found my place!
- Wells D
I've taken two classes there, as well as a few private lessons with one of the instructors. I've always found the community to be extremely helpful. I had never done any woodworking before taking your intro class and it has kicked off a lifelong love of woodworking for me.
- Tucker W
On private lessons: I frequently take private lessons when I'm stuck on a project. What's wonderful about private lessons through Makeville is that the instructors not only help me tackle a particular challenge related to a project, but they take it one step further than a project. Makeville is all about teaching, and a private lessons ensure you understand the "how" and "why", so that you have the fundamental skills and understanding of woodworking to tackle similar challenges with ease in the future.
On the studio: The studio has everything you need for an amateur to start producing professional-quality work. The studio not only has all the equipment you could possibly need to tackle a project, but incredible people to be inspired by and learn from. Whether you're making a bed frame or a cutting board, there's almost always someone--shop supervisor or fellow member--who's tackled something similar and can give you a quick word of advice if you get stuck.
- Maxim Y
I recently lost my job and decided to put my free time to good use by learning some new skills. In just a couple weeks at Makeville, I made a gift for my wife, learned how to safely operate all the woodworking equipment, and achieved workshop certification. I'm now in the middle of my first solo project. I feel lucky to have such a great facility and helpful staff so close to home.
- Jeff C
I thoroughly enjoy Makeville Studio's wonderful workshop space! I typically visit for studio time to use the band saw and chop saw, and I find it to be an excellent environment for my hobbies.
The online booking system for studio time and classes is simple and user-friendly. Robyn, along with the other staff, are all wonderful people—friendly, knowledgeable, professional, and always ready to assist. The space itself is welcoming, clean, and efficient. I appreciate that guests are respectful and responsible, adhering to shop rules, cleaning up after themselves, and putting tools back in their designated places.
Makeville is a well-equipped shop with a variety of tools necessary for any craft or carpentry work. Although I haven’t participated in any workshop classes yet—aside from certification classes—I’ve reviewed them online and have plans to join soon. Overall, it’s a fantastic place for anyone looking to enhance their skills or simply enjoy some hands-on creativity!
- Pompey H
I returned to woodworking after a 10 year hiatus at Makeville Studio. The focus on safety and the friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful staff made it fun to be back at the workbench.
- Michael G
I’ve taken 3 separate classes at Makeville and have really enjoyed each and every one. The instructors are great! Always there to answer questions and help you get comfortable with the techniques and tools you’re learning. Atmosphere is friendly and approachable. Will absolutely be taking more classes here in the future!
- Patrick L
Makeville is an incredible space with incredible people! They have all the equipment you will ever need and it is all incredibly well-maintained. The best part about Makeville, though, is the staff who are always available to make sure you and the equipment are safe and can also offer great tips for whatever project you might be working or learning on.
- Joshua T
I deeply appreciate the community that Makeville has created. It’s so welcoming, especially to new woodworkers. The studio monitors have been so kind and patient while keeping me safe, and the other members have been so awesome, even on little things like making sure we’re not in each other’s way. I’ve also taken several private lessons to help me with a few projects, and I’ve found the staff incredibly patient and knowledgeable. I usually get through more in the lessons than I think I will!.
- Charles B
Makeville Studio has been a great resource for me to learn and practice woodworking. They provided all the materials I needed to get started including lumber. The shop managers also really helped me acclimate to building independently.
- Maureen G
This place has been hugely helpful to my workflow...smart and dedicated people run the place and seem to have unending patience with questions & advice. Really happy to work there.
- Brad H