What does “exclusive use” actually mean?
One booking, one customer. For your whole slot, the entire workshop — panel saw, edge bander, benches, assembly area — is yours alone. You're not sharing machines or space with anyone else.
How much does it cost?
£200 + VAT for the day — an introductory launch rate — 7am–7pm, seven days a week. Everything is included — machinery, dust extraction, power, heating and Wi-Fi. There are no meters and no machine surcharges.
What are the opening hours?
The workshop runs 7am–7pm, seven days a week. Bookings are for the full day — arrive from 7am and use as much of the day as you need.
Is it trade only?
Yes — the workshop is for trade and business use: joiners, cabinet makers, kitchen and bedroom fitters, shopfitters, furniture makers and similar businesses. It isn't open for DIY or hobby use.
What machinery is included?
Every booking includes the SCM Minimax SC 4E panel saw, SCM Minimax ME 35 edge bander, Inventair dust extraction, compressed air from an ABAC screw compressor, joiner's benches and assembly tables. Bring your own hand and power tools — most trades prefer their own kit anyway.
Do I need experience to use the machines?
You should be competent with woodworking machinery in general — this is a professional workshop, not a training centre. Every customer gets a short induction on any machine they haven't used with us before, covering safe setup and operation.
Can I just hire the panel saw or edge bander on its own?
The machines aren't hired individually — every booking is for exclusive use of the whole workshop, which includes all machinery. Since most sheet work involves cutting, edging and assembly together, this usually works out simpler and better value than machine-only hire.
Do I need to bring my own tools?
Bring your own hand and power tools — most trades prefer working with their own kit. All the fixed machinery, dust extraction and compressed air is ours and included in the day rate.
Can I leave my work set up overnight?
Yes — book consecutive days and you can leave materials, part-built work and your setup in place overnight between them. It's one of the big advantages of exclusive use: nobody touches your work between your days.
What happens with offcuts and waste?
Dust extraction deals with the sawdust as you work. Offcuts and packaging travel home with you at the end of your booking, so the workshop is clear and ready for your next visit.
Do you supply materials and edging tape?
Bring your own sheet materials and edging to match your job. Ask us about consumables and edging stock when you book — and if you need a local sheet material supplier, we can point you to merchants nearby.
Is there parking and van access?
Yes — on-site parking with easy loading and unloading for full 8x4 sheets and finished pieces.
Can I book regular recurring slots?
Yes. Regulars can block-book recurring days — for example, every Tuesday — so their workshop time is guaranteed. Get in touch and we'll set it up.
Can I book a half day or a few hours?
Not at the moment — the workshop is hired by the day only, at an introductory £200 + VAT. With exclusive use from 7am to 7pm, most trades find a single day comfortably covers cutting, edging and assembly for a full job.
Where are you based?
We're at 25 North Parade, Burley in Wharfedale, Ilkley LS29 7JR — five minutes from Ilkley, ten from Otley, and within easy reach of Leeds, Bradford, Keighley, Skipton and Harrogate.
Can I visit before booking?
Absolutely — we'd encourage it. Arrange a tour, walk the machine line, and talk through your typical jobs with us before you commit to anything.