ML Woodworking

Business Details

7 Years

experience

Woodworking Classes & Workshops in Philadelphia

Founded in 2019, ML Woodworking is a Philadelphia-based workspace dedicated to fostering hands-on creativity through comprehensive woodworking education. Our mission is to demystify woodworking by offering structured, project-based learning experiences that cater to all skill levels. With a focus on safety, technique, and practical application, we provide access to professional-grade tools and mentorship from industry experts. Our curriculum mirrors real-world production methods, ensuring students gain transferable skills. The shop's 3,500-square-foot facility includes dedicated workstations and specialized machinery, supporting both individual projects and collaborative learning.

We emphasize experiential education, believing true mastery comes from active participation rather than passive observation. Our founder's decade-long furniture-making career informs our commitment to quality instruction and community building. By combining technical training with creative exploration, we empower individuals to transform raw materials into functional art while cultivating a supportive maker culture.

Services

Woodworking Classes Private Lessons Workshops Shop Rental Gift Certificates Furniture Making Machine Training Project Consultation Tool Access Custom Wood Projects

Details

Year established: 2019

Highlights and features

Founder Michelle Lipson brings 15+ years of professional furniture-making experience
Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction and safety focus
Access to 3,500 sq ft facility with 12+ professional-grade woodworking machines
Curriculum developed from real-world production shop methodologies
Project-based learning emphasizes practical skill application

Website

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Services

Woodworking Classes

Structured multi-week courses teach furniture-making fundamentals using professional equipment. Students progress from basic machine operation to complex joinery techniques. Emphasis on safety protocols, material selection, and project planning prepares woodworkers for independent practice.

Private Lessons

One-on-one training tailored to individual projects and skill gaps. Expert guidance covers specialized techniques, tool proficiency, and problem-solving strategies. Flexible scheduling accommodates personal learning paces and project timelines.

Workshops

Intensive 2-3 hour sessions focused on specific woodworking techniques. Projects include functional items like tables and lamps. Designed for quick skill acquisition while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Shop Rental

Dedicated bench spaces with 24/7 access to professional woodworking equipment. Monthly rentals include use of table saws, jointers, planers, and specialized tools. Ideal for independent projects with expert support available.

Gift Certificates

Flexible credit options for woodworking education. Valid for any class, workshop, or private lesson. Non-refundable but transferable within one-year expiration period, making perfect gifts for makers.

People

Michelle Lipson

Founder & Lead Instructor

Professional furniture maker with 15+ years experience, transitioning to full-time education in 2019. Developed curriculum combining production techniques with creative exploration. Former Brooklyn instructor brings industry expertise to Philadelphia's maker community.

Questions

What woodworking experience is required for classes?

Most classes require no prior experience. Basic tool instruction included. Advanced courses specify prerequisites in their descriptions.

What materials are provided in workshops?

All classes include necessary hardwoods, plywood, and consumables. Material fees cover project-specific components as detailed in course descriptions.

Can I rent shop space without taking classes?

Shop rental requires demonstrated proficiency. Most renters complete at least one class first to ensure safety and equipment knowledge.

Are private group sessions available?

Yes, workshops accommodate groups up to 8 people. Private lessons and team-building events can be scheduled by request.

What safety measures are in place?

Comprehensive safety instruction included in all classes. Mandatory machine training ensures proper use. Shop maintains organized workspaces and emergency protocols.

Reviews (4)

Write a Review

Leon Leybs

Aug 16, 2021 Report

Looking for something different to do? Looking for a fun way to spend a few hours? Well, look no further. Michelle offers you an opportunity to get your hands dirty and your mind blown. She will be your guide as you learn about the intricacies of wood and woodworking. She will take you on a tour where you learn about woodworking things that you never even considered. Why spend hours browsing through YouTube videos when you can get real-world, hands-on experience with a live person who can answer your questions and address your concerns real-time? All those hours wasted on online media never even

L. Shareef

May 23, 2021 Report

Really impressed with the wood shop and Michelle's attention to detail and patience! Michelle offers a great experience even for complete beginner such as myself. I would highly recommend this class to anyone who has an interest in learning woodworking, but has no experience with machinery or designing with wood.
Michelle is a great teacher, building your confidence as well as physical skill. I look forward to our next class!!!!

Keith Mui

Mar 17, 2021 Report

Scheduled a great private session with Michelles woodworking workshops. Very professional and well led hands on workshop to create a memorable wood craft to take home. We made a very useful and aesthetic table stool that w sanded, refined, assembled to a polish finish. Michele has a very hands off and independent teaching style that allows you to understand what to take advantage of the full crafting opportunity. She also offers many other workshop classes in groups to sign up for to expand you wood craft! Worth to check out and plan a session with friends!

C. Smitelli

Mar 04, 2021 Report

I had a date night private lesson with my fianc and it was great! We both worked on the piece together. Michelle gave us great instruction and was super fun to hang with. I would definitely recommend!
Service:Assemble furniture