Edinburgh Open Workshop Works for Trades

A Different Way of Working

For many people working in the trades, time really is money. Jobs are often site-based, tools live in the van, and any work that requires serious machinery usually means improvising in less-than-ideal conditions.

But for joiners, cabinet makers and other tradespeople who want access to proper workshop facilities without the overheads of running their own space, Edinburgh Open Workshop (EOW) offers a different way of working.

A proper workshop setup – without the hassle

With over 18 years’ experience across bench joinery, cabinet making and site joinery, EOW member Matthew Callis came across EOW while actively looking for access to heavy-duty woodworking machinery and space to work efficiently.

“Most of my work is on site. You’re using site gear, setting everything up every time – sometimes in someone’s garden, driveway or even the street. A proper workshop setup is always quicker. Everything is already aligned, square and ready to go.”

At EOW, that means access to large panel saws, planer-thicknessers, radial arm saws and other industrial-grade machines that make short work of repetitive cuts and larger timber jobs – the kind of tasks that are slow, awkward and battery-draining on site.

Flexibility that suits real working life

One of the biggest advantages for tradespeople is flexibility. EOW’s PAYG and membership options allow people to use the workshop when they need it – without being tied into long contracts.

“The annual membership is nothing, really. I’m rarely organised enough to book too far in advance, but there’s usually space. I can come in, get done what I need, and leave.”
Being able to store materials and leave projects set up over several days or weeks also makes a huge difference.

“Not having to pack the van at the end of every day is a massive efficiency gain. You can leave things where they are and pick up exactly where you left off.”

More capability, less outsourcing

Having access to professional machinery opens up new possibilities – both creatively and commercially.

“It allows you to offer clients a broader range of work because you’ve got the machines. You can make it and fit it yourself instead of outsourcing. That widens your earning potential.”

For one-person operations especially, this can be a game-changer. Whether it’s cabinetry, doors, bespoke furniture or built-in elements, EOW enables tradespeople to bridge the gap between making and fitting.

“There’s money in fitting kitchens and bathrooms – but if you can also make cabinetry, you’ve got a much wider bracket for earning.”

Support from people who actually make things

Another key difference is the on-site support. EOW’s technicians aren’t just there to enforce rules – they’re makers themselves.

“Josh and JJ know the machines inside out, and they use them themselves. They’re not just techs – they make things. If you’re unsure about a setup or wondering if there’s a quicker way to do something, you can ask.”

For tradespeople who trained on site or haven’t used certain machines in years, this support can remove a big psychological barrier.

“Some joiners have only ever worked on site and might feel unsure about using workshop machinery. The induction process is quick, thorough, and focused on real-world use. If you’re a bit rusty, having someone there speeds everything up. And again – time is money.”

A place to work efficiently – and think differently

Beyond the machines, there’s value in simply being around other people making things.

“It’s interesting seeing what other people are working on. You pick up ideas. It reminds you there’s more you can do.”

That environment has supported Matt’s ambitious personal projects too – including reworking original 1930s roof timbers into new elements for his own home.

“It’s higher-grade timber than you’d get now. I wanted to put it back into the house. Doing this kind of machining here lets me practise older skill sets, save money on materials, and actually enjoy the process.”

There’s a deep satisfaction in that kind of making.
“For the next 30 years, I get to look at it and say: I made this.”

The best of both worlds

While Matt has plans for a small home workshop, EOW will remain an essential part of the setup.

“I’ll still come here to machine timber and use the bigger gear, then take it home for finishing. It’s the best of both worlds.”

Future projects include traditionally made doors, furniture, and a timber-framed potting shed – all designed using modern machinery but built with old-school joinery techniques.

So, why EOW?

For tradespeople who haven’t heard of Edinburgh Open Workshop yet, the message is simple: this isn’t just a space for hobbyists.

It’s a professional, flexible, well-equipped workshop that helps trades work faster, expand their offering, reduce stress, and reconnect with the craft side of what they do.

Whether you’re a one-person operation or looking to expand what you can offer clients, EOW makes it easier to work smarter, broaden your skills and get more value out of your time.