Where is the Rent a Bench workshop in Bradford?
Our Bradford workshop is at Unit 6, Wharfedale Business Park, Shetcliffe Lane, Bradford, BD4 9RW. Check the “Plan your visit” page for travel and arrival details.
WORKSHOP FAQ
Craft and woodworking bench hire FAQs
Answers about weekend opening, machinery, timber and your booking in West Yorkshire.
How much does bench hire cost?
Small benches start at £14 per hour and large benches at £20 per hour. Two-hour sessions save 10%, four-hour sessions save 18.75% and seven-hour sessions save 25% compared with the hourly rate. All prices include VAT.
What size are the benches?
Choose from a small bench measuring 1.2 m × 800 mm or a large bench measuring 2.4 m × 1.2 m. Each online booking is for one person.
What are your opening hours?
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 4:30pm. Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Saturday and Sunday each require at least three people to book for that day. We reserve the right to cancel and refund.
How do weekend bookings work?
Saturday runs from 9am to 4:30pm and Sunday from 10am to 4pm when at least three people book for that day. We review each day separately at 4:30pm the day before. Payment holds your place until we email confirmation. If we cancel, we refund the full amount paid, including any deposit and prepaid items.
Can I hire a bench for crafting?
You can hire a bench for crafting, DIY, repairs or woodworking, with or without tool hire. Bring your own crafting kits. We do not allow products with hazardous chemicals that release harmful vapours or have corrosive properties.
Can a beginner book a bench?
You’ll need basic experience using tools. Everyone completes an induction on arrival.
Can children come to the workshop?
The current booking policy is 18 and over. Children and under-18s cannot attend workshop sessions.
Can I use the woodworking machinery if I’m qualified?
Qualified tradespeople can request machinery use after staff approval.
What you can use
Qualified tradespeople can request use of workshop machinery, including the table saw and mitre saw. You can also bring your own power tools.
What to bring
You can bring most tools; they must be in good condition. Bring proof of your qualifications and valid public liability insurance covering the work you’ll do. We’ll check your documents and assess you on each machine before you use it during the induction.
How much does staff-operated thicknessing or drum sanding cost?
For DIY customers, staff operate the thicknesser and drum sander. Request either when you book. A 10-minute session on either machine costs £5.00. Trade users can operate either machine after assessment and pay £5 per machine to cover belt use and blade wear.
Can you cut timber for me if I can’t use a saw?
Our staff can cut timber for you. Bring a list of sizes and quantities so we can check the material and confirm the cuts. Timber only. Your first three basic straight cuts are free with qualifying timber purchased from us. Additional basic cuts cost 50p each. Cuts on customer-supplied timber cost 50p each, with a £5 minimum per request. Complex cutting or machining is by quotation.
Do I pay an equipment deposit?
We charge a £30.00 refundable tool deposit, payable on arrival when you use our equipment. This is separate from your online payment. We return it after staff check the equipment back in, subject to deductions for breakages. No equipment deposit applies if you bring your own tools and do not use ours.
Do I need to bring screws and other consumables?
Bring screws, fixings and other components, including non-solvent glues, or buy them on site for convenience.
Are drill bits available with a hired drill?
Drill bits are included with the drill/driver in our Tool Hire Pack. If a supplied drill bit breaks during your session, we deduct the replacement cost from your refundable equipment deposit.
What happens if I damage or lose a tool?
Report damage, faults or missing items straight away. Staff inspect equipment before issue and on return. Where misuse causes damage or loss, we explain and itemise any reasonable, evidenced repair or equivalent replacement cost, taking existing condition and fair wear into account. We apply any agreed deduction to the deposit and invoice only an outstanding balance.
Can I bring my own tools?
Use approved hand tools, including hand saws, or bring your own jigsaw for us to check when you arrive. Our £20 Tool Hire Pack includes a drill/driver with bits and 2 clamps. Bench hire includes pillar drill, belt sander and mouse sander access. Use a workshop vacuum when sanding. Table saws, mitre saws, circular saws, track saws and other circular-blade cutting tools are for approved trade use only. DIY customers can request staff cutting. Qualified tradespeople may bring approved power tools, including circular saws, track saws and mitre saws. Remember you’ll need proof of your qualifications and public liability insurance.
What should I wear and what PPE do I need?
Everyone must arrive wearing suitable workshop clothing and steel toe-capped boots. We provide earplugs.
Safety glasses
Safety glasses are mandatory in the workshop. Bring suitable impact-rated eye protection to BS EN ISO 16321-1, or add glasses to your booking.
Dust protection
Wear a suitable respirator or mask for all sanding and other dusty work, alongside dust extraction. An FFP3 disposable mask should meet BS EN 149:2001+A1:2009. A suitable reusable respirator with replaceable P3 filters is also accepted.
Mask fit
Tight-fitting masks require face-fit testing for the exact model and a clean-shaven seal area. If you have a beard, purchase an appropriate alternative before booking. Staff check suitability before work starts.
Can I bring my own wood or pre-order plywood?
Bring your own wood or other suitable materials, buy from our current timber stock or pre-order plywood. Tell us about unfamiliar materials before your visit so we can check the process, tools and extraction. We have no facilities for metal processing.
Can I leave my project or offcuts at the workshop?
Take your project, unused materials and everything you bring home at the end of your session. We cannot store projects or wood for guests. Put only clean timber and plywood offcuts into the marked offcut bags. Other waste bins are provided.
Can I cancel or move a booking?
Once you book, you can only change dates. Email us to arrange a date change, subject to availability.