ToolhouseE17, Forest (2026)

11/09/2025

This Sunday at join our Plastic Recycling Workshop with and discover how to transform usually single uses plastic into beautiful and useful new objects.

From bottle tops to bold designs, you’ll learn how to give waste a second life with our recycling machines.

🎟️ Tickets available now via the link in our bio.

28/06/2025

🪚 JIGSAW vs CIRCULAR SAW: WHICH DO YOU NEED? 🪚

One of the most common questions in our workshops: "Which saw should I buy first?"

The answer? It depends on what you're making!

JIGSAW = The Artist 🎨
Perfect for curves, cutouts, and detailed work. Great first power saw because it's forgiving and versatile.

CIRCULAR SAW = The Workhorse 💪
Your go-to for long, straight cuts and breaking down large sheets. Fast and efficient for construction projects.

REAL WORLD EXAMPLES:
🏠 Making a bird box? Jigsaw for the entrance hole, circular saw for the panels
📚 Building shelves? Circular saw to cut boards to length, jigsaw for any decorative edges
🚪 Installing a cat flap? Definitely jigsaw territory!

At The Tool House, we have both Bosch jigsaws and a circular saw so you can try them both and see which feels right for your projects.

Coming to our Build a Bird Box workshop on Sunday 10th August? You'll get hands on experience with both!

Which saw do you reach for most often? Let us know in the comments!

19/06/2025

Tool Etymology: SOLDER ♨️

"Solder" comes from Latin "solidare" meaning "to make solid" which perfectly describes how it joins components!

Ancient Mesopotamians were soldering with gold as early as 4000 BCE, making this technique older than many civilisations.

Join our Electronics Basics workshop to try your hand at this ancient-yet-modern joining technique!

Want to know more? Check out one of our DIY for Beginners Workshops.
Sunday 29th June

Link in bio 🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/y7ze6m4z

13/06/2025

Tool Etymology: CHISEL 🗿

The word "chisel" comes from Old French "cisel" and ultimately from the Latin "caedere" meaning "to cut."

At 8,000+ years old, it's one of humanity's oldest continuously used tools! From stone carvings to fine woodworking, the chisel remains essential.

Fancy learning proper chisel techniques? Our next woodworking basics workshop is coming up soon!

Want to know more? Check out one of our DIY for Beginners Workshops.
Sunday 25th May
Sunday 29th June

Link in bio 🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/y7ze6m4z

05/06/2025

TOOLS AS DESIGN ICONS AT V&A EAST! 🔨

Who knew our everyday workshop essentials were worthy of museum status? During our visit to the incredible new Storehouse, we discovered some familiar friends in their collection!

From the iconic Black & Decker Workmate (a Design Council Award winner, no less!) to beautifully crafted vintage hand planes and well worn pliers, these tools tell the story of British design and craftsmanship through the decades.

It's fascinating to see tools we use every day at The Tool House displayed as examples of functional design excellence. The V&A's Circulation Department has been collecting everyday contemporary objects since the 1850s, recognising that good design isn't just about art, it's about the things we use to create, build and repair.

Makes you look at your toolbox a bit differently, doesn't it?

🏛️ V&A East Storehouse is now open at , completely free and absolutely mind blowing. Their 'Order an Object' service means you can book to see specific pieces up close too!

Perfect inspiration for anyone joining our DIY for Beginners workshop on Sunday 29th June, you're working with design classics!

02/06/2025

LEVEL UP YOUR DIY SKILLS! 🐦

Ready for your next making challenge? Join us for our Introduction to Woodwork workshop where you'll build your very own bird box to take home!

✨ WHAT YOU'LL DO:
- Learn essential woodworking techniques
- Cut, assemble & finish your own bird box
- Gain confidence with hand and power tools
- Learn about CNC routers and how they can be used
- Take home a beautiful handmade creation

👥 EXPERT GUIDANCE:
Sean and Abdur will guide you through every step - no experience needed!

📅 WHEN: Sunday 10th August, 11am-3pm
📍 WHERE: Walthamstow Pumphouse Museum
🎯 PERFECT FOR: Anyone who's completed our Beginners DIY Workshop and wants to level up their skills!

All tools, materials & safety equipment provided - just bring your enthusiasm to learn!

⚠️ Under 16s must be accompanied by parent/guardian
👕 Wear clothes suitable for practical work

Ready to give your garden birds a stylish new home whilst mastering new skills?

Link in bio to book your spot! 🔗

31/05/2025

Your Summer of making begins at The Tool House E17! 🔨

Ready to level up your DIY game? Our summer workshops are filling fast - from complete beginners to those ready for their next challenge! Perfect for building confidence and skills that last a lifetime.

🚰 PLUMBING FOR BEGINNERS
Sunday 15th June
Sunday 3rd August
No more emergency call-outs!

🤖 3D PRINTING
Sunday 22nd June
Sunday 31st August
From design to creation

🪚 DIY FOR BEGINNERS
Sunday 29th June
Sunday 24th August
Sunday 28th September
Master the basics with confidence

🪑 FURNITURE REPAIR & UPCYCLING
Sunday 13th July
Give old pieces new life for our local -

♻️ RECYCLING PLASTICS
Sunday 20th July
Sunday 14th September
Turn trash into treasure

🐦 WOODWORK: BUILD A BIRD BOX
Sunday 10th August
Sunday 21st September
Perfect level-up from our DIY Beginners workshop!

Ready to get making? Head to our Eventbrite to secure your spot!
Link in bio 🎟️

28/05/2025

Tool Etymology: LATHE 🪵

The humble lathe has ancient origins—possibly from Old Norse "hlada" meaning "to load."

Early lathes were foot-powered and required "loading" pressure to operate. Some of the earliest examples date back to ancient Egypt around 1300 BCE!

Drop by one of our DIY for Beginners workshop to try your hands at a whole variety of tools:

- Sunday 29th June
- Sunday 24th August
- Sunday 28th September

Link in bio 🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/y7ze6m4z

26/05/2025

DIY BASICS: SHELVING SOLUTIONS 🏠

More than just a place to put things, the right shelves can transform a room!

Swipe through our guide to learn:

➡️ The pros and cons of different shelving types
➡️ Which is best for beginners vs advanced DIYers
➡️ How to choose the right style for your needs

Getting your shelving right means considering:
- Weight of items being stored
- Your DIY confidence level
- Wall construction
- Aesthetic preference

🔨 WORKSHOP ALERT: Join one of our upcoming "DIY for Beginners" workshops to learn how to safely attach anything to any wall type!

- Sunday 29th June
- Sunday 24th August
- Sunday 28th September

Link in bio to secure your ticket 🎟️

17/05/2025

Tool Etymology: PLIERS ⛓️

Ever wondered about the name "pliers"? It derives from the French word "plioir" meaning "to bend," which evolved from Latin "plicare" (to fold).
The name perfectly describes what they do—grip, bend and manipulate materials with precision!

What's your go-to pair of pliers in the workshop?

Want to know more? Check out one of our DIY for Beginners Workshops.
Sunday 25th May
Sunday 29th June

Link in bio 🎟️ https://tinyurl.com/y7ze6m4z

15/05/2025

DIY BASICS: SCREWDRIVER EDITION 📊

"Is it a Phillips or Pozidriv?" - the eternal DIY question that's caused countless stripped screws and DIY frustrations!

Swipe through our guide to learn:

➡️ How to identify each screwdriver type
➡️ When to use each one
➡️ Pro tips for getting it right first time

🔧 WORKSHOP ALERT: Our "DIY for Beginners" workshop is coming up on Sunday 25th May and 29th June. Perfect for anyone who wants to build their confidence with basic tools!

Comment below with your DIY questions for our next guide!

06/05/2025

Tool Etymology: CNC 🤖

CNC (Computer Numerical Control) might seem modern, but its origins go back to the 1950s when MIT developed the first numerically controlled machines.

"Numerical control" described programming machines with numbered instructions, with "computer" added once digital computers took over this task.

Want to see our CNC machine in action? Pop by during our open hours or sign up for our upcoming CNC basics course!

Want to know more? Check out one of our DIY for Beginners Workshops on Sunday 29th June.

Link in bio 🎟️

ToolhouseE17