Got a question? Find the answer in our FAQ
General questions
What are your opening hours?
We offer workshops at all times of the week, but are only open to the public on certain days.
You can find our opening times at the bottom of the page, on the website.
Please note that times may vary from time to time.
Don’t hesitate to call us to check whether we’re open.
You can also follow us on social networks, where we normally announce schedule changes.
Can I park my car easily?
Yes, there are parking solutions at all our locations!
Mile-Ex: There are some free parking spots in front of the building and on Clark and Beaubien (if you can read the signs!). There are also pay-by-the-hour spaces on Saint-Laurent.
If you need to drop off heavy equipment, you can stop in front to unload and park elsewhere afterward.
Village: Free parking is available on Plessis and surrounding residential streets. There are also pay-by-the-hour spaces across the street on Ontario.
Are minors welcome?
Yes, they are !
The minimum age announced on the workshop pages tells you whether a minor can come and do the workshop alone.
Please note, however, that a parent must sign the waiver for your child before the day of the workshop.
If your child is younger than the minimum age indicated, you can always write to us to see if we can make an exception.
Please note that if we accept this exception, he or she must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
NB 1: Please note that we can only accept children for group workshops, not for personal projects.
How do the gift cards work?
Les Affûtés gift cards can be used for all workshops, and for any personal project.
When you buy one, all you have to do is choose the amount you’d like to give from the available choices. You’ll receive a code to use by e-mail, which you can pass on to the lucky person! All they have to do is enter the code when booking their next workshop.
Gift cards have no expiration date, so you can use them whenever you like.
If the amount is substantial, you can use the gift card for several workshops. You won’t lose the amount remaining on the card.
What if I want to offer a gift card with a different amount of money on it?
It’s no problem at all!
Just come and see us at the Mile-Ex or Le Village, and we’ll create a customized card for you!
My credit or gift card doesn’t work when I try to register. What should I do?
Oh no!
Don’t panic, just check that you haven’t left a space ( ” ” ) somewhere by mistake.
Then, if your credit or gift card is older than the workshop you want to register for, we’ll need to update it.
You can write or call us, and we’ll be able to do that for you.
What safety instructions should I prepare before my workshop?
It’s really easy!
To find out about all the safety instructions and how the workshops work, all you have to do is watch our explanatory video.
Do the workshops give us a diploma or certification?
Unfortunately, no!
We’re not a school, and our workshops are more for fun than for becoming a professional.
If you’re looking for a diploma, check out the DEP and school boards in your area 🙂
Are your workshops accessible to people with reduced mobility?
It depends on the workshop!
Don’t hesitate to write or call us so we can point you in the right direction.
How can I book a workshop if I don’t have a credit card?
If you don’t have a credit card to make the payment, you can still come and register in person during our opening hours.
Please note that you need to come before the date of the workshop to make sure there’s still a spot available.
If it’s difficult for you to come in person, you can write to us and we’ll see if there’s another option (such as a bank transfer, for example).
Workshops
Can I come if I’m a beginner?
Yes, of course! All workshops are open to beginners.
If this is not the case, we make it clear in the workshop description and header.
Do you offer English or bilingual workshops?
Great question!
We do offer workshops in English. To verify if it’s the case for your favorite workshop, look it up on the workshop’s page. On every date offered, it will be written if it’s offered in English or in French, as well as where it’s offered and how long it takes. Some workshops are offered in French and in English, others are offered only in French.
We do not offer bilingual workshops, the language is always specified.
For more information, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Are children and teenagers allowed?
Yes, they are !
The minimum age announced on the workshop pages tells you whether a minor can come and do the workshop alone.
Please note, however, that a parent must sign the waiver for your child before the day of the workshop.
If your child is younger than the minimum age indicated, you can always write to us to see if we can make an exception.
Please note that if we accept this exception, he or she must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the workshop.
We can only accept children for group workshops, not for personal projects.
NB : The idea is to give the child a chance to fully take part in a workshop! If you’ve signed up for a workshop yourself, it’s not possible to bring your child(ren) into the classroom during the session or to leave them unattended in the common areas.
Who provides the courses?
The sharpeners, specialists who have been working in their field for several years and are eager to share their skills to make the sharpened ones autonomous.
What are the subjects covered?
Anything that is made by hand can be the subject of a workshop. You will find many workshops around wood, sewing, decoration, renovation, but if you want to see a particular subject, you can suggest it here.
Can we cancel in case of unavailability?
Yes, you can cancel up to 48 hours before the workshop, free of charge (except payment fees).
You can also change the date, free of charge, up to 48 hours before the workshop.
After this deadline, it is no longer possible to cancel or reschedule your workshop. You can always offer your place to someone you know, though!
To cancel or reschedule your workshop, simply click on the ‘Changer la réservation / Change booking’ link at the bottom of your confirmation email received at the time of registration.
Here’s the link to our CANCELLATION POLICY.
What if I am late?
Unfortunately, many safety instructions are given at the beginning of the workshop. We can’t accept a late arrival, for security reasons, and the registration is then lost.
So run quickly :).
And if we wish to come together?
It’s quite possible, and quite simple!
If everyone makes their own project, you’ll need to take two places.
If you want to make the same object with two people, write to us, we’ll surely be able to accommodate you.
Can I bring my pet?
We love animals, and the team has several.
Unfortunately, we can’t accept them (except guide dogs) during workshops, because of the machines and tools in the workshop.
How do I know when a workshop will be available again?
On each workshop page, by clicking on the “See more dates” button, you’ll find a “Register to be informed of upcoming dates” button. Just click on it and enter your details.
We’ll write to you as soon as a date comes back online.
How to book a workshop for a group?
If you’d like the workshop to be private, write or call us, and we’ll work with you in creating a workshop that suits your needs.
If you don’t mind being with other people, you can simply sign up for a workshop that’s available online.
Make sure there’s enough room for all your friends, though!
How gift cards work ?
Les Affûtés gift cards can be used for all workshops, and for any personal project.
When you buy one, all you have to do is choose the amount you’d like to give from the available choices. You’ll receive a code to use by e-mail, which you can pass on to the lucky person! All they have to do is enter the code when booking their next workshop.
Gift cards have no expiration date, so you can use them whenever you like.
If the amount is substantial, you can use the gift card for several workshops. You won’t lose the amount remaining on the card.
Do I get something if I come often?
Yes!
At your first workshop, you’ll receive your sharpening card.
Once you’ve completed 5 workshops, you’ll be entitled to a $20 gift code, so you can keep on learning!
If we didn’t think of creating your gisft code at your 5th visit, just e-mail us with a photo of your completed card and we will create it as soon as possible.
Is there a minimum number of participants for workshops?
Yes! Most of our workshops require at least two participants to run. If the minimum isn’t met, we’ll contact you about 24 hours before the workshop to let you know.
How can I prepare myself before my workshop?
It’s really simple !
You just have to watch our explanatory video HERE
Do I need to bring something to my workshop?
Unless otherwise specified in your workshop description, everything is included! Materials, tools, explanations 🙂
All you need is motivation and a good mood!
N.B. For workshops requiring the use of tools, don’t forget to wear closed-toe shoes. We provide all other safety equipment.
Will there be a lunch break?
For workshops lasting less than 4 hours, there is normally no lunch/snack break. The workshops go by very quickly, and we’ve got a lot to teach you!
You can always bring something small to eat if you know you’re going to be hungry.
For training or intensive courses, there’s a one-hour break between the two sessions. You can bring your own lunch or buy something near-by.
We have a fridge, freezer and microwave if you need them.
Custom projects
What if I am a total beginner?
Don’t worry, we’re used to it :).
And if there’s one place you’ll never be laughed at for not knowing how to use a drill, it’s right here!
For sewing and working on stain glass, you will need to start with a “Labo-Fûté”. This workshop is designed for a maximum of 5 participants and offers a space to work on a personnal project with the help of a pro! After this workshop, if you need more time and feel comfortable working on your project by yourself, you can book time here Book a workbench for the regulars.
For wood projects, you need to book a coaching session with our workshop leader. They can help you see your plan and show you the machines you’ll need to complete your project.
If you prefer, you can also start by taking the wood introduction workshops to get more comfortable with the machines.
What if I am already completely autonomous?
Welcome, specialist 🙂
For sewing and stain glass work, you can directly book a worbench for regulars. Note that there won’t be a pro with you if you take that option. So make sure to be totally autonomous before booking.
For wood work, you’ll need to book a coaching session so we can make a quick tour of the workshop and machines together. This allows us to validate your autonomy and introduce you to the specifics of each machine. We’ll also take this opportunity to give you your safety card, which validates your machine skills.
After that, you’re as free as a bird!
What is the security card?
The safety card is our way of ensuring that you know how to use the machines safely and to our standards before starting your new wood project.
To use the woodshop independently, you’ll need to have your skills on each machine validated by a workshop supervisor.
The machines you can use on your own will be indicated on your safety card, which is personal and valid on all our premises. Please note that you’ll need to carry this card with you on every visit!
How do I get my security card?
Good question!
First, the security card only concerns the woodshop.
To get your card, which allows you to come independently to our workshops, you have 3 options:
1. You can take the machine induction course.
You’ll learn everything you need to know to be able to use the machines independently afterward.
This is a more theoretical course.
Please note, however, that we recommend that you come and practice not too long afterward, to ensure that the knowledge you have acquired is properly recorded.
Introduction 1
Introduction 2
Introduction 3
2. You can take a course.
This is a workshop that takes place over several weeks, during which you’ll learn how to use woodworking machines and techniques such as assembly, gluing, etc.
Wood course – Level 1
3. You can come for private coaching.
This is a 45-minute appointment during which you can talk about your project. We can go over the use of the machines together to validate the safety card you need to come on your own.
You may need more than one appointment to validate everything you’ll need.
The fee is $15/15 minutes.
Once you’ve got your security card, you can come on your own to work on your personal projects.
The basic rate is $14/hour, but we have packages for longer projects.
How does hour packages work?
It’s really simple!
The hour packages only concern the woodshop.
The more hours you put in, the less you pay for your time!
If you know your project is going to take a lot of time, or if you love us very much, you can buy a pack.
We have 10h, 30h and 50h packs.
The rate is $12/hr, $10/hr or $9/hr rather than $14/hr.
And there’s no time limit on how long you can use your hours. You can take a break and come back next year, if you want 🙂
Be careful, though, packs are only valid for autonomy and are non-refundable if you don’t use them.
What if I need help?
For sewing and stain glass work, you will need to come to a Labo-Fûté to get personnalized tips and advice regarding your project and techniques.
In the woodshop, there’s always at least one workshop leader to help you.
You pay for their coaching, as needed, at $15 per 15 minutes.
If you know you’ll need their help the next time you’re here, don’t hesitate to book a coaching in advance. It guarantees that they will have time for you!
What tools are available on site?
The full list of tools is available over here!
If you don’t see what you need, you can always write to us to see if we have a new acquisition 🙂
Can I bring my own material (wood, fabric, screws...)?
For sewing and stain glass project, you have to come with your own material. Only the tools and machines are at your disposition.
For wood projects, you’re more than welcome to bring your own materials. In fact, it’s recommended if you have a specific idea in mind. You can also wait after your first session with a coach to get personnalized advice on what material to buy for your project.
If you’re feeling adventurous, we’ve got plenty of materials on site (wood, varnish, oil, screws, etc.), sold individually. You’ll find plenty of solid wood scraps and even plywood.
Please note that our stock moves a lot, and we don’t keep an inventory. You’ll have to come and see what’s available 🙂
Do you sell materials individually?
Yes, all materials (wood, screws, sandpaper, varnish…) are sold individually, so you don’t have to buy what you don’t need.
Can I leave a project for several days?
Yes, you can of course leave you wood on-site for several days if your project lasts a long time.
However, we can’t keep projects for long if you’re not working on them, because we don’t have much space.
We keep a list up to date of all the projects you leave in our space. If we notice you haven’t worked on your project for a while, we contact you to come pick it up or to sart working on it again. If we don’t hear from you, we give ourselves the right to get rid of them.
So please keep us posted on your travels!
Do you rent tools?
No, we only offer them for use in the space, when you come to use the place.
We prefer to be able to help you with the use of a tool if you have a problem.
Can the children come?
Unfortunately, children are not allowed to accompany an adult on their own in the woodworking or stained-glass workshops.
If you’d like to come and do some sewing or repair on your own, that’s possible too!
