Got a question? Find the answer in our FAQ
General questions
Can I park my car easily?
Yes, there are parking solutions at all our locations!
Mile-Ex: there’s free parking on Clark and Beaubien (if you can read the signs!) and at the Home Depot Beaubien, just in front of our location. There are also pay-by-the-hour spaces on Saint-Laurent.
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!
We have a range of workshops open to minors. They simply need to be able to be active alongside you throughout the workshop.
The minimum age depends on the field, and there is a maximum of one child per adult. It’s imperative that you let us know in advance (because of the number of participants), so drop us an e-mail here: contact@les-affutes.ca.
You can find the minimum age accepted directly on the workshop page, or here by selecting the child’s age in the options.
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.
I‘m trying to register two or more people with a gift card and it’s not working. What should I do?
Unfortunately, our system does not allow you to use a gift certificate or credit for more than one registration at a time.
So you’ll have to do the transaction twice!
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.
What are your opening hours?
We give workshops at any time of the week, but we’re only open to the public on specific days, and only at the Village and La Petite-Italie.
You can find our schedule here.
Please note that times may vary from time to time. Don’t hesitate to call us to check if we’re open.
You can also follow us on Social Networks, where we normally announce schedule changes.
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.
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.
Are children and teenagers allowed?
Yes they are!
We have a range of workshops open to minors. They simply need to be able to be active alongside you throughout the workshop.
The minimum age depends on the field, and there is a maximum of one child per adult. It’s imperative that you let us know in advance (because of the number of participants), so drop us an e-mail here: contact@les-affutes.ca.
You can find the minimum age accepted directly on the workshop page, or here by selecting the child’s age in the options.
NB 1: Please note that we can only accept children for group workshops, not for personal projects.
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!
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.
N.B.: If the 2ᵉ person is a child, they may not pay! Just make sure you know the minimum age accepted during the workshop, and don’t forget to let us know they’re coming!
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 (+ 3 people)?
If you’d like the workshop to be private, write or call us, and we’ll arrange to create something to suit your needs together.
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!
Just e-mail us with a photo of your completed card.
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!
Ideally, if you’ve got an idea but don’t know where to start, 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 induction workshops to get more comfortable with the machines.
What if I am already completely autonomous?
Welcome, specialist 🙂
You’ll need to book a coaching session so we can take a quick tour of the workshop and machines together. This allows us to check 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!
Once we’ve confirmed your autonomy, you simply pay for your time ($12 per hour).
If you plan to come often, you can also buy a pack of hours to get a better hourly rate!
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.
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!
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.
Induction 1
Induction 2
Induction 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 $12/15 minutes.
Once you’ve got your security card, you can come on your own to work on your personal projects.
The basic rate is $12/hour, but we have packages for longer projects.
How does hour packages work?
It’s really simple!
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 therefore $10/hr, $9/hr or $8/hr rather than $12/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?
That’s what we’re here for: there’s always at least one workshop leader on-site to help you.
You pay for their coaching, as needed, at $12 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...)?
You’re more than welcome to bring your own materials – in fact, it’s recommended if you have a specific idea in mind!
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 a piece of furniture 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.
To avoid this, we charge $10 a day for storage of large projects (= those that don’t fit under a workbench), on days when you’re not working on them.
And for small projects, we charge $10 a week, the first week is free.
Please note that for projects that have been abandoned for too long (more than 2 months) and for which we haven’t heard 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!
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