Makers Central 2025 | Crafting the Future of Making

We’re heading back to NEC Birmingham for Makers Central 2025, and we couldn’t be more excited to join the UK’s most inspiring creative community. As proud champions of craftsmanship, precision engineering, and hands-on making, Axminster Tools will be bringing an unmissable line-up of products, demonstrations, and expert advice to this year’s show. Whether you're a seasoned maker or just discovering the world of woodworking and design, there’ll be something to spark your creativity.

Here’s a closer look at what you can expect from each of the brands we’re showcasing this year:

UJK | Designed for makers who demand more

Designed by makers, for makers, the UJK range is engineered to make workshop life smoother, more accurate, and more enjoyable. From work holding systems to clever routing accessories, UJK continues to set new standards in woodworking. Whether you're in a compact home setup or a fully kitted-out workshop, every tool is built to bring precision and performance to your space. Perfect for makers who never settle for "good enough."

Axminster Woodturning | Honouring the past, inspiring the future

Rooted in British engineering and shaped by generations of makers, Axminster Woodturning is built on a foundation of shared knowledge, craftsmanship, and curiosity. For us, woodturning is more than a skill — it's a creative journey defined by patience, precision, and passion. Trusted for decades by those who care as deeply about the process as they do the outcome, tools from Axminster Woodturning are crafted to grow with you. Join us at Makers Central 2025 to experience live demos, connect with fellow turners, and be inspired by the craft we all love.

Axminster Workshop | Built for the everyday maker

Axminster Workshop is designed to bring reliability, simplicity, and confidence to your everyday making. Whether you're just starting out or refining your home setup, this range offers well-made, dependable tools that make it easy to focus on the task at hand. From those taking their first steps into woodwork all the way through to the most seasoned of makers, the Axminster Workshop range will be right there alongside you, sharing your workshop, sharing your passion. At Makers Central 2025, explore the range on display and see how Axminster Workshop supports creativity in real-world, day-to-day making.

Shaper | Where digital precision meets hands-on craft

The future of making is here. Shaper Origin, the world’s first handheld CNC router, combines the freedom of hand tool craftsmanship with the power of digital precision. It’s intuitive, portable, and incredibly versatile — perfect for both professionals and adventurous DIYers. Don’t miss the live demos at Makers Central 2025 and see how Shaper is changing the way we cut, shape, and build.

Arbortech | Bold carving, big creativity

Known for their power carving innovation, Arbortech tools let you sculpt, shape, and create with freedom and flair. This year, we’re thrilled to have Lauren Wood, winner of Britain’s Best Woodworker, joining us for live demonstrations. Watch as she transforms raw timber into flowing, forms — showing just how expressive and powerful Arbortech tools can be.

Tormek | Sharpening, perfected

When precision matters, sharpness is everything. Tormek’s sharpening systems are trusted by professional woodworkers and craftsmen around the world for their consistent, repeatable results. Designed to extend the life of your tools and enhance your craftsmanship, Tormek brings Swedish engineering and thoughtful design to the sharpening station.

Proxxon | Small tools, big potential

Precision miniature tools don’t get better than this. Proxxon is the go-to for model makers, jewellers, and fine-detail enthusiasts who need control and quality at a smaller scale. From micro mills to rotary tools, this range delivers professional results where accuracy is key.

Sjöbergs | At the heart of creativity  

With over 100 years of commitment to quality and sustainability, a Sjöbergs bench is truly built to last a lifetime. Crafted from FSC-certified beech wood, their workbenches are robust, versatile, and of unquestionable quality. Designed to be the cornerstone of your creative workspace, Sjöbergs brings Swedish craftsmanship and thoughtful design to every bench, ensuring that your tools and projects are supported by the best.

Makers Central 2024 Highlights

Missed last year's show or just want to relive the excitement? Here's a look back at some of the incredible highlights from Makers Central 2024 — one of the UK’s favourite creative gatherings.