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No workshop? no problem!
With our range of compact machines and portable tools you don’t need a dedicated workshop to get creative.
Mobile Woodworking | Outdoor Working
Starting your woodworking journey without a dedicated indoor space can feel like a challenge—but it’s far from impossible. Read our blog to discover how to make the most of mobile woodworking in the UK, whatever the season.
Mobile Woodworking for Beginners
Whether you’re a hobbyist carving out time on weekends or a budding tradesperson building your toolkit, working outdoors or on the move can be both practical and inspiring. Read our top tips below.
Embrace the outdoors - but plan for the elements
If you don’t have a garage or shed, your garden, patio, or even a balcony can become your workshop. Look for a flat, shaded area and invest in a foldable workbench or sawhorses. Weatherproof covers or pop-up gazebos can protect your tools and projects from sudden rain or harsh sun.
- UJK Compact Multifunction Workbench – Lightweight, foldable, and perfect for mobile setups
- UJK Saw Horses – Quick to set up and sturdy for outdoor use
- Gardening and Outdoors - Everything you need from garden finishes, hand tools, pressure washers and more!
UJK Saw Horses
UJK Compact Multifunction Workbench
Choose the right tools for portability
Choose cordless tools where possible—they’re easier to move and don’t require a power source. Rolling toolboxes or stackable bins help keep everything organised and mobile. For beginners, start with the essentials: a circular saw, drill/driver, sander, and a few reliable clamps.
- Einhell Cordless Range - For DIY, home and garden
- PROXXON Cordless Range – Ideal for precision work on the go
- UJK Compact Speed Square and Level Box – Precision tools that fit in your pocket
Think modular and multi-use
Space is at a premium, so choose tools and setups that serve multiple purposes. A sturdy folding table can double as a workbench and finishing station. Stackable crates can store materials and act as makeshift seating or supports; just make sure you put your health and safety first.
Prioritise safety and clean-up
Outdoor workspaces can be unpredictable. Always secure your materials, especially on windy days. Use dust collection bags or work over a tarp to make clean-up easier and protect your surroundings. Axminster Tools sell a wide variety of cleaners and revivers, as well as cleaning cloths and wipes.
Hand Planes, Spokeshaves & Cabinet Scrapers
Block, Bench and Specialist Planes – From No.3 to No.7, perfect for shaping and smoothing in any setting
Spokeshaves ahd Cabinet Scrapers – For curved work and fine finishing
Smoothing plane
Scraper plane
Specialist plane
Worklights
Portable LED work lights are a must for shaded or late-day sessions—consider pairing with UJK clamping accessories for hands-free lighting
Low Price
Axminster Workshop Woodturners Light
Special Price
£65.28
£54.40
was
£93.18
£77.65
Save
£27.90
£23.25
Low Price
Axminster Professional LED Clearview Work Light
Special Price
£99.98
£83.32
was
£134.58
£112.15
Save
£34.60
£28.83
Low Price
Axminster Professional LED Stayput Strip Light
Special Price
£85.42
£71.18
was
£113.88
£94.90
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£28.46
£23.72
Low Price
Axminster Professional 1W LED Magnetic Worklight
Special Price
£27.28
£22.73
was
£36.28
£30.23
Save
£9.00
£7.50
Low Price
Axminster Professional 5W LED Magnetic Worklight
Special Price
£42.73
£35.61
was
£56.98
£47.48
Save
£14.25
£11.87
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Start small, build confidence
Begin with compact projects like birdhouses, planters, or small furniture pieces. These will help you build skills without needing a large footprint. As your confidence grows, so can your ambitions—and your setup. Make it yours, your workspace doesn’t need to be perfect—it just needs to work for you. Whether it’s a corner of your garden or a mobile setup in your van, the key is consistency and creativity.
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Outdoors and Gardening | Create Great Outside Spaces
As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there's no better time to start preparing your garden for the summer. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, getting your outdoor spaces sorted...
Summer Outdoor Projects
- Summertime Sort Out – Various woodworking projects to inspire you this season.
- Garden Planters, Greenhouse Grow Box or Birdhouses> – Easy to build and perfect for showcasing cordless tools and hand planes.
- Simple Woodworking Projects From giant garden games and upcycling furniture to turning pens and giving your garden furniture a new lease of life, these simple projects are certainly worth a look!
Whether you're just starting out or adapting to a space-limited setup, outdoor and mobile woodworking opens up a world of creative freedom. With the right tools, a bit of planning, and a willingness to embrace the elements, you can build beautiful, functional pieces right from your garden, driveway, or even a pop-up workspace. Remember—every expert woodworker started somewhere, and often, it was outside.
So step into the sunshine, let the sawdust fly, and make your mark—wherever you are.
Tap into the woodworking community
From our Woodworking Wisdom tutorials to our podcast “Out of the Woodwork”, there’s a wealth of knowledge available. Axminster Tools also stock a wide range of Books and Plans to inspire you, whatever the season.
What's more, follow our social media channels for seasonal tips, product guides, and inspiration tailored to real-world working conditions.
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