Custom Craftsmanship

About

ABOUT MY GRANDPA'S WORKSHOP

Old world construction and finishing techniques are on the verge of becoming a lost art

At My Grandpa’s Workshop, we seek to ensure that the human expertise acquired over thousands of years of making things in wood and metal, is not lost to modern computerised technology. Many people will be delighted when a small component of an engine or a piece of old furniture can still be handmade.

The home hobbyist can learn woodworking skills or find help with a tricky bit of machining. The boat or model builder can have a specialised fitting made to complete their project and the antique car restorer can have an out of production part crafted anew – all at My Grandpa’s Workshop, where customised craftmanship is our specialty.

ABOUT JOHN

Passionate about traditional craftmanship and sharing knowledge

John Cowlin is the proud grandfather of five beautiful grandchildren. Many years ago he too had a grandfather who was a wonderful craftsman – an exceptional woodworker and precision machinist. Standing today in John’s home in Cape Town is a magnificent grandfather’s clock built by his grandfather one hundred years ago which still keeps perfect time!

As a child John was taught by his grandfather and uncles how to shape wood and metals accurately, a skill he has developed and loved all his life. From an early age John has made furniture, boats, model aeroplanes, steam locomotives, tool and instruments.

Today John continues the tradition of his family of craftsmen and wants to share the knowledge he has acquired by teaching others, or making things for their use.

Our Services

Testimonials

WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT MY GRANDPA’S WORKSHOP

Excellent course, thoroughly enjoyable and educational, I will definitely sign up for more!

Ann McNay

I was rather nervous about signing up for the course as, being a female in her late sixties, I thought I might be a long way from the normal demographic - but John is an all-inclusive and delightful teacher who obviously loves woodwork and equally enjoys imparting his knowledge to anyone who’s interested. Forward, John’s assistant, is supremely patient and thorough and always happy to explain things that we pupils hadn’t quite grasped the first time round. I came away from the course with a good working knowledge of many of the basic, and some not so basic, woodworking tools and plenty of enthusiasm to get into the workshop and practice what I learnt. Thank you so much John and Forward and I hope to come back for another of the courses soon!

Roz

A fantastic introduction to woodwork. Informative, interactive and comfortable. A marvellous course! Well worth the investment. Thank you!

Nikki, Michael & Matthew Niemand

Once again, a BIG thank you to you and Forward (Ford) for sharing your valuable knowledge and expertise. Both of you made me feel comfortable in class, even with the intricacies of measurements you guys were patient and explained and helped until we got it right. Some things that seemed so daunting at the start were completely doable with the kind and helpful manner from the two of you. It is truly appreciated. Definitely worth it. Will most certainly love to do another shorter project in the future.

Tahiyya Hassim

One could not help but get excited about wood and craftmanship. A very friendly and relaxed atmosphere

Theo Mayekiso

I enjoyed the freedom to use machines once I was trained to use them competently.Any questions were answered patiently and with great knowledge. Cant wait to come back!

Joe Baxter

John's basic woodworking course is a fantastic starting point for anyone curious about woodworking. He's a perfect blend of experienced pro and enthusiastic teacher, which makes learning engaging. I'm already hooked and can't wait to sign up for his next class

Dr. Louis Vlok

Whenever I see woodwork courses advertised I'm always a bit sceptical. Usually the course content is very general or there are too many pupils per class. What attracted me to "My Grandpa's Workshop" was the idea of spending quality time with a true craftsman, on a one to one basis and gleaning as much information as possible. My project covered everything from sourcing the raw lumber right up to the finished product and quite a few interesting steps in-between. John is incredibly knowledgeable and a very good teacher, I cannot recommend his course highly enough.

John Lugg

I absolutely loved John's wood turning course - he is a great teacher and made the whole experience satisfying and highly engaging. I would go back every month if I could!

Bruce

Learning to use measuring aids and the big machines was very enjoyable. Loved the vibe in the class! Thank you John and Forward.

Billie

I very much appreciated the care and thoughtfulness of the teaching. John and Forward brought complementary perspectives. Thank You.

Debbie

Brilliant Course- Thank you so much!

Tim

Over a period of many years I have had the privilege of witnessing John Cowlin’s skilled craftmanship. From the manufacture of top end furniture to the production of precision metal components, John’s skill and pursuit of perfection is a pleasure to behold. John is a very talented craftsman and is highly recommended.

Frans van Hoogstraten (Hilton, KZN)

John Cowlin, van My Grandpa’s Workshop, het my gehelp toe ek vensterraame moes vervang. Hy het deeglike opmetings kom maak en ‘n billike en bekostigbare kwotasie gegee. John was betyds met al ons afsprake en het op ‘n baie professionele manier vir my met die beste raad bedien. Sy nasorg was ook uitstekend en het self kom seker maak dat ek as kliënt tevrede is. Ek glo dat ander hom ook as betroubaar sal ervaar en kan John met groot vrymoedigheid aanbeveel.

André Meintjes (Kommetjie, CPT)

My Grandpa is Dr John Cowlin, who is a knowledgeable and highly skilled engineering and woodwork teacher. In his workshop, John’s attention to detail and patience helped me to develop skills I would have not acquired elsewhere. When I was an early woodwork enthusiast, John’s guidance helped me to make practical and useful woodwork masterpieces. Now, as a more experienced woodworker, I continue to consult John in order to hone my skills further. Share my experience and enjoy your woodworking journey!