Allied Woodshop — Attraction in East Los Angeles

To future residents and instructors: While Allied Woodshop is an absolutely gorgeous space, the beautiful exterior hides a toxic core. I had been a part of Allied since 2016 and it was quintessential to my decision to leave the tech sector and devote myself to this meditative craft. And not just the shop itself, but the community I found within and around it. And happily dedicating countless hours to keep the shop in as great a condition as I was taught. However the shop transferred ownership to Kirtan Tom early this year and she has proven that she is not interested in upholding the high community standards left by the previous owner. She abruptly and without warning, mediation, or honest explanation asked me to vacate my residence and removed me from my teaching positions. Turning my life upside down, as commissions and teaching are how I survive. Beware of her attempts to act personable, it's entirely insincere. She doesn't act on issues until the issue grows, and then opts to remove the victim instead of the perpetrator.

To future and past students: Your enthusiasm and energy allow us instructors to weather the deluge of heavy handed and disappointing management decisions that are being made. With few options for classes like this I do not judge if you continue to take classes here. Use every opportunity to learn! Also understand if you feel instructors are rushing, it's the fear of retribution from on high.

Other negatives that will likely not be mentioned or emphasized enough:

Termites. We have been seeing them pop up all around the shop Limited building hours, more limited on weekends. Even more limited elevator hours [shop is on the 10th floor. Yes someone literally had a heart attack climbing the stairs before] Project size limited by the elevators. The freight is pretty big but anything longer than 8' requires some sketchy stuff. And the loading dock is another challenge as it is small always very busy. Area is BUSY. 2x on Saturdays. Parking is limited or expensive. $7+ for the lots, or try and get lucky and find one of the maybe dozen available all day street spots [they are generally all taken by 8am.] The building has a very "sweatshop" feel, so much so they filmed a documentary about the famous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire using...

This place is an absolute treasure! I have taken two of their long classes (cabinet making and table making) and enjoyed every minute of it. Each class starts with a clear but engaging explanation of the project you are able to undertake and you spend some time understanding how to design you eventual piece.

Typically after the first session you get to select from a few wood species (I picked Cherry for the cabinet and Ash for the table). If you want something else, the owner Kirtan can work with you to put together a package. During the second session, we rough milled the lumber. This is really where I noticed how special Allied Woodshop is. They take the time to teach you how to properly use the machines without doing the work for you. They let you do all your own work to mill the wood while supporting you the entire time. If you get stuck, they help you troubleshoot. These are the skills that make you better at the craft. I appreciate that they are ready and willing to help you patiently while letting me enjoy the process of working the wood. The pictures posted with this review are things I made and that makes me proud.

I really like how the sessions are laid out and timed well. It was fun making progress each time while not feeling rushed. The subsequent sessions where you finish mill, cut to final size, join, assemble, square and finish were all very instructional. Each time I learned insider knowledge that I have shared with my other hobbyist friends.

The main draw for me is the instructors and owner. I worked with four different instructors across the two classes and their patience, humor and clarity were so comforting. I came away feeling so confident in my newfound abilities and excited to learn more and reach their level. Meanwhile, the owner Kirtan is so easy to work with and has created an amazing learning environment and a safe and clean shop.

All in all, I have already signed up for two more classes and intend to keep coming back to Allied Woodshop. This place is one of the greatest hidden gems in Los Angeles and I hope it doesn't stay...

I had a great experience at Allied Woodworking. Marty and Lauren were awesome instructors and took the time to help each of us individually with design and troubleshooting. We did the intro class and made cutting boards, and everyone got to make theirs unique based on what type of wood, shape, etc we chose. The instructors taught us how to use some of the bigger machines, and I always felt safe because they explained things well. I also enjoyed being able to do everything myself. I came away feeling like I know how to use several machines and I have some new skills that I could apply to future projects, plus the cutting board turned out beautiful! The class is pretty expensive but considering it is 6 hours long and you get a lot of individual instruction and learn so much, I think it is well worth the cost. It was a lot of fun, thank you...