The DIY Joint — Attraction in Union City

Absolutely love this place and the owner, Priscilla! My first experience was back in September when I booked the cutting board class. Priscilla was the instructor and she was very clear in her teachings and the rules of the shop. She was professional, super helpful, and extremely patient with those of us in the class as we learned to use these high-powered tools. Upon completion of the course, you receive your certification for open studio. Since then, I've spent at least 5 hours a week at the shop working on my own personal projects. In fact, thanks to the DIY Joint and Priscilla, I'm working on opening my own Etsy shop now! (Sawdust and Roses -- come check it out!) The people attending open studio are like a little community. They're so friendly, willing to answer any quick questions you may have (although everyone generally works on their own), and it's nice to see the progress others are making on their projects, as well. Additionally, due to Priscilla's encouragement, I completed the hand tools utensil course this weekend, as well. It was a one-day course (9am-2pm) and Glen was the instructor. I must say, he is next-level talented. He makes it look so easy! It was exciting to learn something new about this new hobby that I love so much. That said, I strongly recommend the DIY Joint to any beginner wanting to take a woodworking class to familiarize yourself with the tools, or even a novice just looking for a space to create. I would give this place 10...

Love this place! I found The DIY Joint in Hoboken when I was looking for a beginner woodworking class to take. I called the shop to schedule it. I spoke with Priscilla, the owner, who answered all of my questions and had me signed up in just a few minutes.

I arrived for the first class (1 of 5) on a Tuesday evening in August. Tons of parking is available right across the street in an inexpensive parking lot, usually hard to find in Hoboken, but it's also a short walk from the Train. Priscilla was also our instructor and she was great. She was friendly, attentive, and interesting. Over 6 weeks (She added a week at the end as we didn't finish in 5 weeks, at no extra cost- Nice!) She has a lot of experience and truly loves what she does. She walked us through the process of preparing the rough lumber, and milling it (cut off saw, jointer and planer.) Then she guided us as we used the table saw, mortiser, band saw, and sander. Then on to fit up, glue up and power and hand sanding. When we left (there were 5 in our class and it was just the right number of people) we were all very happy with our finished projects and felt that we had learned how to use several woodworking machines and had a great time!

This is definitely an awesome resource for Hoboken and the New York City crowd. They offer everything from group classes, to Open Studio time, to one-on-one instruction. I can't wait to go back!...

Definitely worth it.

I took the Intro to Furniture - Side table - workshop, and enjoyed every minute of it. With Priscilla’s knowledge and great instruction, I found myself more excited to move on to the next step of completing the table…even though it was my absolute first time using any woodwork equipment.

Ultimately it was a great experience which left me a little more knowledgeable, she gave lots of references, i.e. books, where NOT to purchase lumber, etc. And it all came to an end with me having a great side table to take home…so great that I had to gift it away to someone since I couldn’t make up my mind as to where it should stay in my home.

Definitely will be going back there. Next on my list: The plant stand, and the bookshelf—both of which I intend on keeping this time. By then I’d like to try a simple project of my own in the open studio.

If you’re THINKING about taking this workshop, stop thinking and just take it! She’ll have you using that scary band saw like a G in no time. You won’t be...