I like the building idea as well. It would simulate an actual village...blacksmith, blocklayer, carpenter, etc. I noticed yesterday on the test server the tools had all the "secret" stats turned on and you could see how many uses it had left based on durability, so when you put the tool into the shed it could be a counter that you run up til you hit the max number of uses let of that tool. Then insert x number of mats to meet that quantity.
The issue I see with that idea is the training points.. Who gets them? The person that puts in the tool and mats? Do they get 10x the training points if they do a 10 batch run? In that case new players could max out a skill in a few days just by sitting and waiting by the building. One option would be to have a minimum skill level in the corresponding trade to use the building. Lvl 90 in masonary to make bricks, basketry for twine, etc.
I dont think we want this to speed up skill leveling, nor to remove all the grind for new players. Maybe actually lower the amount of skill you would get from using the building...you do a ten batch quantity with the building, you get the skill points equivalant to doing 5 single craftings. That way you're getting the option to make multiple quantities of items you need, but not just using the building to level up and through the item away.