Woodturning Course

"Brilliant teacher. I had two wonderful days."

"Excellent, thank you Mick"

"I went on this course as a person with all the gear and no idea and I was doing so many things wrong its amazing I still have all my fingers and both eyes. I can't praise Mick enough for his teaching methods and the fact that nobody is ever singled out as a dangerous turner (even though I know I was). Mick starts off with a good introduction about himself and he immediately puts you at ease he then goes into safety side of things before you pick the lathe you would like to start with. There were several different types of lathe starting from a standard entry level lathe which would be within most people's budget right upto the starship enterprise with all the bells and whistles which for a lot of people would be a lottery win purchase. While on the course you get to experience each lathe and feel the difference in power and use ability which I personally found to be astonishing and just how different they all are. I enjoyed my course with Mick for those 2 days and I came away a much safer turner and quite possibly a more confident turner. I was lucky enough to have also booked the one day pen course to run on the third day so I went on and done that course which I highly recommend as well this is a really fantastic course as I didn't realise how difficult pen turning could be some of those blanks are just waiting to explode when you turn them and being such tactile things they have to be perfect as the smallest little problem can wreck the whole pen. I have found myself turning more pens than bowls or Spindles as I find I like the challenge of working on the smaller scale. Mick's training and introduction and of course his instruction were second to non and as I was the only person booked on the pen course that day I had him all to myself not that that made a difference as I found him to be a truly exceptional instructor patient and calming. So to sum it up I would say if you are unsure about taking the course due to costs the thing to look at is can you put a price on your fingers or an eye. Also I found personally that knowing how to use the correct tool for the correct job is also making them hold an edge for much longer which also means a longer life for those as well. Don't hesitate jump in and get the knowledge that could only help you in the long run. I still have the bowl I made on the course and my wife still loves her pen and keyring set I made her on that course. So thank you to Mick and who knows I may be back for some additional training soon. Ps sorry I waffle on so much"

"Great introductory course. Great tutor and enjoyable experience all round."

"Excellent two day workshop. The first day was the hottest on record, but that hardly mattered. For a novice like myself this was a great intro to wood turning and what is needed in a workshop. With the range of lathes we could use, novice and more seasoned turners are easily covered. A great workshop for turners of every experience. Our tutor made us all feel at ease, imparted years of wisdom and I believe all three pupils on the course came away better turners. You can see why this course is fully booked."

"Excellent Mick made you fell at ease didn't bombard you with lots of waffle got you straight in. Brilliant Thankyou. Staff in shop very knowledgeable"

"very very enjoyable and informative couple of days , well worth it"

"Excellent tutor in mick hanbury really enjoyable 2 days did not want it to end will be back to do pen turning course"

"I had a great time and learned a lot and I will be taking it up as a hobby"

"As a relative new comer to turning it was great to finally be taught how to properly use the tools and achieve fine shavings and smooth surfaces. Mick is an exceptional teacher and Woodturner."

"I honestly couldn't fault this course. Don't go on it expecting to make lots of stuff, it is not about that. It is about technique and safety. Mick Hanbury (look him up on the internet) runs the course and he is a great teacher and there are few more experienced than him. I came home and found my turning had improved an amazing amount. I knew what I was doing wrong, I understood why I needed to do certain things and how to make corrections. Mick's ideas on sanding were a revelation (part of safety) as there is literally no dust and the finish is easy and superior especially as he teaches you to turn properly. On the course were two of us who have done a reasonable amount, keen very amateurs you might say, a chap who had done a course before but didn't follow up and a lady who had never been on a lathe in her life. All of us made a very nice bowl using the techniques Mick showed us. If you're experienced you will learn something, if you are a beginner it's essential."

"Very good foundation course with excellent instructor and plenty of one to one instruction, but the freedom to work on the pieces oneself and be shown where you are going wrong and be able to adjust things. Definitely felt it was worthwhile, learnt a lot and gave me the impetus to continue learning and to continue wood turning. "

"Excellent course even though I have done some turning before was able to iron out a few bad habits. A full day with a couple of things to bring home."

"Ref wood turning course 13th & 14th Feb - Excellent and informative course covering all the basic techniques from spindle to bowl turning with some introduction to sharpening. I learned a lot and was impressed with the efficiency and skill of the lecturer. Would recommend to anyone wanting to start turning and even those with some experience looking to improve."

"2 day turning course was very informative which gave me the confidence to get my lathe and get turning. I will definitely recommend. "