Please note the price indicated is per person and for the foreseeable future I will only be taking bookings from people who book together.
About Me
My wood turning work has mainly consisted of staircase associated work and general architectural work (e.g. newel posts & spindles), but I have a developed a passion for craft turning in varied forms over the last couple of years. I want to pass on this knowledge and help others to develop their own wood turning skills. I am very happy to support all ages and levels of ability wherever I can.
I have a purpose built workshop fully equipped with two well-equipped professional lathes, a range of sharpening equipment, health & safety equipment and I have the capacity to work from log to bowl (there’s a wood burner in case it gets cold).
The Course
This course has been specifically developed to enable the complete novice to turn a unique spice mill (using a crushmill mechanism) with a little help from myself. For example, the pepper mills pictured were created in one day.
Steps for the day:
Introduction to machinery and health & Safety
Select wood and design shape
Rough out shape
Drilling body
Refine shape turning
Polishing and assembly
This process is achievable within the day for most people, and I’ll provide extra help if needed.
Most of the woods used are locally sourced from fallen or unwanted trees.
Details
A full day will usually run from 10:00 – 16:00 but the day is flexible. If you would to book this course as a one to one, please book my other course (see 'more from this course organiser' below).
Please note, dress in suitable clothing and footwear for a day in the workshop.
I normally run the courses on Thursdays and Fridays when I'm available but I'm flexible to fit in with people's individual needs, please contact me with dates that suit you.
Cancellation and a full refund can be obtained up to 2 weeks before the course starts. Start dates may be amended on request.
All tuition, use of tools and required materials. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Bring a pack lunch.
This craft course provider has been awarded Gold status for receiving 10 or more 5 star ratings from previous students.
The Students' Choice award ensures that course providers get recognised for their efforts in the teaching and practice of UK craft.
They also allow tutors to gain valuable feedback on their courses and for new students to find the course that's right for them.
I had a fantastic day with Bill. He was knowledgeable and shared his skill and enthusiasm in a way a novice could follow. The process to making a beautiful bowl was covered really well. Bill's technique of telling, showing and then allowing me to do for myself really suited me. His workshop is well equipped and warm. And his welcome was equally warm. A great experience.
Bill is a lovely person with years of experience in the trade. His workshop is warm and spacious, and the course comes with hot drinks!
I made a small yew dice shaker, and learned a lot about the craft as a whole. I'd definitely go again if given the chance!
Thanks Bill for the wonderful day and your expert tutelage, I hope to see you again soon!
The wood turning course with Bill was Amazing!! As a design teacher it is always good to improve my skill set but also to see how someone else would teach a particular technique or skill. The course was well structured and it is clear from the start that Bill is very skilled and knows his subject. Bill creates a very relaxed and calm environment in which to work and allows students to build on experience through doing, with guidance on how to improve. I decided to make a bowl having already had some time learning to turn a cylindrical shape. I found Bill very understanding of my prior knowledge and the aspects I found more challenging, providing help to improve my overall skill. The day was so enjoyable and I left with a far better understanding of wood turning and for my skill set, how to turn a bowl shape. I would recommend Bill’s course to anyone with a desire to pick wood turning up as a hobby but also for those that have already some experience of wood turning wishing to further their skills. A wonderful day with Bill who clearly is passionate about his work! It’s hard not to be enthusiastic after!!
What an enjoyable experience! My husband and I spent a very happy day making a candlestick and a bowl under Bill’s incredibly patient guidance and tuition. His teaching style was perfectly adapted for each of us - husband quite competent and knowledgeable about tools and making things by hand, me fairly hopeless! - and we ended up with two attractive pieces we are both rather proud of. It was relaxed, but definitely engrossing, throughout. A really good day I would definitely recommend.
My first time woodturning and Bill made it really enjoyable. The course was a good balance of being let loose but under Bill's excellent guidance. The workshop is well kitted out and tea was on tap.
Thanks Bill for a great day, the pepper grinder has pride of place in the kitchen!
Had a genuinely excellent time with Bill in his shop.
I had no previous experience of wood turning and was looking to understand it from a hobbyist point of view. Bill was patient and explained what i needed to do and then gave me space to try. I always felt well supervised and instructed but i appreciated that Bill stood back let me have a whack at it.
I'm very pleased with my bowl but i my friends and colleagues are bored of hearing about it.
I'll be back soon!
Just finished a very therapeutic day at Bill’s making a gorgeous bowl. Never done this before so having a teacher like Bill to explain, demonstrate and encourage you to have a go was the perfect balance. What a fabulous teacher, and great set up. The day flew by, and to my delight I’ve ended up with a fantastic bowl (with a little help from Bill), far beyond my expectations. Thank you so much Bill. 100% recommend this experience.
A friend and I, both complete novices, had a great day of wood turning with Bill, he’s a patient teacher who gets the balance of showing/teaching/helping just right. He’s got a really well set up workshop so no hanging around waiting for a piece of equipment to be available.
We are both ridiculously proud of our creations and would happily go back to learn more - highly recommended.
My 11 year old son and I spent a very enjoyable day with Bill at his well equipped workshop on the Introduction to Woodturning course. I was a bit apprehensive that the course would not be suited to my son but Bill worked really well with him and was very patient as he created a Harry Potter style wand. I turned a shallow bowl to use as a wallet/coin tray and at every stage, Bill explained to us the difference in effect depending on the wood used, the grain, the tools, the lathe speed, etc.
I can't imagine anyone being able to be more informative and helpful than Bill, who seems to do with ease something that I experienced to be rather more challenging. This was a really good introduction and I will use the advice given, hopefully to good effect, in terms of equipment to buy.
I strongly suspect, that we will be back with Bill at some point to help us take that next step.
I had a great time making a pepper mill. Bill is very knowledgeable with a calm teaching style. He will guide you through every technique required to make the piece. The workshop is nicely laid out with everything in its place. PPE is provided but I would recommend wearing old clothes or work wear as you will get covered in chippings. I've considered getting a lathe for a while and if I do, I'd definitely go back to Bill for further lessons and guidance.
Just finished a great day wood turning with Bill. What a marvellous day-Bill clearly loves his craft and passes on his knowledge and skills very effectively. On top of that he's a really great engaging conversationalist. If , like me you are starting out in wood turning Bill is the perfect place to begin your journey. Thank you Bill. It was a pleasure meeting you. See you again soon .
I had not done any woodturning before, until I spent the day with Bill in his very comfortable workshop, which I understand Bill built himself. It’s lovely and well equipped with woodturning lathes and Saws etc. I really like the kettle which appears to have no off switch.
Bill found my level and would give me tuition then it was up to me to copy the demonstration he had just shown me. Time was never an issue and Bill has patience and extremely good depth of knowledge which he is more than willing to share.
I had a great day and took my bowl home, which I was very proud off.
I intend to go again, it was very rewarding, Thanks Bill.
I attended the one day pepper mill course with Bill and had a fantastic day. I have never done any wood turning before and have been looking for a course for some time. Bill was very friendly and welcoming and has a style that makes you feel at ease. The work shop is fantastic and really well equipped (including a wood burning stove to keep it nice and warm!).
This course is a great way to get an introduction to wood turning and it's nice to come away with something that you've made yourself and will use for years to come.
I will definitely be looking to book another day in with Bill in the near future. If you're looking for an introduction to wood turning look no further!
I have had several wood turning sessions with Bill and have enjoyed every minute in his company. He has skills a plenty and doesn't flap under a barrage of questions. He is patient, a calming influence when a particular technique is proving difficult to master and will work with you at your pace.
The workshop is well equipped and the kettle is permanently on!!
I do enjoy the fact the tutorship is with small numbers and feel that I am getting good value for my money.
Happy wood turning!!
I spent the day with Bill attending his pepper mill course. I had a brilliant day and came home with something I was really proud. Bill was very patient and guided me through each stage. His workshop was also lovely and warm. Would definitely go again. Thanks Bill.
I attended this one day course in the Summer and thoroughly enjoyed it. I'd never done any wood turning before, and don't count myself as a practical person, but I found it to be a great intro and I managed to take a great looking pepper mill home with me at the end of the day
Bill is very accommodating and a fantastic teacher. He'll work with you individually to ensure you are happy and confident with what you're doing at all times.
I would recommend this course to anyone that would like to give wood turning a go.