Woodturning for beginners

Malcolm Shield reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This course was very instructive and quickly got to the practical use of tools. I learned about safety considerations and applications of different tool types, effect of grain direction on cut how to maintain tool sharpness and much more. I had scope to get the feel of the craft without being stifled. I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Thankyou Stuart. "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Glad you enjoyed it Malcolm. Thanks. Stuart."

Dan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"My second day with Stuart was a great step on from the first. He struck a great balance between support and challenge and I left feeling really confident. Now I just need space for a lathe!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks Dan. Soon as you get the lathe it will all come back to you. Once learned never forgotten! "

John reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart was an excellent teacher! The day was tailored to my knowledge and skills, I know a bit about using tools but nothing about the preparation of wood. What to use, how to store it and how long it takes to dry! The morning spent learning how to use the tools and by the afternoon I had made a bowl. I can't wait for my second day I already have commissions lined up."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks John. See you on day two."

paul kearney reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"A very big thank you to Stuart for two wonderful days spent in his workshop. Once we discussed what I wanted to get out of the course ,Stuart then tailored the course to my needs and experience. Workshop health and safety , choice of wood and explanation of how the grain influences project style and form. We set a rough piece and of wood and took it to the end product by end of day 1, by end of day 2 I had another two lovely pieces turned and finished. Cant wait to start putting all these new skills into practice in my own workshop. A great tutor and would highly recommend his course. Thanks!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" We had a pretty full on two days so I'm glad you have emerged with your enthusiasm intact and eager to get going. Look forward to seeing you again. Thanks."

Dan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart was an awesome teacher! He took a really holistic approach to the whole process, starting with the types of wood to use and good storage methods. Stuart struck a really good balance of demonstrating and allowing me to make my own mistakes and learn as I went! He adapted to the course to my interests and I can't wait to sort out my second day!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks Dan. Look forward to seeing you for round 2."

Claire Smith reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I have just finished my two day course with Stuart, and it was a great experience and very informative. I was a complete novice with a desire to learn this craft in order to gain enough of a feeling for it to know if I want to move forward with it and get my own workshop. Stuart was knowledgable, patient, with a passion he wants to pass on, I now know what the craft takes from preparation and design to hand tools, machinery and taking you to a final product. His workshop was organised, stocked, warm and fully equipped with PPE. I would highly recommended with course for any level, from someone who fancies and day or so out to try something new, to someone who want to pick this up as a hobby or a professional who just would like to improve or learn new skills. I’m confident from what I’ve learned that I will take this further and I know that when I’m set up on my own I will book again to keep learning more from Stuart."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks for that great review Clair. Hope to see you again when you are up and running."

Pauline Colburn reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Just completed day 2 of my wood turning course .As there had been a large time gap between days ,Stuart refreshed advice & technique & was very patient. I was given the course as a gift as I wanted to experience woodturning & never intended to take it further (ie. I will not be buying a lathe ). The experience was very interesting, Stuart is a very knowledgable teacher , the workshop is set in beautiful surroundings & I came away with a wonderful turned wooden object. I thourghly enjoyed my 2day course & would recommend it ."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks Pauline, Hope the lamp base is now fully functional. Stuart"

Ian reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Really enjoyed my 1 day introductory course and came away with a lovely bowl made from mulberry wood. Stuart is an excellent and patient instructor, imparting lots of information about the safe and correct use of the lathe and associated tools. I would recommend anyone thinking of getting their own lathe to attend a course like this to get a good grounding of basic lathe work and safe working practices. All in all, an excellent day well spent."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks Ian. Glad you enjoyed your day."

Colten Palmer reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I took a two day course with Stuart last week and it was an amazing experience. He is a master of technique and has a real creative soul as well. We used the lathe to make several items from a burnt ash wood bowl to an apple. He is really good at guiding you through the process and yet allows you to feel ownership over the project. I highly recommend taking this course, you'll learn a lot and have a great time. Lunch was great and Freddie the dog was a friendly member of his team."

Fran reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Great course! We booked a day and expanded our course to nearly 2 days worth of teaching. Really enjoyed our time and learnt a lot. My partner, John, still deciding whether to get a lathe. I hope so, as I’m a potter and would be happy if he made lids and bowls and things to complement my pottery. But I loved the wood turning and even if we don’t go on to buy the equipment to turn wood at home it was a really worthwhile 2 days and I’m totally chuffed with my apple and wee bowl. Thanks so much! "

John Stewart reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"An excellent course, having no knowledge of woodturning. Stuart has a fantastic knowledge of the craft and a talent to impart that knowledge and some confidence. I cannot recommend this course highly enough, you will definitely not be disappointed"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks for that John. Look forward to seeing you for your second day soon. All the best. Stuart. "

Liz Bell reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Fantastic course. I hadn’t done any woodturning before and splitting the 2 day course meant that I could start learning and then try out my own lathe with his guidance and go back with all my questions. He’s given me the confidence to do this at home. I’m definitely going again next year to expand on my skills and my husband wants to go too. See you again soon Stuart. Regards Liz"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks Liz. Glad you enjoyed it. Look forward to seeing you both back again. Stuart."

John Lewis reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This course is tailored to reflect your skills and capabilities. The day is just you and Stuart the tutor. Stuart is a very patient and highly skilled craftsman who clearly loves his craft. I had never done wood turning and by the end of the day had created a beautiful bowl and a garden dibber! Stuart’s workshop is well equipped and a comfortable space for learning - and located in an amazing highland setting. If you want an intro to this craft or be helped to hone your existing skills this is a great course for you. And good value too!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Thanks John. Glad you enjoyed the day. Stuart."

Jimmy Lang reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"On the 1 Day Course Stuart took me thru the Safety and Health aspects required to make sure I would not do anything to endanger myself; he also covered all types of wood and what type was best for different projects. I arrived on the day with a project already suggested by my wife, a "Darning Mushroom". Stuart helped me choice the piece of wood, remove the bark and get it ready for the lathe, then guided me while I worked on the lathe. My wife was very happy with the finished project. Stuart has a natural ability to communicate instructions and make it enjoyable. A fantastic day with new skills learned and a hand made gift for my wife. I cannot recommend Stuart and his course highly enough."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Hi Jimmy, Thanks for the review and glad the boss liked your efforts. Well done. Stuart."

Peter Crowther reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I spent two days with Stuart and enjoyed every minute. It was full hands on with new skills gained all the time. I had previously watched numerous videos but most are about the presenter showing what they can do. You can't beat watching someone and then practicing yourself under Stuarts watchful eye. Its obvious Stuart enjoys imparting his vast knowledge and skills to others. We covered all aspects from selecting wood through making some great pieces to take away. I split my two days with one day between and this worked for me giving plenty of time to absorb more. I would highly recommend Stuart for any level from an introduction through to advanced skills - just look at his web site to see the quality of his work."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Hi Pete, Glad you enjoyed your time here and yes, I do get a lot from teaching. Never really feels like a job when you enjoy it so much. Enjoy your new lathe. Stuart."

Ian & Allan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"We had an enjoyable and informative day with Stuart, learning the basics of woodturning. Absolute beginners but we left more informed and better equipped with a knowledge of where we wanted to go with our very basic wood-turning skills. Fantastic work-shop - a cornucopia of tools, lathes, wood and a wood stove. Stuart has the gift to teach and make it an enjoyable experience. Stories, and things that might help, signposting but in a way that gives you some confidence. We were both chuffed that we were able to produce something at the end of the day (with much help from Stuart) - we can definitely recommend Stuart’s courses."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

" Hi guys, Thanks for your review and so glad you enjoyed your day. Let me know if you need any advice on getting to the next stage. Stuart."