Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

Andy Lock reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Loved the course! Colin is friendly, knowledgeable and, above all, patient! Never thought I would come away from my first time woodturning with a couple of pieces that didn't entirely look like they'd been made by a three-year-old! Had an absolutely great day and would thoroughly recommend Colin's course to anyone looking for an introduction to woodturning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for your comments regarding the day Andy. I also enjoyed it. If you have any follow up questions, please get in touch. Regards, Colin"

Martin Hann reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I did a full day course with Colin, I had done a small amount of wood turning before but I found out that my technique was not quite right, with Colins help he has put me in the right direction. I made a goblet and a bowl so using a lot of different techniques. Colin has had many years of full time experience, he was easy to talk to and I found the whole day a delight. I would fully recommend anybody what ever level you are at to spend a day with Colin. "

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Many thanks for this review, Martin. If I can help in the future, please get in touch. Regards, Colin"

Paul Walsh reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"A fantastic day learning a new skill. Having never done any woodturning previously, Colin has a huge amount of experience and he fully explained every part of the process and the reasons why it was done that way. He was very patient with me, even when he had to repeat instructions often in a short space of time. After a great day I was able to take home a lovely turned bowl and an egg cup. I completely loved the whole experience and I now want to continue my learning and practice what I have been taught, but my problem is now finding space to fit the equipment in. I recommend Colin to anyone who wants to try their hand at this amazing skill."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for this feedback, Paul, it is appreciated. "

Neville Devonport reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"A great day. Colin is a highly skilled woodturner, and a very good teacher. He is also good company. I recommend this to anyone interested in starting out or developing woodturning skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Many thanks for this Neville. I hope I will be able to help in the future. Regards, Colin"

Bex reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Excellent instruction and take away documents that are invaluable. Calm and informative. Appreciated that even though I was running late the course was not cut short. I hope to further train with Colin one day! "

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for this feed back, Rebecca. It is very much appreciated. If I can help in the future, please get in touch. Regards, Colin"

Debbie Miller reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Thank you so much for such an informative day. I definitely came away feeling much more confident and with knowledge to be able to do more turning with better technique. I really appreciated you teaching style, a good mix of demonstration, hands on experience, and time to try and master what was being taught. I highly recommend Colin to anyone new to turning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Debbie. Enjoy your woodturning and if I can help in the future, please get back in touch. Regards, Colin"

Simon McGuirk reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a fabulous day out. Colin was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. His confidence and patience enabled me to turn a couple of terrific pieces. He also provided clear foundations about how I might build on my newfound skills. The lunch, endless cups of tea and Colin's good company helped make for a great day. Like many others, I plan to return once I have honed my new-found skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Simon, it is much appreciated. If I can help in the future, please do not hesitate to get back in touch."

Mike Gorham reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin was very supportive. Great teaching and I came away with a couple of beautiful pieces "

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this feedback, Mike. I enjoyed the day and the challenge of helping you make the natural edged yew bowl. I'm glad you found the day rewarding and you should be very pleased with the pieces you made. If I can help in the future please do not hesitate to get back in touch. Regards, Colin"

Peter SCott reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"A day with Colin The moment you arrive at Colin’s beautiful home, in the most stunning setting in the heart of the Cornish countryside you immediately get embraced by the warmth and confidence this man projects. There is a great expression “there are those who talk it and those who do” and this was obvious with Colin’s wealth of knowledge on all aspects of wood turning. Immediately he put me at ease, knowing the day was going to provide me with a great insight into wood turning. I have watched the video’s, read the books, but in the next few hours I understood more about the fine details of the art of turning wood. His very pleasant and encouraging manner encouraged me to say if I did not fully understand, without feeling I was being difficult or thick. Colin explained the background of each of the principles of every process, often assumed as a simple craft but his depth of working skills showed me how to turn wood correctly in a controlled and safe manner, that produced a quality of finish that hardly required any sanding. Coupled with the same skills in finishing, produced two pieces at the end of the day which I smile at every time I look at. A day that I will remember and call upon every time I turn a piece of wood. Peter Scott"

Robert D reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"We gave this one day course to our Grandson aged 16. He loved it, he made lots of things and learned so much. Colin was a very good teacher. Thank you so much for a brilliant day."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Robert. I am delighted that Thomas enjoyed the day. He was a pleasure to teach and will be welcomed back any time. Kind regards, Colin"

Mark Dippnall reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin has the patience of a saint. Very knowledgeable and nice guy. What a great experience, I wanted to know more about the tools and methods and also had time to turn a lovely bowl made from Ash. Would definitely recommend."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you, Mark, I also enjoyed the day. Happy and safe turning! Regards, Colin"

Lachlan Rowland reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"As a novice with an entry-level lathe, I needed proper tuition and introduction to equip me to safely and competently begin to turn wood. I took the one-day beginner's course with Colin, and it could not have been better. Over the course of the day, I learned everything I had hoped to, about the turning tools and their specific applications, approaching the wood, turning it, and finishing. In fact, I learned a great deal more than that, in the course of some excellent, patient tuition and demonstration. At the end of the day I had two very presentable finished turned items, that had exercised a lot of different techniques and skills in their execution. I also had been properly introduced to the workings of the lathe, safety advice, information on workpiece finishes: waxes, shellac, linseed, mineral oil. Tool selection and purpose, sharpening, with regard to their composition (carbon or HSS steel) were also covered. I came away more competent and confident (and therefore safer) than when I arrived, itching to get back to my small workshop and put the techniques into practice. Colin referred to detailed handouts with comprehensive photographs for reference during the day - actually magazine articles he has written previously - and they comprise virtually an encyclopaedia for beginner wood-turners to refer to. He sent me an electronic version which is going to be an invaluable reference. I highly recommend Colin's course to beginners - I can see me returning for an advanced version once what I have now learned has been practised and bedded in."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for this great review, Lachlan. It is much appreciated. I hope to see you again sometime. In the meantime ... happy and safe turning. Regards, Colin"

Michael Hickman reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a little previous experience, which through lack of use had been mostly lost. Colin patiently and kindly built confidence in me that I had not had before. My skills, although still needing much work, are definitely building on a better foundation than before. I would encourage anyone looking to improve any aspect of their wood turning to call upon Colin's experience and skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Mike. Enjoy your turning. Please get back in touch if I can help in the future. Regards, Colin"

Miles Tyzack reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"My wife was able to book the course with Colin at short notice, as a surprise for my birthday whilst we were caravanning in Devon. Colin was very welcoming, and created a relaxed atmosphere over the first of many coffees and I explained that my knowledge was limited to having watched a few online videos and previously admiring other peoples creations at various craft fairs. Colin first outlined the agenda for the beginners course and then showed me the lathes which we were going to use for the day in his extensive workshop. I felt that Colin’s tutoring was pitched perfectly, and clearly down to his extensive knowledge and experience. At the end of the morning I really felt I had created my first masterpiece!! - with first class explanations and demonstration, with only limited intervention from Colin when required. The morning had flown by, so we stopped for an enjoyable light lunch before commencing the afternoon session on a contrasting more delicate item, with different skills and detail being explained and observed. On completion of this task, Colin then took time to show me how the tools are sharpened before answering my questions regarding what level of equipment would be suitable to embark on my new hobby. The extensive course notes with pictures and text which are provided as part of the package will be a very useful reminder and reference for the future. Full marks to my wife for booking the course, and 10/10 to Colin for a most informative, enjoyable and well presented introduction to woodturning - which I would recommend to anybody."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Miles, it is much appreciated. Please get in touch if I can help in the future. Regards, Colin"

John Willcox reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"What a fun day ! With no experience and little knowledge Colin was a fantastic teacher who immediately put you at ease with his relaxed style and great hospitality. The teaching was at a brilliant pace with patience and care which not only covered the techniques of woodturning but also stance and posture to establish good habits from the outset. To then come away with two pieces of finished work was truly exciting. All this with a great sense of humour made the day fly past in an instant so thank you Colin for a wonderful experience ??"

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you John for this great review. I also enjoyed the day and your company. I am delighted that you enjoyed the day and, if I can help in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Enjoy you turning. Colin"

Roger Hall reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a great day with Colin. We started the day in the best possible way with a cup of tea! Then straight on to the business. He answered all my questions clearly and patiently. Although I had done some turning, Colin showed me the right way of doing it which included things that were obvious when mentioned to me but not things I had previously thought about. I have now turned a couple of pieces that I am extremely pleased with thanks to Colin’s guidance. I can only say that it was a fantastic day which flew by too quickly. I highly recommend the course."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you or this review Roger. If I can help in the future, please get back in touch."