Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

Alan reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Had a brilliant day with Andy. Being self taught I have picked up plenty of bad habits over the last 6 years or so. However, Andy showed me the error of my ways. I now know how to sharpen my tools properly (most important), and also how to use which tool for which particular task. The walnut bowl which I made looks great, a beautiful shape and finish. I would certainly recommend this course for aspiring woodturners and those looking to improve their techniques.! I was also made very welcome by Andy's wife and their Westie, Angus!"

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thanks for your kind comments Alan , I enjoyed our day and hope to see you again sometime Andy mary ANGUS "

Hugh Sillett reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A wonderful day was my course with Andy in Trowbridge. I arrived feeling somewhat nervous - at age 74 it is not easy to learn new stuff - however Andy and Mary his wife made me feel very welcome. I was amazed at the amount Andy taught me during the day and he also gave me valuable advice about purchasing a lathe and tools in the future. Andy is an excellent teacher, highly motivational and very understanding when one is struggling to progress. I am looking forward to returning to Andy and Mary for a further course once I have purchased my lathe. Hugh Sillett, Winterlsow, Salisbury."

Damian Jordan reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I had a great day learning how to turn wood with Andy. It brought back fond memories (and perhaps some skills) from doing this a little bit at school. Andy certainly knows his stuff, is patient and full of interesting stories. Banter a plenty and I was happy to oblige. The outcome was a rather splendid bowl. An enjoyable day and lovely to meet Mary and Angus. Highly recommended! Thank you all!"

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thanks Damien , lovely to meet you and glad you enjoyed yourself Andy Mary Angus "

Anita reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I booked the woodturning course for my dad as a birthday present. He had nothing but praise for the whole experience. Andy was an excellent teacher, very patient, encouraging and supportive. My dad made a beautiful bowl and he is feeling inspired to continue woodturning as a hobby."

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thanks for the feedback Anita , please pass on my regards to your dad , he is welcome back anytime 🙏🏼🙏🏼 Andy mary angus …"

Sarah Hayes reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I recently attended the one day woodturning course with Andy and had a wonderful day. During the day Andy provided me with lots of information and insight on the different wood turning tools, sharpening the tools, and the opportunity to learn and practise woodturning skills such as coving and beading. We finished the day by turning a lovely small bowl. Andy is a really informative and patient teacher and as someone who is new to woodturning really helped me to learn some of the basics which I will take away and continue to practise. It was a fast-paced and really enjoyable day, but with time to take notes/ videos and tea and cake breaks (thank you Mary) Thank you Andy, Mary and Angus for a lovely day"

Phil reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy’s communication skills before and during the course were very clear, positive and helpful. The workshop was well equipped and had multiple equipment and tools that the course required. He acted in a very professional manner and was insistent on both health and safety issues before the start of the course,. He made great efforts to ensure my understanding about the differing tools, equipment for beginners as well more experienced users, the procedures and skills required for woodturning. The course was done at a good pace and clearly he has the patience of a saint ensuring that if necessary there was plenty of practice time to gain the necessary basic skills. Thoroughly enjoyable and would attend again after a bit more practice. His good lady Mary provided multiple tea and cakes which were greatly appreciated!! Definitely a highly recommended course and tutor"

Mark Ivens reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I'd always wanted to try woodturning but never attempted it. So my wife bought this for me as a birthday gift 'experience'. I'm familiar with turning metal but working with wood is both physical and creative. This day was so much more than an experience, with excellent tuition and guidance. Many aspects of woodturning may seem intuitive but to understand it and learn how to do it safely you need a proper introduction. I learned a lot as well as getting good down-to-earth advice. Recommended"

Simon reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy is a great tutor, very welcoming from the start. His workshop is well equipped and his knowledge of the tools is fantastic. We started with talking through the lathe machinery, components and operating instructions, then moved onto hand tools. He showed me various chisels, how to use them and importantly how to sharpen them. We used a number of sharpening tools depending on the chisel. Once we'd been through the basics with tools, Andy loaded a softwood blank onto the lathe and showed me some techniques, turing beads, scotias and v cuts. I practiced this for a while then we moved onto something more decorative. I was given a book and picked out a nice profile for a bowl. We used a piece of seasoned Oak for the bowl. Andy was on hand to assist me with tricky cuts as I am a complete beginner. We carved out the bowl over a period of roughly an hour then finished it with staged sanding and polish. I was really pleased with the piece I came away with and would definitely recommend this to any beginner who is interested in trying wood turning. A great experience all round."

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thanks Simon , I’m glad you enjoyed your day Andy mary angus"

Deano reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A great course with a great tutor, very knowledgeable and keen to share this. Clearly very passionate about wood turning. It's not just about spinning a piece of wood, it's all the detail behind it, the use of the correct tools, how to care for the tools to ensure you get the best finish and results for your effort. Detail about how to work the wood, why things are done a particular way and some of the history of wood turning. An all round great day in a relaxed atmosphere where you learn at your own pace."

Toby H reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"What a great day wood turning. I walked in to Andy's workshop a complete beginner. Andy was welcoming and a great teacher, with ample patience required in covering the fundamentals of wood turning. Awesome location for me workshop packed with tools and machines for the day, plenty of tea coffee and cake provided by the lovely Mary and assistance from Angus the terrier! The day was very well paced for me and progressive, starting with the basics of wood turning tools and methods and culminating in producing a good looking bowl in the afternoon. I hadn't quite realised the variety and scope of the craft and a day is only really enough time to scrape the surface and get a taste of wood turning, would definitely recommend booking 2 or more days with Andy. Thanks for a great day!"

John Doxey reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A really good introduction to lathe woodwork. Andy provided a very detailed explanation of the lathe, the various ways to set the machine up, the large range of tools and the machines and methods to keep them sharp to the importantly correct angles He then carefully worked through how the tools needed to be used and has a seemingly inexhaustible supply of patience in taking me through what I was attempting I booked a day course just to get an idea of this and loved it A great teacher!"

Tim Adams reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy provided a really enjoyable day for my first intro to woodturning. Not only lots of hands-on with expert guidance but also discovering the importance and complexities of tool sharpening. Had a go at spindle turning and ended the day with a nice little oak bowl to show off. Beyond the woodturning tuition, I also enjoyed the banter, the Yorkshire humour (!!) regular break for tea or coffee and cakes/biscuits (thanks, Mary!) and of course Angus the dog. 
Highly recommended to anyone at any level."

Stuart Eves reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"No-nonsense, practical guidance from a genuine Yorkshireman! Andy provided tuition on a range of turning tools and the techniques to sharpen them. In addition to the new knowledge, I also left his workshop with a very presentable oak bowl Excellent day!"

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thanks Stuart Really looking forward to seeing you again Andy mary angus Happy new year 🥳"

Simon Gosling reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought a lathe during lock down and had taught myself using youtube and lots of practice. A day with Andy revolutionised my lathe experience. I had learnt more in the first two hours than in all my efforts over the previous 6 months. Andy is knowledgeable, patient and a great person to spend time with. I will be going back once I have had chance to finish practicing the things he has already taught me. Learning to sharpen tools was an unexpected part of the course, but possibly the most important - made a huge difference to me."

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thanks for your kind comments Simon I enjoyed our time in the workshop and I’m looking forward to you coming back"

catherine mellersh reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought this as a gift for my father and brother. They had this to say ~ Andy is a very patient, kind and informative instructor that always seems to be able to find a positive comment about your efforts, even when you are struggling to do the same! The course on a whole is very informative for a complete beginner, such that I left feeling confident that I could repeat the process at home. I do feel that one day was not enough as there are things we didn't have time to cover. However the fact that I was told that if I ever have any questions or queries I am encouraged to contact Andy for answers leaves me with faith that I can fill in the gaps when I come across them. All in all I had a wonderful experience and would encourage anyone looking to learn more about wood turning to strongly consider signing up for a few days tuition. They both had a fantastic time and Andy was a brilliant teacher. Thank you!"

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thank you so much for your lovely comments It was a pleasure having you two in the workshop It was a full on busy day but I really enjoyed your company Both of you have so much potential to take your Woodturning to the next level Very well done"

Stuart Kingston reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I had a great one-to-one day of wood turning with Andy this weekend. As a complete beginner, we started with the fundamentals of sharpening. We then covered basic turning techniques such as coving and beading and in the afternoon we worked on producing a beautiful bowl. The single day was fast-paced and covered a lot of information. If I were doing it again, I would be tempted to go for one of Andy's two day courses to give myself a bit longer to improve my technique."

Andys woodworking responded:

" Thank you for your kind comments Stuart , I enjoyed your company and glad that you found the course helpful, it is always difficult to pack so much information into a singe day Look forward to seeing you again - maybe with the wife next time ?"