Andys woodworking reviews

Paul Slade reviewed: Woodturning

"I have just spent two days with Andy. It was such a pleasure to spend time with someone with his experience and high standing in the craft. I last did any woodturning 45 years ago so we started from scratch and spent most of the first day sharpening and getting familiar with the tools and equipment before I threatened a piece of wood. He set me a challenge on the second day that I proudly managed to fulfil. Andy and Mary (and Angus the dog!) are fine hosts and Mary makes an excellent ginger cake. I have come away with new skills, a fine set of bowls and plenty of enthusiasm - Thanks Andy! "

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for those kind words paul , I really enjoyed your company (And banter) Andy mary angus x"

Steve Rimington reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A very good course, I really enjoyed it, Andy is very knowledgeable. Mary makes a wonderful cup of coffee. Thanks Guys. "

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Steve "

Kevan Hall reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"An enjoyable day of one to one focus with a real craftsman and enthusiast for wood turning. Learn about the tools and techniques and have a go yourself. I came away with a beautiful bowl that sits happily on my office shelf. Enjoyable experience and conversation - thank you"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thank you Kevan Really enjoyed the talk with you "

Chris Charles reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"What a wonderful day, it just flashed by. So enjoyable indeed. Andy is the best of teachers, enthusiastic, encouraging and full of woodturning anecdotes, what is not to like, brilliant. On a technical level, all bases were covered. On a practical level, we were busy all day creating little piles of curly swarf. Woodturning naturally has it own ancient craft language adding interest to the day. It was a cold day, so there was nothing better than to adjourn for a cuppa by the Aga and enjoy a slice of Mary’s delicious fruit loaf…. under the watchful eye of Angus the dog. I thoroughly recommend Andy’s course."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks so much Chris Andy mary and angus "

Sharon and Simon reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"We attended a 1 day workshop with Andy yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was very informative and fun. Andy managed to share a lot of valuable information that makes a difference to the end result. This holistic approach meant that when the hands on time came you could truly appreciate what you were doing right (and wrong!). Andy's enthusiasm, knowledge, skill and experience were infectious, to the extent after never having done this before we are considering investing in a lathe and having more lessons! His wife Mary and their dog Angus were very welcoming as well. Great way to spend Sharon's birthday! "

Andys woodworking responded:

"All three of us (Andy mary and angus ❤️) are really looking forward to seeing you again "

PaulC reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Many thanks Andy I did have a great time, Your instruction and patience are both excellent and your and Mary's and Angus' hospitality delightful."

Keith Brunsden reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"What an awesome day picking Andy's brain and gaining much needed knowledge from Andy's excellent experience. I will certainly be in touch in the future when I have got my act together with the equipment. A thoroughly worthwhile day Excellent hospitality from Mary and entertainment from Angus the Westie"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your kind comments Keith Andy Mary Angus "

John Theobald reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Thanks to Andy for a brilliant day, to Mary for the Coffee & Biscuits and to Archie for the friendly barking when I both entered the house and left it !? In a single day I had a great insight into the woodworking skills / techniques needed and the correct tools / machinery to use - particularly how to keep those tools sharp! Can't wait to now have a go on the Lathe owned by our 'Men's Shed' in Royal Wootton Bassett and begin developing those skills."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks John , glad you enjoyed your day "

Nick Barton reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy made me feel very welcome straight away - we went through the tools to use, the techniques for sharpening, the methods to use and to develop the skills to start wood turning. As a novice we progressed from basics to more advanced techniques and he went at my pace explaining fully at each stage and allowing time to practice the newly taught skills. A thoroughly enjoyable day - he is a relaxed and experienced instructor - I left feeling I had learnt a great deal and an enthusiasm to continue with the hobby."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your comments nick I had a great day too and enjoyed your company, as I said keep in touch and keep me in the loop as to tool and lathe purchase Andy mary angus "

Michael Yard reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I had a very enjoyable day trying out woodturning for the very first time. Andy is a real expert at his craft, and he was very good at explaining the different tools and processes that are involved in both sharpening tools and using them on the lathe. There is a real satisfaction in taking a piece of wood and shaping it into a practical object. The bowl that Andy helped me make looks really lovely and will last forever. I spent a day with Andy and I am keen to return again to learn more and get more practice. It was so good to be able to have an expert demonstrate a particular technique and then for me to be able to have a go straight afterwards. I have always admired wooden objects and now that I have had a brief introduction to woodturning, I will appreciate them even more knowing just how skilled the people are that make them. Thanks Andy for your help and guidance and for making it a fun day out, thanks also to Mary and Angus the dog. Best Regards, Michael."

Corinne Knight reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought this course for my other half, Colin. In his words he says ‘What a Great Day. As a total novice I was a bit nervous about the course, but Andy made me very welcome and taught me so much. How to sharpen all the different tools, and what each one was used for. He is a mine of information and puts it across in a way that everyone can understand. Once we had sharp tools Andy went on to explain and demonstrate how to cut shapes from coves to beads and beyond. Then it was my turn. Andy was patient and encouraging and I ended up with a set of beads and coves that I was proud of. After lunch we transferred details from a picture to a blank and I had to use my new skills to cut the profile. After a couple of struggles and a bit of help we had a passable example of a table lamp. An excellent teacher. Then it was on to bowl turning, and again superb teaching enabled me to produce a smart bowl that I will cherish.’ A Brilliant day with Andy, Mary and Angus, Very Highly Recommended "

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your company Colin , I really enjoyed our day and I’m glad you did too You have a lot of talent so keep turning !! Andy mary angus xxx "

Andy Mills reviewed: Woodturning

"I’ve just completed the first of two days of Woodturning with Andy. As a complete beginner I cannot overstate how invaluable it’s been to have someone with the knowledge and experience of Andy to teach me. Learning about chisels, sharpening and the fundamentals of turning has been incredibly interesting. I loved getting to have a go at turning coves, beads etc. Andy, Mary and their West Angus are friendly and welcoming hosts. I look forward to completing day two. "

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 "

Mark Harrison reviewed: Woodturning

"Excellent couple of days getting an introduction to wood turning. As a complete novice, Andy provided a great introduction, fully covering the necessary safety and theory but giving plenty of opportunity to put them into practice. Amazing how much you can learn and produce in such a short time. Would thoroughly recommend!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks mark , I’m glad you enjoyed your time Woodturning Keep in touch !"

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 …"

Gary Logie reviewed: Woodturning

"I have just done the first of 2 days with Andy. His knowledge and instruction is impressive to say the least. Managing to get me to understand and vastly improve my sharpening; something many hours of trying to self teach from YouTube hasn’t managed! He then got me the wood turning bug with spindle and bowl turning, using a few different techniques. I’m looking forward to the 2nd day, as well as some more awesome hospitality from Andy, Mary and Angus."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Gary , looking forward to seeing you again 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!"

Richard Lowe reviewed: Woodturning

"I have just attended the first of a 2-day woodturning course with Andy which was a wonderful experience. He and his wife Mary were very warm and welcoming and quickly set me at ease. We started by focusing on tools, the difference between scrapers and gouges and the methods of sharpening them, but soon I was getting hands-on experience of different techniques for both spindle and bowl turning. Andy's knowledge and experience of the subject are impressive, and he is a great teacher! I came away with my first bowl, an appreciation of the breadth and complexity of the subject, and keen to get in some practice before returning for day 2. Thanks Andy!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks richard , looking forward to the next day Andy mary angus"