Bill Bennett Woodturning reviews

Ben Gillias reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I had an introductory session with Bill as I'm very keen to take on woodturning as a full time hobby. It turns out (pun intended) that it's not quite as easy as I thought it would be, but Bill is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher and has a great way of relating woodturning techniques to seemingly unrelated topics to help you understand. Bill's wood shop is the perfect environment to learn and if I had one like this at my home, I'm fairly certain I'd spend more time there than in my actual house! I left the the day with a great little sycamore bowl and even an even greater motivation to buy my own lathe and get turning. I'll be heading back to Bill's workshop for an intermediate course once I've had a bit more practice at home. A superb course ran by an altogether pleasant chap. Thanks Bill."

Katharine & Mark reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: for two people

"Thank you for a lovely day. We really enjoyed ourselves & went away with 2 beautiful bowls. Bill is a skilled craftsman and a very patient teacher, explaining everything carefully & happy to answer lots of questions. We would thoroughly recommend this course."

Peter Daubney reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I found Bill to be very friendly and helpful, he put me at ease and took interest in what I had been doing in my wood turning. Before we started Bill told me all about the safety in the workshop and more importantly where the tea and coffee was kept. I found the days course very enjoyable, and learnt so much. Bill was very knowledgeable in his craft, and I'm know thinking of returning for another days lesson with Bill."

Bill Bennett Woodturning responded:

"Hi Peter. Thanks for your kind words. I'm so pleased that you enjoyed your day and I'm pleased that you are considering another day."

Myke Blackburn reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Not having turned for many years this was an excellent day tailored to suit my needs and has got me ready to restart my hobby with a bit more confidence. Thanks"

Nigel Palmer reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"I spent a most rewarding and educational day with Bill yesterday. I have been turning bowls for a short while and had reached the limit of my self taught skills. Bill was able to show me how to improve upon my technique and produce stunning results. This he did in a friendly and patient way, taking time to explain but not being pedantic. Bill also spent time showing me how to get the best edge on my gouges and chisels which also boosted my confidence. Bills intelligence and engineering background stand him in good stead and he is a natural teacher. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending one of Bill's courses for anyone at any level who wants to learn a new skill or develop existing skills. A thoroughly enjoyable day and excellent value for money."

Peter Batchelor reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"Fantastic day, Bill is an excellent teacher lets you progress at your own pace, full of knowledge and information. Absolutely chuffed with the bowl I made and I now know what I'm having for my forthcoming birthday. Fab day all round."

Paul Hynes reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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."

Isabelle Dawson reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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!"

Ben Cave reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"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!!"

Sally reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"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."

Mark Furlonger reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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!"

David Wenzel reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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!"

Julie reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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."

Ann Fewtrell reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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."

Kevin Watters reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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."

Conrad Hextall reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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."

Christopher Sharp reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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 ."

Nigel Rees reviewed: Introduction to woodturning: one to one

"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."

Stuart White reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"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!"

Steve Ashman reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"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!!"

Sam Dredge reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"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."

Matthew Hope reviewed: One day salt or pepper mill woodturning course one to one.

"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."