Dartmoor Creative Woodturning reviews

8 Mar 20'

Martin reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I attended this course a few weeks ago after being given a gift voucher for my birthday. I have never done any wood turning before and found the day to be very enjoyable and I learnt a lot throughout. Chris was approachable and very patient, he allowed me to do as much wood turning as possible. He teaches by explaining a concept and how and why it works and gets you straight on to practicing it. Giving tips and pointers throughout, it's evident he enjoys what he does and enjoys teaching. He also takes health and safety very seriously. It was constantly spoke about, and explained why things are done in certain ways to keep you safe. I would strongly recommend this course, after doing this course it is something that I definitely want to do again."

14 Feb 20'

Norman Thornton reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I completed a day course with Chris in Feb 20, I wanted to work with wood and a wood turning course is what interested me. I could not have wished for a better tutor Chris is a very good teacher and as a novice, having a relaxed approach by Chris and one to one instruction was a huge bonus. I had a thoroughly enjoyable day and turned a beautiful beech bowl. Great value and learned a great deal thank you Chris !!!"

3 Feb 20'

Steve Blake reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Had a great time with Chris who proved to be an excellent teacher. Never woodturned before so Chris went right back to basics and built up from there. Thoroughly enjoyed the day and came a way with a really nice spalted beach bowl. Would highly recommend and am considering going back for another day."

18 Jan 20'

Lorien Jasny reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris is a great instructor. I'd taken a wood turning course years ago, but learned far more in this session because he explained not only how to do things, but why you do it that way. It was incredibly enjoyable and he walked us through all of the steps for creating a bowl and answered all of our questions about next steps. It was a really great class."

26 Oct 19'

Jonathan Hickman reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I was an absolute beginner but had a great day and ended up with a bowl to show for it. Chris' tuition was excellent and he was very patient. Would highly recommend."

11 Aug 19'

Peter Buckland reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"One of the most enjoyable and rewarding courses I have done! Chris is very skilled and an excellent teacher. I started as a complete beginner, and with his guidance produced a very nice simple but graceful bowl, learning the most important techniques and skills. Course involves just two students at a time, each with own lathe. We learned a lot from just watching each other. Altogether a thoroughly enjoyable and constructive day. I am expecting my own lathe this afternoon, and cannot wait to get on and try some of the techniques out. My strongest endorsement of this course."

8 Aug 19'

Ian Davies reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have just spent one of the most rewarding days of my life under the watchful eye of Chris! Not only is he a first rate teacher but such a nice person as well. From arrival at his workshop through to finishing the bowl I turned, this was such an experience. His enthusiasm for wood turning is infectious and, coupled with his endless patience and cups of tea made for a fantastic day. If you have no experience of woodturning or wish to expand your knowledge then look no further as you will not be disappointed. Thank you Chris, the bowl will have a special place in our new home."

6 Aug 19'

Nick Hester reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Had a great two days wood turning. The tuition was excellent and very rewarding. Chris has the ability to make you feel very comfortable, with his endless knowledge of wood and machinery. Would have been quite content to talk to him all day. Turned two bowls and one candle holder, all of which I’m very proud of. Thanks for the fantastic experience Chris. Nick"

6 Aug 19'

Daniel Luty reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris was extremely helpful all day! It's nice to learn from someone who is so enthusiastic about his work and really wants everyone to get involved and enjoy themselves. The course itself was aimed at teaching the key skills behind turning and not just a copycat exercise which was very beneficial. I would recommend this course to anyone who is interested in turning!"

4 Jul 19'

Ieuan & Toyah reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"We had a fantastic day with Chris who taught us basic wood turning skills. Chris made us feel very welcome, very relaxed and very safe. With great enthusiasm Chris helped us create beautiful bowls that we keep as treasures. We had an amazing day and will be recommending this experience to everyone."

25 Jun 19'

Nigel Parratt reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"A thouroughly enjoyable day with Chris in his spacious, light, superbly equipped workshop. From the time that he offered me a warm welcome and a hot cup of tea, to the time I left, clutching the beautiful bowl that he had helped me create, I felt well supported as a learner and met like a friend. Chris has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he offers generously with a good balance of challenge and support. His passion for wood, his belief in the value of right technique and his focus on form and finish are all underpinned by a delightful intention for the day to be enjoyable as well as productive. Highly recommended. Many thanks."

8 Jun 19'

Mark Fairbrass reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"The moment you arrive in the workshop it's clear you are amongst wood turning elite and Chris Foweraker is the grand master. He's been working with wood all his life and eagerly imparts his knowledge with a patient calmness that is most reassuring. My one day bowl turning course was excellent. Chris had everything pre planned and laid out, and after coffee and safety talk we were away into bowl making, a fine example of which I proudly took home at the day's end. I will go again."

7 Jun 19'

Martin Cooper reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Had a great day with Chris with expert one to one tuition. First time using a lathe but Chris made it clear what to do and how to be safe. Left with a lovely bowl and comfortable I can take my new skills onward and get better. He also offered advice as to what equipment I should buy for my own workshop. Excellent course and Chris easy to get on with. Loads of brews!"

4 May 19'

sid Bradley reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Brilliant! Had a great day with Chris; he was very informative and insightful. I turned a beautiful bowl with his help and learned new techniques I can now put into practice. I would highly recommend a day with Chris."

30 Apr 19'

Daniel Beer reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have just finished my day with Chris Foweraker, learning to turn a bowl. It was so informative with the tuition done in a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Chris also had some chisels I needed and was able to sell me a complete set. Now in his words, oil your bowl when you get home. Then practice turning blanks into sawdust and shavings. Thank you Chris for the continuous mugs of tea and the chocolate biscuits."

20 Apr 19'

Claire Anderson reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Fantastic day. Chris was really helpful and informative. Excellent teacher - very patient. Highly recommended."

14 Feb 19'

Olga Edridge reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have just had one of the best days ever. I had a one to one day learning to turn a bowl. Chris is a great teacher and I felt totally safe using all the tools in his workshop. His studio/Worksop is perfectly equipped and most importantly Chris, this very talented artis/craftsman, has the patients of a saint. Wood turning is a very relaxing, zen and wonderfully rewarding experience. I shall do it again. Thank you Chris."

26 Jan 19'

Alex Bjorn reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Had a great day with chris and my dad, made a lovely bowl and lots of good chat with chris who was very engaging. What a fun way to spend a drizzly Saturday ?"

21 Jan 19'

Rob reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Wow. What a wonderful day, I am still smiling about the experience two days after the event. Chris is such a great teacher that by morning coffee break I no longer cared if I messed up during the process, I was having such a great time just being there. I shouldn't have worried because despite my cack-handedness, with Chris' expert tutelage I produced a beautiful bowl that I can be proud of forever. I cannot recommend this enough. Chris' approach is spot-on - gentle, encouraging and of course knowledgeable. The task is challenging but achievable so the satisfaction of making something both useful and attractive is immense. Thank you Chris"

27 Nov 18'

Jane reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Thank you, Chris, for a great day. A complete novice, I came home with a beautiful sycamore bowl of which I am VERY proud. Clear instructions and gentle guidance ensured a most fulfilling experience.... highly recommended!"

27 Nov 18'

Chas Billing reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"An excellent day! Chris has obviously fine-tuned this course to give a satisfying experience. Making a bowl (starting from no experience of woodturning at all) filled a day perfectly, and the pace felt just right, not rushed, but no hanging around. Lots of great instruction and I was impressed with Chris' attitude - Where I would have been content to stop at "OK" Chris took me the extra step to get things just right - a real craftsman. Highly recommended!"

14 Nov 18'

Dawn Cottam reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Great one day course! I was given this as a gift and it couldn't have been better. Chris is extremely informative and gives just the right guidance for you to create your own piece of functional art work. He gently guides you on a journey to turning a block of wood into a beautiful bowl that you can be proud of, with no experience necessary. Safety is at the forefront of Chris' instruction, so using the tools and machinery become second nature. I would highly recommend this course with Chris."

10 Nov 18'

Michael Hayman reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I attended a one day course on the 9th November 2018. The Mill was easy to find and the workshop is light and airy with modern dust extraction equipment. I was very fortunate to be the only pupil and I received one to one tuition of a very high order. I am delighted with the bowl that I (and in no small measure Chris produced in a few hours). The tuition has given me the confidence to proceed further and it seems a most satisfying experience even if it does not turn into a hobby. Chris was a good humoured but firm taskmaster and I found it easy to establish a rapport with him. I cannot recommend the course highly enough."

30 Oct 18'

Deb reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I spent the day with Chris last Friday, and the time flew by! I had done some wood turning before with a neighbour and decided to seek some proper tuition, now I knew how much I enjoyed it. The workshop was easy to find and I was welcomed in. Chris had remembered our conversation of at least a month before and had prepared how we would spend the time,making a bowl in Sycamore, concentrating on technique, posture and making nice cuts. I have his words of wisdom ringing in my ears, and loads of helpful tips and advice. Chris is a very patient and encouraging teacher, and gave lots of feedback. When we needed a break there was coffee and gorgeous views of the moor from the windows. I returned home and over the weekend have all but finished making a similar bowl. Thank you Chris for all the tips and encouragement, and I shall be back!"

25 Sep 18'

Naomi reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I had a lovely day wood turning with Chris. This is the first time I have ever tried turning and it was a marvelous experience! Chris was very patient and knowledgeable about it all and I came back with a lovely bowl. It's a lovely day out that I would recommend to anyone. Chris will even give you chocolate biccys and cuppa soups if you were to forget your lunch!"