Dartmoor Creative Woodturning reviews

12 Aug 18'

Clare Guthrie reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"what a fantastic way to forget all your troubles - it's all consuming and incredibly satisfying. Chris is a top bloke and and more importantly an extremely patient teacher. I can't believe I was able to take something so beautiful home with me that I'd made, albeit with a lot of help :) definitely a course to recommend and a real bonus to have the one to one tuition. fabulous location and don't forget to ask for a look in the cupboard! Thank you Chris."

10 Aug 18'

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

"Spent the day last week with my son, 25, turning two beautiful sycamore bowls. What a satisfying experience. The other reviews do not lie - Chris is a very knowledgeable and patient teacher and a pleasure to be with. I can't recommend this course highly enough and would certainly like to return. Thanks Chris."

28 Jul 18'

Louise Barattini reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris is an engaging, inspiring and patient tutor who is full of enthusiasm for his craft and teaching. We had a really fantastic day in Chris’s company and didn’t want to leave at the end of it. We brought home two beautifully crafted bowls and a passion for wood turning. Thank you so much Chris, it was a pleasure to meet you and we can’t recommend your course highly enough! We hope to stop by when passing again or sign up to a future course. All the best, Louise & Jonathan"

27 Jul 18'

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

"An absolute delight! As if I'd known Chris for years, our conversations explored a range of topics between his comprehensive and patient tutoring. I was a bit apprehensive but this proved groundless, as Chris provided an ideal environment for learning and practical application. The balance of instruction, guidance, suggestion and support was just right. Chris completely allows you to take ownership of your own project with only a light hand on the tiller. And of course you get to take home the product of your endeavours. Perfect."

22 Jul 18'

Robert Jeffery reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I thoroughly enjoyed a day with Chris Foweraker, who guided me through creating a beautiful sycamore bowl, in a systematic way, with clear explanation throughout and at a pace which was stimulating and not rushed. He encouraged me to learn by demonstration, encouragement and allowing me to make small mistakes, before discussing and correcting them. Thanks, Alison, for a wonderful birthday present, and to Chris for fine company! The comforting aroma of worked wood will be my lasting memory."

19 Jul 18'

glen stanbury reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris is everything you could ask for in a teacher. So knowledgeable, explains everything well and is just a lovely bloke. Enjoyed my day with him from start to finish and ended up with a lovely bowl that I never thought I'd be able to make in 1 day on my first go. Would recommend this course to anyone and everyone. Fantastic fun."

17 Jul 18'

Sarah MacAlpine reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"What a fabulous day! I attended this workshop with my Dad to celebrate his 75th birthday. I had never turned my hand to anything like this before and it was great to learn something completely new. Chris is a fantastic teacher and is clearly passionate about what he does. Thank you Chris for a very memorable day!"

1 Jul 18'

Laura Benstock reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"My friend and I spent a fantastic day with Chris and came away with two beautiful bowls. It was a very special day and Chris was a patient and amazing teacher"

18 Jun 18'

Nicola Knott reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"We had a lovely day with Chris in his Ashburton workshop. As complete novices he put us at our ease and he is an excellent tutor. We were very proud of the bowls we made and had a sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. Lots of tea and biscuits and we found Chris easy to talk to. Definately something I would like to learn more about."

16 Jun 18'

Jackie Lockett reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I spent the day with Chris yesterday at his Ashburton studio and with his help I made a sycamore bowl. As a first-timer I was quite prepared to bring home something a bit wobbly and "look what I made, Mum!", but no, it's proper good! Chris was extremely patient with me, he gave me all the support and encouragement I needed and was a really friendly companion, despite some of my senior moments! So, thanks Chris - keep up the good work! ?"

30 May 18'

Magnus Mowat reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have been to spend a day with Chris several times and have learnt an enormous amount and am developing my own workshop and skills. Chris is very knowledgable and endlessly patient! And I enjoy every minute of it. Magnus Mowat"

16 May 18'

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

"Fantastic day !! The course was arranged by my girlfriend for my birthday. I thouroughly enjoyed the day; a very warm and friendly welcome from Chris, my instructor. Chris is a highly qualified woodturner and a member of the register of professional turners. The course started with a safety briefing and issue of safety visor and protective smock. With Chris's valued help and expert instruction I made a lovely sycamore fruit bowl !!.... from start to finish ... from mounting the face plate, attaching workpiece to lathe and the final sanding and oil finish (using 6 grades of sandpaper)...... great day. THANK YOU, I LEARNT SO MUCH. We are staying in touch to continue my wood turning skills p.s.Chris thanks for the tea and chocolate biscuits !!"

27 Apr 18'

Linda Jackson reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I recently spent a day with Chris at his woodturning workshop. Chris has a lovely calm manner and a wealth of knowledge about his craft. With his easy teaching style, I am very pleased to have learned a new skill. I had a really great day."

23 Apr 18'

laraine shapley reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"A very patient man with excellent teaching skills. He is very health and safety conscious and I was provided with a special tunic along with full face protection. Amazing what you can do when you try and I produced a fine sycamore fruit bowl all on my own with one to one guidance from the expert. He also has beautiful work available to buy from his own collection. It is a full day and needs concentration, very enjoyable."

30 Mar 18'

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

"I recently decided to try woodturning and bought a second hand lathe and tools. In order to feel confident and to try and avoid becoming self taught, with all the bad habits that learning that way brings, my wife bought me two days of tuition with Chris at his workshop in Ashburton. After having had to reschedule in order to avoid work commitments of mine, which Chris was unbelievably tolerant of and accommodating, I have just had my two days with Chris and can only echo everyone else's glowing reviews of his patient and excellent tuition. He immediately puts you at ease and explains in easy to grasp language what we are there to achieve. His affable manner and friendly professional skills make it a treat to learn the rudiments of wood turning. His lathes and workshop are amazing, his teaching is second to none. I came away from the two days of one to one tuition with an enormous enthusiasm for my future hobby, a respect for the tools that we use and a true regard for the materials that we can turn into such things of beauty. I will book another course with Chris after I have honed my basic skills a bit more and can return to show him how his training has helped me. Beginner like me or keen hobby turner; all would benefit from time with Chris in his workshop. I can't recommend his courses highly enough. A true craftsman."

16 Mar 18'

Joy reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I can only repeat all the good things said about Chris in other comments. I had a wonderful day woodturning in a wonderful setting on the edge of Dartmoor. Chris very carefully and patiently explained every step to this complete beginner, including correct and safe use of tools and equipment. By the end of the day I managed to produce a beautiful sycamore bowl, admittedly with lots of help! Would thoroughly recommend."

5 Mar 18'

Graham HOWELL reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Wow! Not just an outstanding introduction to wood turning but also a man (or equally a woman) shed experience. No fear of dehydration with copious tea on this two day course a mile or so on the moor side of Ashburton. Sufficient time to get to grips with basic principals and create two bowls with constructive helpful advice and guidance. Useful advice on what tools to start with and how to sharpen and maintain them. As for the "Crac" we covered most topics and the world's problems are sorted."

2 Mar 18'

Mei Lim reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I would be gilding the lily if I repeated all the good things everyone has said about this most patient, professional teacher and craftsman. So I will just say 5 stars all round. Go and do a course with this consummate craftsman.. even his workshop is a treat to visit. Even his tea making is second to none."

17 Feb 18'

Adrian C reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"The course was a Christmas gift from my parents and in-laws and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Chris is so careful to explain the whole process from basics to the more skilled steps and is great company throughout the day. The bowl I produced far exceeded my expectations of what I thought I was capable of and the whole day was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended"

17 Feb 18'

Rebecca C reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"My husband and I spent an extremely enjoyable day crafting a beautiful sycamore bowl under Chris ‘s expert eye. He is an excellent and very patient tutor and always able to correct any beginner’s mistakes and set you back on the right path. We would highly recommend Chris’s course to anyone."

15 Feb 18'

Savannah Southcott reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"A lovely day of woodturning tuition. Chris is very patient and clearly knowledgeable and experienced in the subject. The day was very relaxed and pleasant. Chris was chatty and put me at ease. I made a beautiful bowl of sycamore."

10 Feb 18'

Martyn Satterly reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I had a really enjoyable day learning woodturning with chris. He's extremely knowledgeable, likeable and a patient teacher. It definitely feels like he wants you to leave with a product that is finished to a good standard and nothing feels rushed. Tea and lunchbreaks were also good as conversation was varied and interesting and chocolate biscuits were on tap! I would definitely recommend this course to a complete beginner like myself or a self taught hobby turner. He also has a display cabinet with some beautifully made pieces for sale. Highly recommended!"

5 Feb 18'

Grace Simmonds reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"I have just spent a wonderful day with Chris learning woodturning with two friends. I have learnt lots of techniques along the way. Chris is a fantastic teacher and extremely patient! I’m really pleased with my end product and can’t wait to go again!! Thank you Chris - that’s one thing I’ve done off my bucket list and thoroughly enjoyed it. You are a master craftsman ?"

5 Feb 18'

Clare Knight reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"What a brilliant day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the patience of a saint! Went with two friends. We all managed to make a beautiful bowl learning a variety of techniques. Even when we made mistakes Chris managed to save the day with amazing skill he has gleaned over 50 years of woodworking. Can I come again please ?"

19 Dec 17'

Lee Veale reviewed: Learn to Turn in the Dartmoor National Park

"Chris was the perfect teacher, calm, professional at all times, inspiring and his love for woodturning is infectious. The workshop was clean with good kit to work with. I would recommend anyone to go to Chris, for any level of woodturning, his health and safety was outstanding. We will be going back."