Devon Wood Crafts

Peter SCott reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"A day with Colin The moment you arrive at Colin’s beautiful home, in the most stunning setting in the heart of the Cornish countryside you immediately get embraced by the warmth and confidence this man projects. There is a great expression “there are those who talk it and those who do” and this was obvious with Colin’s wealth of knowledge on all aspects of wood turning. Immediately he put me at ease, knowing the day was going to provide me with a great insight into wood turning. I have watched the video’s, read the books, but in the next few hours I understood more about the fine details of the art of turning wood. His very pleasant and encouraging manner encouraged me to say if I did not fully understand, without feeling I was being difficult or thick. Colin explained the background of each of the principles of every process, often assumed as a simple craft but his depth of working skills showed me how to turn wood correctly in a controlled and safe manner, that produced a quality of finish that hardly required any sanding. Coupled with the same skills in finishing, produced two pieces at the end of the day which I smile at every time I look at. A day that I will remember and call upon every time I turn a piece of wood. Peter Scott"

Robert D reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"We gave this one day course to our Grandson aged 16. He loved it, he made lots of things and learned so much. Colin was a very good teacher. Thank you so much for a brilliant day."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

" Thank you for this review, Robert. I am delighted that Thomas enjoyed the day. He was a pleasure to teach and will be welcomed back any time. Kind regards, Colin"

Mark Dippnall reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin has the patience of a saint. Very knowledgeable and nice guy. What a great experience, I wanted to know more about the tools and methods and also had time to turn a lovely bowl made from Ash. Would definitely recommend."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

" Thank you, Mark, I also enjoyed the day. Happy and safe turning! Regards, Colin"

Lachlan Rowland reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"As a novice with an entry-level lathe, I needed proper tuition and introduction to equip me to safely and competently begin to turn wood. I took the one-day beginner's course with Colin, and it could not have been better. Over the course of the day, I learned everything I had hoped to, about the turning tools and their specific applications, approaching the wood, turning it, and finishing. In fact, I learned a great deal more than that, in the course of some excellent, patient tuition and demonstration. At the end of the day I had two very presentable finished turned items, that had exercised a lot of different techniques and skills in their execution. I also had been properly introduced to the workings of the lathe, safety advice, information on workpiece finishes: waxes, shellac, linseed, mineral oil. Tool selection and purpose, sharpening, with regard to their composition (carbon or HSS steel) were also covered. I came away more competent and confident (and therefore safer) than when I arrived, itching to get back to my small workshop and put the techniques into practice. Colin referred to detailed handouts with comprehensive photographs for reference during the day - actually magazine articles he has written previously - and they comprise virtually an encyclopaedia for beginner wood-turners to refer to. He sent me an electronic version which is going to be an invaluable reference. I highly recommend Colin's course to beginners - I can see me returning for an advanced version once what I have now learned has been practised and bedded in."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

" Thanks for this great review, Lachlan. It is much appreciated. I hope to see you again sometime. In the meantime ... happy and safe turning. Regards, Colin"