Devon Wood Crafts reviews

Andy Lock reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Loved the course! Colin is friendly, knowledgeable and, above all, patient! Never thought I would come away from my first time woodturning with a couple of pieces that didn't entirely look like they'd been made by a three-year-old! Had an absolutely great day and would thoroughly recommend Colin's course to anyone looking for an introduction to woodturning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for your comments regarding the day Andy. I also enjoyed it. If you have any follow up questions, please get in touch. Regards, Colin"

Martin Hann reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I did a full day course with Colin, I had done a small amount of wood turning before but I found out that my technique was not quite right, with Colins help he has put me in the right direction. I made a goblet and a bowl so using a lot of different techniques. Colin has had many years of full time experience, he was easy to talk to and I found the whole day a delight. I would fully recommend anybody what ever level you are at to spend a day with Colin. "

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Many thanks for this review, Martin. If I can help in the future, please get in touch. Regards, Colin"

Paul Walsh reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"A fantastic day learning a new skill. Having never done any woodturning previously, Colin has a huge amount of experience and he fully explained every part of the process and the reasons why it was done that way. He was very patient with me, even when he had to repeat instructions often in a short space of time. After a great day I was able to take home a lovely turned bowl and an egg cup. I completely loved the whole experience and I now want to continue my learning and practice what I have been taught, but my problem is now finding space to fit the equipment in. I recommend Colin to anyone who wants to try their hand at this amazing skill."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for this feedback, Paul, it is appreciated. "

Neville Devonport reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"A great day. Colin is a highly skilled woodturner, and a very good teacher. He is also good company. I recommend this to anyone interested in starting out or developing woodturning skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Many thanks for this Neville. I hope I will be able to help in the future. Regards, Colin"

Bex reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Excellent instruction and take away documents that are invaluable. Calm and informative. Appreciated that even though I was running late the course was not cut short. I hope to further train with Colin one day! "

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks for this feed back, Rebecca. It is very much appreciated. If I can help in the future, please get in touch. Regards, Colin"

Debbie Miller reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Thank you so much for such an informative day. I definitely came away feeling much more confident and with knowledge to be able to do more turning with better technique. I really appreciated you teaching style, a good mix of demonstration, hands on experience, and time to try and master what was being taught. I highly recommend Colin to anyone new to turning."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Debbie. Enjoy your woodturning and if I can help in the future, please get back in touch. Regards, Colin"

Simon McGuirk reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a fabulous day out. Colin was incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. His confidence and patience enabled me to turn a couple of terrific pieces. He also provided clear foundations about how I might build on my newfound skills. The lunch, endless cups of tea and Colin's good company helped make for a great day. Like many others, I plan to return once I have honed my new-found skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Simon, it is much appreciated. If I can help in the future, please do not hesitate to get back in touch."

Mike Gorham reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin was very supportive. Great teaching and I came away with a couple of beautiful pieces "

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this feedback, Mike. I enjoyed the day and the challenge of helping you make the natural edged yew bowl. I'm glad you found the day rewarding and you should be very pleased with the pieces you made. If I can help in the future please do not hesitate to get back in touch. Regards, Colin"

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"

Michael Hickman reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a little previous experience, which through lack of use had been mostly lost. Colin patiently and kindly built confidence in me that I had not had before. My skills, although still needing much work, are definitely building on a better foundation than before. I would encourage anyone looking to improve any aspect of their wood turning to call upon Colin's experience and skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Mike. Enjoy your turning. Please get back in touch if I can help in the future. Regards, Colin"

Miles Tyzack reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"My wife was able to book the course with Colin at short notice, as a surprise for my birthday whilst we were caravanning in Devon. Colin was very welcoming, and created a relaxed atmosphere over the first of many coffees and I explained that my knowledge was limited to having watched a few online videos and previously admiring other peoples creations at various craft fairs. Colin first outlined the agenda for the beginners course and then showed me the lathes which we were going to use for the day in his extensive workshop. I felt that Colin’s tutoring was pitched perfectly, and clearly down to his extensive knowledge and experience. At the end of the morning I really felt I had created my first masterpiece!! - with first class explanations and demonstration, with only limited intervention from Colin when required. The morning had flown by, so we stopped for an enjoyable light lunch before commencing the afternoon session on a contrasting more delicate item, with different skills and detail being explained and observed. On completion of this task, Colin then took time to show me how the tools are sharpened before answering my questions regarding what level of equipment would be suitable to embark on my new hobby. The extensive course notes with pictures and text which are provided as part of the package will be a very useful reminder and reference for the future. Full marks to my wife for booking the course, and 10/10 to Colin for a most informative, enjoyable and well presented introduction to woodturning - which I would recommend to anybody."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Miles, it is much appreciated. Please get in touch if I can help in the future. Regards, Colin"

John Willcox reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"What a fun day ! With no experience and little knowledge Colin was a fantastic teacher who immediately put you at ease with his relaxed style and great hospitality. The teaching was at a brilliant pace with patience and care which not only covered the techniques of woodturning but also stance and posture to establish good habits from the outset. To then come away with two pieces of finished work was truly exciting. All this with a great sense of humour made the day fly past in an instant so thank you Colin for a wonderful experience ??"

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you John for this great review. I also enjoyed the day and your company. I am delighted that you enjoyed the day and, if I can help in the future, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Enjoy you turning. Colin"

Roger Hall reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had a great day with Colin. We started the day in the best possible way with a cup of tea! Then straight on to the business. He answered all my questions clearly and patiently. Although I had done some turning, Colin showed me the right way of doing it which included things that were obvious when mentioned to me but not things I had previously thought about. I have now turned a couple of pieces that I am extremely pleased with thanks to Colin’s guidance. I can only say that it was a fantastic day which flew by too quickly. I highly recommend the course."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you or this review Roger. If I can help in the future, please get back in touch."

Jeff Slade reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"What an enjoyable and valuable day this proved to be. As an experienced woodworker this was another skill I am seeking to add and Colin proved to be the perfect teacher for me. His knowledge skillset and patience were amazing and he was more than able to answer all of my questions fully and practically-I always have a thirst for knowledge and in Colin's case I was not disappointed. He covered so many areas for me -from how to cut blanks from logs ,sharpening and so many other topics and in particular where I was struggling to master the skew chisel. I came home with my mind overwhelmed by the input of information but have now downloaded the various articles Colin has written (and provided) so that I can make best use of his teaching. I cannot recommend highly enough this this one to one course and I hope to go for another in the future to further my skills."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this review, Jeff. It is very much appreciated. If I can help in the future with your woodturning, please do not hesitate to get back in touch. Colin"

James reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"This was my first-ever experience of woodturning, and my only foray into woodwork since a spectacularly dismal performance at school in the early 1980's, where my main output was shavings. I could not have been in better hands, as Colin is patient, extremely knowledgeable and personable, and I came away with two pieces that make this absolute novice feel competent in the craft. Obviously there is a lot more to learn, but Colin's wisdom and experience encapsulated in the comprehensive tuition notes will give me the confidence to grow my skills. I cannot recommend this course highly enough."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you,James If I can help in the future please get back in touch. Regards, Colin"

Anthony Spiers reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"My wife bought me a day with Colin wood turning as a present. My lathe experience was 59 years ago, and at school! One of my best and most memorable days. Colin is a great teacher, listens to his student and is careful to pitch the day at the level of the student, with enough challenge to keep you on your toes. He is very attentive and ensures you are aware of any bad practices (I was about to make many!) A really great day, I am delighted with how much I learned, Colin is a pleasure and inspiring, an excellent teacher! I am recommending his workshops to all, both friends and strangers! Thank you Colin for such a treat experience."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for this great review, Tony. I am delighted you had such a good day. If I can help more in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Colin"

Adrian Barnes reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"An excellent 2 days, course was set at my pace & covered everything I wanted and a bit more."

Jim Walker reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I’ve had a hankering to take up Woodturning for a few years now. I booked two consecutive days with Colin, what a wise decision. Fantastic, relaxed, friendly and patient tuition. I left with a lovely bowl and box, a head full of good advice and enthusiasm to build a workshop and fill it with the required machinery, tools and equipment to continue this journey. Thank you very much, Colin. I will be booking further improver courses in 2022 and appreciate your vast knowledge and shared advice, which has already saved me far more than the cost of the course in striking un-required tools and machinery from my shopping list. Will keep in touch and no doubt pester for opinions as my shopping list focuses further."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you for your review, Jim. Keep in touch and if I can help in any way in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Colin"

Jonathan Court reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I have been wood turning for only a few weeks and a day with a professional teacher is well worth it. I would recommend a course with Colin for anyone wishing to improve on whatever skills they have. In my case my skills were pretty basic, but Colin taught me a lot of quite impressive techniques that allowed me, with Colin's help, to turn a very nice bowl which is the first serious thing I have made. I then started on a egg-cup but didn't have enough time to finish it. I think it is worth putting in the effort to make one really satisfying piece and the egg-cup is still nice to look at. In helping me turn the bowl, Colin made it clear that he is a perfectionist and the slightest blemish on the wood has to be corrected. I was amazed when, as I was doing something wrong, with one finger Colin corrected the angle of the gouge without visibly doing anything. I must ask him again how he did this in the hope that I get the angle better next time."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Jon. Happy and safe turning and if I can help in the future, please get in touch. Colin"

Daniel Forster reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin was friendly, patient and combined great teaching skills and his vast knowledge to provide an excellent 1 day introduction to woodturning course for me. I could not have hoped to learn more in a single day. Colin also sent reading material in advance which helped me to maximise what I was able to learn on the day, and sent me further useful information after the course responding to a question I had asked during the day and the web address of a local woodturning club I could attend. I really enjoyed the day and was absolutely delighted with the bowl I took home with me at the end of it. Would happily recommend."

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thank you Dan. I am pleased you enjoyed your day with me."

Morris reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

".As Colin's web page indicates, he is prepared to tailor the tuition to your wishes. I sent him details of that which I wanted to cover and he did so in a clear and structured manner. He was patient and tolerant of my (many) mistakes and I really learned a great deal. His workshop is well fitted but there is plenty of room to observe his demonstrations and to work at the lathes. I highly recommend the training given by Colin – thank you. Also, lunch was very nice!"

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"Thanks, Morris and if I can help in the future, please get back in touch. Please also let me know if the day just "scratched an itch" that you had or whether you intend to take woodturning further. Regards, Colin"

Parisa Wright reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Instead of gifting more "stuff" to clutter the home / planet, my father's 70th birthday gift was a day's wood turning day course with myself and our fantastic teacher / wood turning guru for the day - Colin Simpson. We both love creativity and crafting and, though neither of us had done wood turning before, we had a super fun and productive day. Colin was a friendly and experienced teacher and we each went home with a beautiful bowl and a gorgeous egg cup that we had made ourselves (each made from a beautiful but sustainable piece of wood - from a dead tree that had fallen locally). Lunch of a delicious cheese board, fresh rolls and tomatoes from the garden was a real treat too! We were with Colin for almost 8 hours and every moment was either interesting or fun - a wonderful experience which my father and I both loved. It was also quite a mindful experience where all the worries of the world fell away as you strove to master the tools and processes you were taught. Finally I was delighted to see that the experience was an even more eco gift than previously imagined because Colin uses an air source heat pump and solar panels for energy - absolutely wonderful! A fantastic teacher, a great sustainable ethos and a wonderful day!"

Devon Wood Crafts responded:

"I am so pleased that you both enjoyed your day with me and thanks for this lovely review. Best wishes, Colin"