Mark Hancock reviews

John Pinner reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I've been talking of starting woodturning for years. Finally got to start after I was bought a lathe and a set of chisels for my birthday, along with this 2 day course. Because of covid it was 6 months until i could get to Mark's course. So all my turning was done from you tube and trial and error. (Mostly error) After the initial excitement had worn off, I was getting increasingly frustrated, destroying more pieces than I was finishing. Loved my 2 days spent with Mark, a great teacher and very patient. We ran over on day 2, probably down to me asking so many questions, and even though we finished almost an hour and half late, i was never rushed into getting finished. Loved our chats over lunch, which were completely unrelated to woodturning. Spent all of sunday spinning bits of wood in my workshop, can't believe the difference its made. I can now make more than just firewood."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you John. Hope you've got that bowl gouge ordered. All the best, Mark"

John Hopkins reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had a full day course with Mark and I found it a truely excellent day. I picked up so many skills, techniques and information, it is a perfect way to start or get back into turning. Mark is a really skilful woodturner and his knowledge is very well founded and most importantly makes sense. His attention to detail, particularly with regards to H & S is fantastic. Mark's teaching manner is exceptional. He is very patient but also keeps you up to a task. He is considerate and helpful and if you need correcting in any way, Mark does it in a very constructive and encouraging way, If you wish to re-ignite your passion, progress your skill or start from the begining, I would thoroughly recommend Mark Hancock. Thanks Mark!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you John. I really appreciate your comments. All the best, Mark"

Bruce Cottrill reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"An absolutely brilliant day! Mark is a highly skilled craftsman but he's obviously passionate about passing on his skills, and does so in a friendly, patient way! He has a well equipped workshop, and goes through all aspects of wood turning, including safety, tool selection and maintenance, types of wood and how to handle them. He followed up the day with lots of useful information, and I ended up with a beautiful wood bowl ... with which I'm well pleased! Thanks Mark for a great day and a great learning experience. I can't wait to get turning!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Bruce. Hope you get that lathe soon."

Ken MacDonald reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"An absolutely brilliant day spent with Mark. I learnt so much. If you would like to take up woodturning I would thoroughly recommend this course."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thanks Ken When you get those tools get in touch and I'll sort out the profiles for you. All the best Mark"

Peter Docker reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Absolutely brilliant. Mark is clearly both a passionate and highly-skilled wood turner. More than that, he has the ability to share his in-depth knowledge of his craft in an engaging and effective way that inspires and encourages. As well as teaching technique, Mark also offers fabulous insights into the design and art of turning, together with nurturing an appreciation and respect of the natural material. His wealth of experience goes beyond just the 'hands-on' and sheds light on what to watch out for when buying equipment and finding your way through the maze of terminology. This alone has the potential to easily save you the cost of the course by ensuring you avoid expensive purchasing mistakes! Mark's energy and commitment to his student is second to none. I have no hesitation giving Mark the highest possible recommendation. As I said, absolutely brilliant. Thank you!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Peter for that fantastic review. You know where I am when you start setting up. All the best Mark"

David Pinner reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A superb, full-on day with Mark. The tuition was well structured and the rationale behind the techniques and principles was excellent. All of the tips on equipment and good or bad practices were backed up fully by the printed materials he provided and these will be a great resource for me as I go forward. Would recommend this course to all beginners."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank Dave for the recommendation. All the best Mark"

Alexandra reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Spent 2 fantastic days with Mark. He’s a mine of information on all things wood turning. I had no real knowledge of wood turning apart from watching YouTube videos (now I can see what is good and bad practice!) The comprehensive notes and the time Mark took to explain things, including things off at a tangent ie embellishing was worth every penny spent. Could have done with 3 days just to absorb all the knowledge! Can’t recommend highly enough! Thank you so much Mark for starting me off in my wood turning journey, I’ll be back to learn how to turn vessels!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Hi Alexandra Thank you for your great review. Hope you get set up soon with your lathe etc. All the best Mark"

Robert Shorthouse reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This two day course was a birthday present from my family for a big birthday! I knew very little about woodturning even though I have a lathe in my workshop which I’d hardly used. I spent two days with Mark and he went through everything from sharpening tools to types of wood and safety etc I don’t think he missed anything out; it was very informative, my brain was well tested! Mark followed this up with a comprehensive email with lots of links and information for tools, equipment and books that I required to make the most of my lathe at home. I had a really good time; Mark is an excellent teacher and is good company. I now feel confident to go into my workshop and get onto my lathe thanks to Mark. I would recommend this course to all, a fantastic time had! 5 star Many thanks Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Bob for your wonderful review. I really appreciate it. All the best Mark"

Chris Chadd reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"A gift that was purchased for me by my wife. Spent two exhausting days but brilliant and informative with Mark. He left no stone unturned (apologies for the pun). Absolutely fantastic time, very educational and comprehensive coverage from process, tools, equipment, wood and last but certainly not least safety. All covered off with Mark's. Great teacher, went through everything from start to finish and keep a keen eye on what you did. Made great tea and coffee and we had some great conversation. Great course, would thoroughly recommend. Thanks Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you for your kind words."

Matt Middleton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a one on one day tuition with mark and it was worth its weight in gold. Mark is an excellent teacher with tremendous patients and his way of explaining turning methods are so practical and easy to understand that it made the day truly enjoyable and very beneficial. I feel that the days teaching coupled with the very in-depth notes will benefit me for years to come as i progress on my turning journey. Thanks Mark Cheers Mark"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you for taking the time to write and post a review on the Craft Course web site. I really appreciate it and the comments you made."

Nick Mason reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent an exhausting but brilliant day with Mark earlier this summer. He managed to cram so much in - unlocking the magic of this hobby, but always with an eye to the importance of safety. And all done with great humour and enthusiasm. Wholeheartedly recommend."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Nick. Receiving such feedback is the real incentive for what I do. All the best Mark"

Alison Simms reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Not a complete beginner but it was a 40 year gap since I last turned. Mark gave excellent communications beforehand even through Covid, deferring the course for a few months with no problem. Mark was very friendly, obviously highly talented and a very capable teacher, very patient even with my million questions. I emerged with a very respectable fruit bowl of which I did a large percentage of the work under his watchful eye. Highly recommended and he has given me a large amount of helpful blurb and has offered his knowledge on whatever I need him for in the future, thank you. An excellent day, hard work and enjoyable, 5 stars."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Hi Ross Bit confused at first by the name on the feedback response but soon realised it was you :-) Thank for taking the time to write your feedback and the comments made. All the best Mark"

Jeremy Arden reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent a day with Mark. Should have made it 2 days. Will be returning! I learned sufficiently to give me the confidence to get working on wood from my garden and to achieve acceptably good results. Mark made it look easy and engendered the belief that it would be easy for me too. Mark provided a good balance of skill, safety and enthusiasm. Highly recommended."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Jeremy. Hope you are making good use of that bowl gouge."

Matt Underwood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently had a 1-1 tuition day with Mark through a bursary. Having not had tuition for a few years it was good to recap some basics! Mark was very accomodating and flexible to my needs experimenting with thinly turned green flowers. It is clear how knowledgable Mark is and I went home with lots of notes of tips and tools to try. Mark is also very happy to offer help and support beyond the day - it's a very relaxed environment and I'm sure I'll be back for another day!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Matt for your comments. It'll be interesting to see how the flowers have developed."

James Titley reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Great course. Went through everything a beginner could want, but clearly moved with your needs and skills. Mark was patient and supportive throughout the whole two days. Not just on how to achieve the skills, but had a thorough knowledge of kit, tools, equipment that you may want to set yourself up. Definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in wood turning - whatever your level"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Jim for your feedback. Enjoy your new hobby."

tony mulhall reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Being a complete novice with no background in wood turning and certainly no equipment or tools getting the right training was always the top of my priorities. My two days with Mark was easily the best value for money, not just in terms of wood turning but also in buying the right kit for the right money and wasting nothing. As I start to put my workshop together based on Mark’s advice and guidance I am sure I have saved more than the cost of his training by not buying some of the things I had on my wish list. Mark’s approach to training on a one to one basis goes way beyond instruction, he coaches his students on all aspects of wood turning with instant feedback and advice as you work at the lathe. He patiently provided expert guidance in response to my many questions. At the end of the course I felt confident to safely handle my tools at the lathe, I am now raring to get on with loads of practice on the lathe. The training was easily the best thing I have done for quite a while and I can see me returning for further training as my skills develop. Many thanks Tony"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Tony. I really appreciate your taking the time to write the review and the comments you've made."

James deakin reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"The two day course covered everything I hoped. My main objective was to learn how to sharpen tools and pick up on skills I thought I would remember from school 25 years ago. Mark diligently took me through my existing tools and we made a wish list of what I needed and can lust after. He managed my tangents and questions well and made excellent tea, I will be returning for more lessons. Mark shares his knowledge freely and makes it fun. I could not recommend highly enough and can not get the words unsupported edge out of my mind 8 weeks later! Thank you Mark."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you James for your feedback."

Lee Christie reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I recently attended Mark's 2 day complete basics course. Mark is a talented wood turner who is clearly passionate about passing on his vast knowledge, and equally passionate about quashing inaccurate information and myths readily available on the net. The course is well structured and crams everything a beginner like me needs to be confident in going it alone once finishing the course. Even after the course Mark is on hand to answer questions whatever they may be about. I would highly recommend this course to anybody looking to get into woodturning."

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Lee. Hope you are enjoying your new lathe. Mark"

Robert Holmwood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent the day with Mark which was very informative and enjoyable. Mark knows his craft and is happy to explain things again if it doesn't sink in the 1st time. He makes it look so easy. Need to practice now!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Rob"

Paul Undrell reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Just undertaken Mark's excellent course on the basics of wood turning. As a complete novice if was great to get sound advice on the tools you need (and don't need!) and to benefit from his wealth of experience on the techniques and safe working practices for turning. All delivered in a comprehensive, but understandable manner with a good dose of humour thrown in. Two full days so definitely value for money and a great experience. Thanks Mark!"

Emily B reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner to wood turning I found the day full interactive, covering everything I wanted - from tool maintenance, Parallel and cross grain turning. Mark was extremely patient and knowledgeable and tailored the course to my needs. I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending one of Mark’s courses."

David reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"I attended this 2 day course which was excellent. I was new to woodturning and so it was good that the course was so complete - ranging from health and safety, which tools to buy (or in some cases make), how to look after them and how to use them. All this supported by a thorough set of notes. Mark is a nice guy and very patient. He explains both the practice and, where necessary, the theory to provide a strong introduction to wood turning with lots of hands on practice. And what you learn is based very much on his years of experience and definite expertise. I'd highly recommend this to novices like me - and if you haven't bought the tools yet, wait to hear what he says."

Tim Wood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark is exceptional! Extremely knowledgeable, assesses ability to pitch the day at the right level, and communicates clearly and with good humour. The day was full of useful theory with the notes to support it, and lots of hands-on. We talked all day, exploring Mark's extensive experience, and nothing was too much trouble. A perfect day to really get me started in wood turning. I will have to go back when I have a few pieces under my belt."

Hugh Antram reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"Just finished an intense three day course with Mark in his workshop. Although I have done a bit of turning in the past, I needed to build my confidence and learn about all aspects of woodturning as part of my job is to train others on the lathe. Mark's course was well structured with plenty of handouts and covered Health & Safety, selection and conversion of timber, tool sharpening and different techniques on the lathe amongst other things. Mark taught me new, safer, more effective ways of turning, getting away from the generic old school methods I had used in the past. He is very clear and patient in his instruction and allows you to go at your own pace. His wealth of knowledge encourages you to ask plenty of questions and gain many new tips, and I certainly did that (sorry Mark!). On top of this, after the course he sent a very handy shopping list of tools and accessories that will improve things at work. I highly recommend Mark's courses whether you are a complete novice or have some experience, you won't be disappointed!"

simon whale reviewed: The complete basics of woodturning (2 days)

"This was my first time at wood turning. After a short but important safety brief we were turning. With Mark's guidance I was amazed that all the theory and advice Mark gave me I was turning and it felt so easy. Mark's constant advice and attention to detail gave me such satisfaction with my first attempts. I would strongly recommend the two days, as this give you the opportunity to get a basic feel on day one and then put your new found skill into action on day two. At the end of the course I was a proud man walking away with not only a beautiful bowl but a wealth of knowledge to start turning on my own lathe with confidence. Would happily go back for more with out hesitation. 10 out of 10. Thanks Mark"