Mark Hancock reviews

7 May 18'

Andrew Trigg reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"There is a reason why Mark has so many 5 star reviews. From the start of the day at 9:30am until we finished somewhere around 7:30pm Mark provided a relaxed and extremely informative session. As a complete novice to wood turning I was apprehensive at first, but Mark is a great teacher, and patience personified. By the end of the day I came away not only with a bowl I can be very proud of but also some new skills, a set of very comprehensive notes and the joy of having spent the day with a man that knows his craft inside out and is happy to share that knowledge and passion. The day after the course Mark set a full list of equipment that I would need to progress the hobby further, not affiliated to any one supplier, just based on his experience of what works best, along with links to local clubs. Which is great because after a day with Mark I can safely say I am hooked! Brilliant day, brilliant teacher. Thank you."

26 Apr 18'

Simon D reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I will repeat much of what other reviews have already said, Mark provides a great atmosphere for learning, questioning, practising and drinking tea. A relaxed approach where no question is considered too silly or left unanswered. Having inherited some turning equipment that I took with me, Mark helped me to understand how to use what I had as well as showing me how my turning will be so much easier and better with some small improvements, and perhaps one or two larger investments as well, the most important thing being that I have some options for pursuing this hobby at a pace suitable for me. A long day that passed very quickly, worth every penny, and Mark's follow up of internet links for resources arrived early the following morning. Fabulous service, thank you."

24 Apr 18'

Paul Zivtins reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What Mark does not know about wood turning is not worth knowing! An excellent tutor. He went through all aspects of the tools and equipment teaching and demonstrating. Only moved on to the next item once I had understood and practised a procedure. Such patience is rare to find. The day after I received more notes and advice that had been discussed during the training day. Excellent support. Mark is a true credit to the craft of wood turning. Genius."

17 Apr 18'

Sam Davies reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Can I give 6*? ?? A fabulous day which sadly is going to cost a lot of money because I'm now infected with the "bug"! and now need to buy a lathe!! Mark was patience personified. He wasn't pushy and is most definitely his own man; owing allegiance to no brand or school of thought. As a result he is pragmatic and phlegmatic. I am saving up for another day's training - so roll on my birthday :-) This man is a natural teacher and I whole heartedly encourage anyone to attend a taster day."

13 Apr 18'

Sarah and Chris reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My husband and I attended one of Mark’s one day courses recently and both came away with fabulous little bowls! We had to rearrange our original booked course because of the snow and Mark was really accommodating, fitting us in on Good Friday! We were both complete novices, and I was a bit apprehensive about damaging either myself or Mark’s equipment. But Mark was really patient, answering my many questions and talking us through what we would need to set up as hobby ‘turners’. His experience and knowledge is huge, and well demonstrated both in the practical help he gave us and in his advice. The bowls we made in the day surpassed my wildest expectations and I couldn’t have been more pleased. Fabulous, if very long, day. Well worth the money and the trip to Pershore!"

11 Apr 18'

James Deutsch reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Brilliant day of wood turning! From a complete beginner but with an interest in wood generally, I found the course to be really interesting - with something to show for it at the end of the day! Mark's knowledge, exacting standards and patience I found to be second to none. A genuinely nice guy and a cracking teacher all combined to a thoroughly enjoyable day. I am seriously considering how and when I could take up as a hobby - and when I do - likely to be back. Thank you so much!!"

10 Apr 18'

Phill Roberts reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have been woodturning for a few years now, all self taught. and my partner gave me a one day course with Mark. I learnt more in one day with Mark than I've learnt in years. Mark is an excellent teacher and the patience of a saint. A day with Mark is a day well spent. Thank you Mark."

10 Apr 18'

Glyn Fisher reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This was just the best start I could have had in wood turning. Mark is an exceptional teacher, his knowledge of equipment is huge, his expertise in the art of wood turning vast and his dedication to giving you all of the information and help you need is the stuff of legends. I learned so much from this day. Thanks Mark."

10 Apr 18'

Neil Child reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Brilliant day with Mark. Cant believe how much I learnt. I have a background in metal work using lathes , millers, drills etc and thought i could use the same techniques with wood and now realise how different the skills are. I am still using a belt drive 1950s metal lathe but have adapted it for the change in height and angles works but very slow so may have to invest in wood turning lathe. (bit stubborn though adapt and overcome ha ha) Mark was so patient and makes a generous amount of coffee. once again brilliant day with a very knowledgeable and skilled craftsman. Thanks Mark."

10 Apr 18'

Adrian Jones reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I spent a highly enjoyable and informative day with Mark recently, being a complete novice he was very patient with my questions and able to both provide answers and then demonstrate them. The course itself was very comprehensive and I feel that I would be confident making a start on my own. The additional information provided after the course is very useful - in particular the shopping list of recommended products to get started. Overall very highly recommended and I would not hesitate to return for another days tuition."

9 Apr 18'

Simon reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Came to Mark’s course having never touched a lathe before, and left with quite a complex bowl that I am exceedingly proud of. Mark was patient and informative and I came away very pleased at having learned the basics of a new skill."

5 Apr 18'

David Campbell reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Just completed a day’s tuition with Mark. To say you get value for money is an understatement. We started at 09:30 and finished at 19:30. I only started turning as a hobby just before Christmas 201. So that Mark could asses what knowledge I had, we covered the basics of the lathe and tools. I had with me the tools I have been using, so discussed different grinds on each. There is not enough time to cover all the items we discussed on the day which was massive. At the end of the day I came away with lovely bowl, but more importantly a lot of excellent information. Suffice to say, for anyone wanting to take up woodturning as a hobby or improve their technics, get in touch with Mark and you will not be disappointed with the amount of information you will gain in just a few hours. I usually never recommend anyone unless they deserve it (which is seldom) but Mark is one of the exceptions I make. I intend to get some practice in, and then arrange for another visit."

28 Mar 18'

Peveril Walsh reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My wife bought me a days course with Mark which I did this week. Mark is extremely enthusiastic and very knowledgeable about all aspects of wood turning and wood in general. This was my first attempt at wood turning having not used a lathe since my engineering days over 35 yrs ago. Mark is a true craftsman and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him and gain an insight into this craft. With Marks help and guidance I came away with a lovely bowl and very good advice on what he would recommend should I wish to take woodturning up as a hobby. This is something I will now consider doing more seriously as a result of spending the day with Mark. I would thoroughly recommend Marks course to anyone considering doing the same or simply just for the experience."

14 Mar 18'

Tom Magal reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have just had a one-on-one day course with Mark and I couldn't be happier with the whole experience. The day started with the basics of the lathe and tools, progressed through parallel grain turning techniques and finished ended with me turning a bowl from a piece of ash. The knowledge and expertise that Mark passed onto me is invaluable to me, and I thoroughly recommend his courses. Thanks for your patience with me Mark!"

6 Mar 18'

Mike Foss reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What an inspirational teacher Mark is. I did Mark's 1 day wood turning taster course (bought for me by my daughters). This is one of the best experiences I have had, learning from a master craftsman and walking away with a bowl that I can be proud of. Mark's passion for his craft and design aesthetics and safety aspects shine through as he patiently guides you through the equipment and basic turning techniques and imparts that precious knowledge he has to help you through the first tentative steps on what I hope will be a longer journey into the world of wood turning. The whole day was so enjoyable and I thoroughly recommend anyone, beginner or improver to contact Mark and reserve a slot with him - you won't be disappointed."

2 Mar 18'

Bill Bellamy reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A brilliant day all round! I am a complete novice and Mark patiently took me through all aspects of turning . From advice on kit to practical help with techniques. Safety is always a priority. He is a friendly, very experienced good teacher. The workshop is warm and coffee supplied. I thoroughly recommend the course."

1 Mar 18'

Anthony Culley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a very enjoyable and informative day with Mark. I had some specifics that I needed guidance on and during the day we dealt with those and a few more, including tool selection and sharpening. As a result I now need to do less sanding as I get a better finish directly from the chisels. A very worthwhile and thorough session with a very skilful, understanding and helpful professional. I plan another visit."

10 Feb 18'

David Greer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Thank you so much for the days tuition Mark, purchased for me a Christmas present. I had great time with you at your workshop. Your patience and encouragement with a complete beginner made for a very relaxed and thoroughly enjoyable experience. I am very proud of the bowl I came away with (even if there was some of your input into it!). I look forward to getting my ancient lathe up and running in the not too distant future. Thanks again and best regards."

9 Feb 18'

Chris Coleman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am an absolute beginner, but Mark's knowledge, experience and relaxed manner put you immediately at ease. I cannot rate this training highly enough - I came away with a huge amount of knowledge, advice and what feels like a full range of practical skills. I now feel confident to begin building up my own workshop and turning items! As others have said, the time flies by since Mark makes the subject so absorbing - and he really doesn't want you to finish until he has imparted as much information as he can. I will be booking again to move onto the next level! Finally I cannot finish without mentioning how modest Mark is. Anyone who has seen the pieces Mark produces will be hugely impressed by his skill and artistic vision, and yet he genuinely loves the simple activity of taking the most basic log, turning it round and making a pile of shavings. Just go ahead and book!"

7 Feb 18'

Paul Gasson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have been turning for 25 years on and off self taught in my shed. Never had a chance to do a course because of the job i did but i retired last year wife gave me a day with Mark as a christmas present. Mark gave me a lot of good advice on what to buy and what not to buy. He also showed me where i was going wrong with a lot of the bad habits i had to taught my self. I will definitely go back for some more tuition when i have tryed to put into practice some of the things i was shown"

31 Jan 18'

Sian reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Absolutely fantastic day. I am a complete novice and finished the day feeling confident to have a go at wood turning on my own. Mark covered a huge amount in one day with great handouts and loads of information about what to buy and not to buy. I would definitely recommend the day and hope to go back for more help after some practicing on my own. Thanks Mark - a great day."

22 Jan 18'

Andy Falconer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Spent two days last week with Mark learning about wood turning and what a fantastic time I had! Mark is very skilled and knowledgeable at his trade and he is very good at putting just enough (plus a bit more) information to you to suit your own needs and ability. Whilst not a stranger to working with tools and machinery, I was a novice to wood turning - but no longer - I came away with my head buzzing (with info) but the ability to carry out wood turning confidently and safely on my own lathe (which is being installed and set up imminently). I was enthusiastic about attending the course and came away even more enthusiastic about taking up wood turning as a serious hobby and I would highly recommend training with Mark. So thanks again, ever so, Mark and hope to meet up again in the near future and beyond. Happy New Wood Turner!"

14 Jan 18'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am a returning student to Mark. He gave me a lesson on how to sharpen tools in depth. As my goal is to be a professional woodturner, I need somebody to guide me in the right direction. If you are looking for a woodturning expert, he is the person you can rely on and will give you all the information he has got. During and after the lesson, I had always been happy. I am still happy when I think of the lesson with him. That is why I am returning whenever I need help to upgrade skills or to cure my bad habit for sound and safe woodturning. Thanks again Mark and happy woodturning everybody!!"

22 Dec 17'

Richard Darkin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having no other previous wood turning experience other than from a school D&T project 25 years ago, I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Mark. Mark covered a lot of ground during the day with a good balance of theory, technical advice, demonstrations and hands-on experience, and I came away from the day with a beautiful bowl that Mark helped me turn and a strong desire to take up wood turning as a hobby or potential business avenue. Mark is very friendly, calm and helpful, and he generously gave me a lot of tailored advice and knowledge. His workshop is very welcoming and orderly, with the wood burning stove going throughout a cold winter's day. Under Mark's guidance, my initial nervousness about using the lathe soon disappeared, and I felt my confidence and ability in handling the tools, materials and techniques build and build during the day. Mark has also very kindly sent me some very useful suggestions and links for equipment, tools, books and wood turning groups that are local to me. I would thoroughly recommend booking a day's course with Mark, and I hope to do so again in the future."

15 Dec 17'

Helen Nolan reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My children bought me a days course as a gift. I was quite nervous as I’m a real beginner. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and left feeling much more confident. We covered so much and I also came away with written notes and a lovely bowl that has really impressed my children!! Mark is an excellent teacher and very knowledgeable. I would definitely recommend this course."