Mark Hancock reviews

18 May 17'

Malcolm Rouse reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have been turning on and off for approximately 15 years, totally self-taught so had probably picked up a few bad habits along the way!! The days course with Mark was given to me as a 60th birthday gift by family members . I attended with some trepidation as to whether some of my previous projects that I was asked to take along would receive criticism or worst still ridicule. However, I need not have worried as it was an excellent and most enjoyable day and Marks initial comments about my efforts were both positive and encouraging. I was shown how to sharpen my own tools properly and how to use them correctly, but also more, importantly, how not to use them! His workshop is clean, tidy and well laid out. Mark appears to have the patience of a saint with a no rush approach as he was happy to take the time to explain any points over again just to ensure that I understood. All information from the day was given as a printed handout which will be really useful, as there was a lot to take in on such a long day. I definitely learned a great deal and have no hesitation in recommending the day to anyone, whatever skill level their turning is at. Thank you Mark, it was a pleasure to spend a day in the company of someone who is very knowledgeable in the art of turning, is a good tutor and clearly enjoys and has a passion for what you do."

14 May 17'

Jason Cook reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I just spent an excellent day with Mark learning the basics of Woodturning in an experience that will stay with me for a very long time. My day to day activities are in an office and so far removed from Woodturning that I was apprehensive about how the day would go, especially given my total lack of experience in this craft or anything like it. Mark quickly put me at ease and my confidence grew and grew under his expert tuition. From the first minute to the last this was a fantastic day with Mark showing considerable patience and great knowledge. At the end of a long day (in a good way) I came out with something I'd always wanted and had actually made myself. I'd thoroughly recommend Mark and his tuition and can't thank him enough (or my wife for the gift of the experience day)!"

9 May 17'

Jon Southall reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"If you want to know anything about woodturning, I suggest you book a day at Marks well equipped workshop. My 15 year old son and myself spent the whole day under Marks excellent tuition. As complete novices, he was very patient with us, but shared his vast knowledge over a long day that we both enjoyed. Lots of expert advice was given through out the day, all supplied on reference sheets to take home and study at our leisure. Thanks again Mark."

21 Apr 17'

Tom Crowther reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Like many people I did a bit of woodturning at school - then life happened, and always in the back of my mind it was something I thought I'd go back to. Now I've retired that is exactly what I'm doing and I thought it would be better to get a bit of tuition and guidance before I went out and spent real money on a lathe and all the necessary tools. I'd also quite like to pursue a career in turning without killing myself or anybody nearby - so safety was another priority for me. How glad I am that I found and booked this course! Mark had obviously put a lot of thought into our prior e-mails and the day was tailored exactly to what I needed and Mark's no-nonsense style of instruction was perfect for me. We covered the various types of lathe and features that are essential/desirable/nice-to have or just gimmicky - and the same with tools and sharpening equipment. Mark also gave me a wealth of contacts, websites etc as sources of further information. Then we spent all afternoon doing practical exercises using all of the five main types of chisel - culminating in the production of a beautiful (I can say that because Mark did the clever bits) little bowl from a piece of green apple wood. An exceptionally enjoyable, informative and rewarding day. Once I have spent some time practising the basics I will be back for a next-level-up course - hopefully before very long. To anybody in a similar position to myself - make sure you do this course. Without it you will almost certainly waste a lot of money and quite likely do yourself some physical harm."

20 Apr 17'

Ray Cook reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Forget sweaters, books or ornaments, which often end up at the back of the cupboard destined for the charity shop. My one day tuition with Mark was one of the best presents I have ever had. I went with an open mind but left many hours later, fired with enthusiasm and admiration. Mark is an excellent tutor and I now feel able to take on a new hobby. Thank you"

12 Apr 17'

William Grech reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I found the day with Mark really enjoyable especially as I came home with a very nice looking bowl. I had the taster day which basically meant it was an introduction to woodturning but as we went along Mark would answer my many questions allowing me to get an appreciation of the tools and costs involved in starting up myself. He was patient and personable and never made me feel under pressure. He was also very generous with his time and we worked until the bowl was complete and to a good standard . He has also been kind enough to offer support and advice to help set myself up with the necessities to get started in the future. I would not hesitate in recommending the day with Mark as an introduction to woodturning."

8 Apr 17'

David Owen reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have been turning for just over a year, self-taught and was given a day course with Mark as a birthday gift. It was an excellent day. Mark showed me how to sharpen my tools properly and how to use them, and, importantly, how not to use them! All information was also given as a printed handout which is really useful as there is so much to take in. I feel I learned a great deal and would recommend the day to anyone, whatever level their turning as Mark will tailor the day to what you want from it."

31 Mar 17'

Brian Price reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A very interesting day, although I had done a bit of wood turning many years ago, I learned things that day I had not heard mentioned before. I was very impressed with Marks method of instruction and patience . He brought my old set of tools back to life as good as new. Very impressed with the follow up . Many thanks, Brian"

9 Mar 17'

Philippe Lacey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A great day for a complete novice. Mark's style is easy-going with the perfect balance of telling you how to do things, but also why they need to be done that way. Well paced learning and doing, with a bowl I had made myself at the end of the of day, I cannot recommend this too much."

4 Mar 17'

Neil Paulley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a novice to woodturning the course provided me with an excellent introduction, and it was a very worthwhile and enjoyable day. Mark provides a wealth of essential information and is a very patient and encouraging teacher,"

28 Feb 17'

Chris Holland reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"So glad that I treated myself to this course. Mark is very patient and gives detailed tuition with a very hands on approach. The whole day was very relaxed but informative at the same time. Having now managed to turn a bowl without horrible end grain tear out I am looking forward to getting back to my workshop to put all that I have learned into practice."

3 Feb 17'

Ray Lewis reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Thanks Mark for a fantastic day. You tailored the day perfectly to my ability giving quality instruction, both theoretical and practical, when required and also allowed me the freedom to work on my own. It was very satisfying to leave with a completed piece of work at the end of the day."

1 Feb 17'

Peter Venables reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Like the last reviewer, I turned up on a cold day to a warm welcome. Mark's attentive but non critical tuition was just what I needed as an amateur turner. Some of the practice I had got into was dangerous, some of it did not give a good finish, and a reasoned alternative was always available from Mark with the the time to practice it. I am looking forward to the getting onto my lathe and putting Mark's tuition into practice."

29 Jan 17'

Sean reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Great course, well presented. Enjoyed the day, I would recommend this course to anyone interested in woodturning Sean"

23 Jan 17'

Neil reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"The course was well planned and delivered by Mark, he was very good at passing on his knowledge and experience of wood turning. I thoroughly enjoyed my day and never thought I would leave having made a wooden bowl without the help and guidance from Mark."

20 Jan 17'

Dave Clark reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had a very enjoyable day, with one to one tuition. Learned quite a lot about wood-turning, many things I would never have realised without instruction. Also found out what I was doing wrong! Altogether a very useful and informative day. Would recommend Mark to anybody who wants to learn about wood-turning from an expert. Thanks Mark! PS the coffee was excellent!"

16 Jan 17'

Martin Lane reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A most enjoyable and inspiring day. Mark is an excellent tutor; patient, clear with his instructions and imparting a wealth of knowledge and advice on equipment, technique and safety. I attended a one day course and came a way with a real sense of achievement, having a had a thoroughly good day. Pieces of spare wood have far more potential than I once thought. Now for the purchase of a lathe and tools with which to realise their potential ! Many thanks."

15 Jan 17'

Adam Gopsill reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I received this course as a birthday present as I was looking into buying a lathe and wanted to get some expert guidance before I went out and bought all the wrong tools. Mark was an excellent teacher and will give a plethora of valuable honest advice on what to get and what to avoid in regards to tools and types of wood to use. Not only that, you'll learn how to turn properly, giving lots of time and effort saving techniques which can only be only taught by a very experienced technician in the craft. I went for a day's tuition, there is a lot to absorb from how to turn cross grain to properly sharpening chisels. You'll work hard and leave knackered but I went away with a great sense of achievement and a hoping that a lathe will be gracing my shed very soon. Thank you Mark for a fantastic and informative day. I would recommend this course to anyone, even if you've never done turning before."

20 Dec 16'

ian reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Superb Course ! Great teacher. As an experienced amateur woodworker I have been on several courses and this was by far the best. Mark is an excellent and patient teacher who clearly has a planned programme (with comprehensive handout) but was very willing to tailor it to specific needs and made sure I got what I wanted out of the day. He was enthusiastic and clearly loves his subject as well as being very talented. Best day out I have had for a long time !!"

15 Dec 16'

Ian Harris reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I did a two day course with Mark, with the objective of producing a satisfactory box and bowl. Both were achieved, thanks to Mark's patient and knowledgeable teaching, and I was well pleased with the result. Mark is very good at achieving without necessarily sticking slavishly to text-book principles, and also helpful on what tools to buy - and which to avoid. He is a professional and an enthusiast, and I expect to return for another session once my skills have improved. Thoroughly recommended."

12 Dec 16'

Antonia Truslove reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My husband and I had a fab few hours with Mark doing a Woodturning taster course at his workshop in Pershore. We were after some basic skills, along with a few hours of fun doing something that interested us. Mark tailored our time with him to cover exactly what we were after, and at the end of our time we both had beautiful walnut bowls to take away. I'd highly recommend Mark as a tutor, whether you are looking for something serious or just a bit of fun, Mark's flexibility will ensure you get what you're looking for."

17 Nov 16'

David Morgan reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Wow what a day. For a complete novice I was given confidence to achieve a bowl from apple wood which would grace any home. Mark is a patient teacher who imparts knowledge and demonstrates technique. His notes are very comprehensive, essential if one is to go further with turning. Every aspect was covered all in all a wonderful day"

3 Nov 16'

mark Edwards reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What a wonderful day, we both are as novice as you get and Marks skill, attitude and patience only exceeded by his enthusiasm for the subject,we each made bowls that we already cherish. Marks tuition is excellent full of everything to keep you safe, engaged and enthused,his love for the craft is impossible for him to contain and is infectious. The days teaching, detailed accompanying notes and Marks generosity of time, knowledge of suppliers and the tools available today are all you need to start out wood turning. No doubt once we get set up and made mountains of shavings we'll be back for more guidance and fun. Thanks Mark"

2 Nov 16'

Grev Wealthall reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"WOW, what a decent chap. I've just done a one day course with Mark, he was incredibly helpful and supportive even to a rank novice like me. I left with a bowl that I'm very proud of, but more importantly, with the confidence to take the hobby further. Thank you Mark."

31 Oct 16'

Barry Gait reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As with many other reviewers this day with Mark was a birthday present from my family, and it turned out to be a really memorable present. Mark took this YouTube/book/self trained incompetent and in a very encouraging, supportive and amusing way showed me the errors of my ways. A really fascinating and informative day that passed all too quickly, but I came away with a comprehensive set of notes, a really good grounding in getting the basics right and confidence that I can put it all into practice. I can well envisage another visit when I have a bit more practice under my belt. Many thanks Mark."