The Scottish Woodturner reviews

Sandra McGuire reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Had a fabulous day with Stuart. He was incredibly knowledgeable and patient with my husband and I. I loved watching him demonstrate his skills and passing on his knowledge of wood and carving. We cannot recommend Stuart highly enough."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Sandra. Glad you both enjoyed it."

Vicky reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I'd highly recommend learning wood turning with Stuart. We took our boys for a 2 day course and they both loved it . We also had fun watching what they were up to and learning more about it. It was great to see them try something they could not normally get to do, and to feel like Stuart was keeping them safe but also teaching them how to manage the risks themselves. Stuart was really patient and let the boys choose what they were interested in and adapted to them. They are 8 and 14, so with very different abilities, but both got something out of it and left really pleased with what they'd achieved - we now have a very beautiful cup, egg cup, goblet, spinning top and garden dibber! They are now bugging us to get the kit to do more at home! The setting is also very lovely and we enjoyed feeding the robins on our lunch break."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Vicky, Thanks for the review. So glad they both enjoyed it and if you do decide on getting them some kit let me know if I can help. "

Robert Crawford reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart took me through the course at my own pace and I learned a lot during the two days. I now feel more confident having been shown the proper techniques of woodturning. Just as important, I now know what not to do. Highly recommended."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Robert. Just keep practicing."

Bill reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart ensures by his 1 to 1 training that it is your course and whether day 1 or 2 He facilitates how you spend your time giving you knowledge and practical experience in a relaxed way at your pace. I was chosing a 1 day course and am glad that I took Stuarts advice and enrolled for 2 days. The first day gave me a good basis to start a new hobby The gap between the 2 days showed up my inexperience and errors making day 2 invaluable Day 2 enabled me to sort out my errors in tool sharpening and I had been using the wrong woodturning chisels on various projects hence results were below par. The 2nd day has renewed my enthusiasm in woodturning and shown me that using the right tools properly sharpened is so important for successful results Thanks Stuart and I recommend that anyone interested in trying woodturning should contact You "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for the review Bill. So glad you got as much out of your second day as you did the first. "

Rob Donnelly reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Excellent two days with Stuart in August 2023. I had done a little turning before (albeit self taught) and this was excellent to build knowledge and skills. We covered safety, equipment, tools, wood preparation and choice, turning skills and finishing. Stuart is an excellent teacher - patient, clear and responsive to what you need and want to do. I particularly appreciated the practice and skill building on wood offcuts as much as making something which we did as well. I'm hooked, have invested in a lathe and some tools and will look to practice my new skills. Thank you Stuart."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Rob, Glad you've got the bug."

Sarah mcclelland reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"What can I say...... Stuart is an amazingly friendly and very patient teacher. I booked a days course for my husband and I and we learnt so much while having a great time. Stuart has a wealth of knowledge and is a good laugh. Nothing was too much trouble and we came away both having made something, well with a lot of help! It's a fantastic experience whether you're seriously thinking of taking it up or just want to try something different. Thank you Stuart for a memorable day "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Sarah. Might see you again when Jerry gets his lathe!"

Toby Powell reviewed: Woodturning for beginners: 2 day course

"My 15year old son and I had a wonderful couple of days with Stuart. With clarity, understanding, humor and patience took us through the basics of woodturning such that we took away beautiful pieces that we had turned. He really has fired an interest in both of us, and has given us the best beginners start in this craft. Our time with Stuart will live long in our memories. Thank you. "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Always a pleasure to teach enthusiastic students. Glad you both enjoyed it."

Neil McLachlan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Excellent course - I felt that both days were really tailored to my personal goals, providing more technical detail when I wanted it, but plenty of practical experience to build my own confidence. The set up is perfect, really relaxed, extremely clean and welcoming. Stuart worked to my level - when I picked something up quickly, we moved on - but if I needed further explanation, we were able to focus on specific areas as needed. It's great learning a new skill and having been given the confidence to keep it going. Above all, Stuart is great company - the two days were great fun from start to finish. Thanks Stuart - I will be back!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Neil, I also enjoyed the weekend. You were picking it up well so hopefully you will get a lathe and the necessary tools. It's a great craft to learn and very therapeutic. Stuart."

Louis Aston reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart is a great teacher, very methodical in his work which translated seamlessly to the lessons. I, having no previous wood turning experience found the course stimulating and delivered with such passion. I walked away with 3 pieces, an oak tumbler, ash dish and yew fruit - couldn't be happier. Thanks Stuart! "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Louis, It was a fun two days. Stuart."

Claire Weaver reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I bought this as a 50th birthday present for my partner and we had an awesome day. Stuart was fantastic at showing us lots of techniques and nothing was too much. We left with 2 gorgeous pieces and great memories. Thanks Stuart."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Glad you both enjoyed it. S."

Michael reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"A hugely enjoyable experience which has laid the foundations for a new skill. Stuart was very thorough and patient and is clearly a master of his craft. No question was left unanswered and the workshop itself is situated in an incredibly beautiful part of Scotland, surrounded by pine forest. Very relaxing and humbling, highly recommended."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"So glad you enjoyed it Michael. Many thanks. "

Rory Cowan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"2 Day course completed April 2023. All the admin for the course was well done and directions were good. I have done quite a bit of turning previously so this was by way of dealing with certain techniques I felt weak. on. Stuart quickly focussed on what I needed to look at and deal with and we majored on that. One concern I had was that we may find we didn't get on but that was fine and a more easy going chap would be hard to find. In particular I was keen to deal with bowl turning and deep boring and getting my own tools ground correctly - we did all this and more - so two days very well spent. Thank you Stuart."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Rory. I'll be expecting to see your version of the Alibaba vase on Youtube iminently. Two good fun days. S."

BILL reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I arrived at the course as an apprehensive Senior Citizen hoping to learn a new hobby in woodturning and was Not disappointed Due to the Professionalism of Stuart the tutor I left at the end of the 1st day Elated with basic skills which enabled me to turn a small piece of an oak tree, giving it a new life as a lovely polished bowl Stuart gives you 1 to 1 tuition in a relaxing experience at your pace and enables You to do what You want to do within his planned programme. The tuition is all about You and Stuart moves your development skills forward at each stage I highly recommend that you join the course if you have any interest in Woodturning as I am already looking forward to the next day of my course as for my Hobby It Is On Way"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Bill. Glad you got so much out of day one!"

Liz Dollan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Thank you so much Stuart, for showing me the joy of wood turning and plenty of coffee. Stuart has a huge range of knowledge and skills, he put you at ease and gives you information about not only wood but machinery I’ve never used before. "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Liz, We had a fairly busy two days. Glad you got a lot out of it. Hope the new wooden coffee mug is getting some use. Stuart."

Malcolm Shield reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This course was very instructive and quickly got to the practical use of tools. I learned about safety considerations and applications of different tool types, effect of grain direction on cut how to maintain tool sharpness and much more. I had scope to get the feel of the craft without being stifled. I thoroughly enjoyed this course. Thankyou Stuart. "

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Glad you enjoyed it Malcolm. Thanks. Stuart."

Dan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"My second day with Stuart was a great step on from the first. He struck a great balance between support and challenge and I left feeling really confident. Now I just need space for a lathe!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Dan. Soon as you get the lathe it will all come back to you. Once learned never forgotten! "

John reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart was an excellent teacher! The day was tailored to my knowledge and skills, I know a bit about using tools but nothing about the preparation of wood. What to use, how to store it and how long it takes to dry! The morning spent learning how to use the tools and by the afternoon I had made a bowl. I can't wait for my second day I already have commissions lined up."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks John. See you on day two."

paul kearney reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"A very big thank you to Stuart for two wonderful days spent in his workshop. Once we discussed what I wanted to get out of the course ,Stuart then tailored the course to my needs and experience. Workshop health and safety , choice of wood and explanation of how the grain influences project style and form. We set a rough piece and of wood and took it to the end product by end of day 1, by end of day 2 I had another two lovely pieces turned and finished. Cant wait to start putting all these new skills into practice in my own workshop. A great tutor and would highly recommend his course. Thanks!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"We had a pretty full on two days so I'm glad you have emerged with your enthusiasm intact and eager to get going. Look forward to seeing you again. Thanks."

Dan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart was an awesome teacher! He took a really holistic approach to the whole process, starting with the types of wood to use and good storage methods. Stuart struck a really good balance of demonstrating and allowing me to make my own mistakes and learn as I went! He adapted to the course to my interests and I can't wait to sort out my second day!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Dan. Look forward to seeing you for round 2."

Claire Smith reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I have just finished my two day course with Stuart, and it was a great experience and very informative. I was a complete novice with a desire to learn this craft in order to gain enough of a feeling for it to know if I want to move forward with it and get my own workshop. Stuart was knowledgable, patient, with a passion he wants to pass on, I now know what the craft takes from preparation and design to hand tools, machinery and taking you to a final product. His workshop was organised, stocked, warm and fully equipped with PPE. I would highly recommended with course for any level, from someone who fancies and day or so out to try something new, to someone who want to pick this up as a hobby or a professional who just would like to improve or learn new skills. I’m confident from what I’ve learned that I will take this further and I know that when I’m set up on my own I will book again to keep learning more from Stuart."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for that great review Clair. Hope to see you again when you are up and running."

Pauline Colburn reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Just completed day 2 of my wood turning course .As there had been a large time gap between days ,Stuart refreshed advice & technique & was very patient. I was given the course as a gift as I wanted to experience woodturning & never intended to take it further (ie. I will not be buying a lathe ). The experience was very interesting, Stuart is a very knowledgable teacher , the workshop is set in beautiful surroundings & I came away with a wonderful turned wooden object. I thourghly enjoyed my 2day course & would recommend it ."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Pauline, Hope the lamp base is now fully functional. Stuart"

Ian reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Really enjoyed my 1 day introductory course and came away with a lovely bowl made from mulberry wood. Stuart is an excellent and patient instructor, imparting lots of information about the safe and correct use of the lathe and associated tools. I would recommend anyone thinking of getting their own lathe to attend a course like this to get a good grounding of basic lathe work and safe working practices. All in all, an excellent day well spent."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Ian. Glad you enjoyed your day."

Colten Palmer reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I took a two day course with Stuart last week and it was an amazing experience. He is a master of technique and has a real creative soul as well. We used the lathe to make several items from a burnt ash wood bowl to an apple. He is really good at guiding you through the process and yet allows you to feel ownership over the project. I highly recommend taking this course, you'll learn a lot and have a great time. Lunch was great and Freddie the dog was a friendly member of his team."

Fran reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Great course! We booked a day and expanded our course to nearly 2 days worth of teaching. Really enjoyed our time and learnt a lot. My partner, John, still deciding whether to get a lathe. I hope so, as I’m a potter and would be happy if he made lids and bowls and things to complement my pottery. But I loved the wood turning and even if we don’t go on to buy the equipment to turn wood at home it was a really worthwhile 2 days and I’m totally chuffed with my apple and wee bowl. Thanks so much! "

John Stewart reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"An excellent course, having no knowledge of woodturning. Stuart has a fantastic knowledge of the craft and a talent to impart that knowledge and some confidence. I cannot recommend this course highly enough, you will definitely not be disappointed"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for that John. Look forward to seeing you for your second day soon. All the best. Stuart. "