Touch Wood reviews

Mike Wyatt reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"First rate course in an attractive setting. I was amazed at what could be learned and achieved in a single day. The course members were an agreeable bunch of individuals and the tutoring and support were at just the right level. A good day, much to be recommended."

Maggie Embleton reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"Really enjoyed my day. Tired the next day though. I took home a bowl after quite a lot of help from Maurice and Chris"

Touch Wood responded:

"Thanks Maggie, you did a great job!"

Sarah reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"A really great day. Maurice and Chris were excellent teachers and, together with the rest of the group, ensured that an enjoyable time was head by all - despite the mud :) Many thanks for such a memorable day - and a lovely bowl !"

Touch Wood responded:

"Thank you Sarah, nice bowl you turned!"

Rich reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"The Pole Lathe course was an excellent day! Morris and Chris were very knowledgeable and patient teachers and we all finished the day very happy with the bowls we made. "

David Harrington reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"Great day in a beautiful setting in the woods. An ancient art rediscovered. It is moderately physical. Initially a bit tricky but you soon get the knack and then it is good fun. Maurice is a nice bloke and a good teacher. Would highly recommend. "

Lucien , Harry, Alex and Bump reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"You don’t need to be into sustainable living or ancient craft revival or even woodland dwelling to enjoy this days’ activity. You can however enjoy the short walk from the village hall car park through the woodland to the small clearing that Maurice and Chris have created. Being greeted with a warm smile and freshly brewed tea curtesy of the open fire Maurice and Chris’s enthusiasm was evident. The setup of pole lathes under canvas was suitably rustic, providing a light and well ventilated work space. Yes some degree of physical fitness is required but not as you might expect, the hands took the brunt of the load, while the legs though working more or less constantly faired much better. Being guided through the process, anyone can be suitably pleased with themselves as they see the bowls emerge under their own hand. There’s plenty of time out too relax and refuel, be careful though as you might just become hooked on this woodland life."

Jason J reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"Maurice and Chris were both informative and skilful. I thoroughly enjoyed the day crafting my own wooden bowl on a ancient (replica) pole lathe. The environment was perfect, even down to the coffee making!, and a very friendly group. I would highly recommend this to anyone interested in this fascinating old craft. Thank you Maurice & Chris, Jason."

Gill Thomas reviewed: Introduction to butter knife, spatula and spoon carving

"A first class experience all round - would highly recommend for beginners like me."

Touch Wood responded:

"Thanks Gill, well whittled on the day!"

Lewis Wright reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: spindle turning

"My father and I had a great time wood turning with Maurice and are incredibly happy with the work we produced on the day. Maurice was friendly, helpful and encouraging throughout and very knowledgable in his subject. It was a great day overall and great introduction to green wood working and turning being able to create a product with purely hand tools and old techniques was fascinating and definitely something I would want to do again. A massive thank you to Maurice!"

Touch Wood responded:

"Thank you Lewis, it was good meeting you and the others, and special thanks to you for your insights on the online and social media world's! "

Vaughan Latter reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster day: bowl turning

"I really enjoyed the one day pole lathe course and under Maurice’s relaxed guidance, I managed to produce something that actually looked like a bowl! After a short summary of the history of the pole lathe turning craft, Maurice took us through the ancient process, providing enthusiastic help when needed. The group jelled well together and the breaks for tea and treats (my thanks to B) gave ample time for exploring the wider context of sustainable living. From the hand crafted benches to the tools we used ( which Maurice had fashioned from a host of recycled materials) I was intrigued by their simplicity and effectiveness. I’d definitely sign up for another experience soon. Vaughan"

Touch Wood responded:

"Thanks for the review Vaughan, hope to see you in future in the woodland workshop!"

Stephen reviewed: Pole lathe turning taster days: bowl turning

"A really enjoyable course with Maurice in a lovely location. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and enjoyment of wood turning and carving. Cheers, Step."

Touch Wood responded:

"Thanks Stephen!"

Richard Wainwright reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"The pole-lathe turning taster day at Lower Brockhampton Estate, Herefordshire, was a very interesting day. The pole-lathes are situated under cover in one of the old buildings in the courtyard of Lower Brockhampton House. Our tutor, Maurice, demonstrated splitting logs, roughly rounding off and finally explained the operation of the pole-lathe before demonstrating the turning process. Maurice makes it look so easy, as you would expect. I had a great time trying to get the rhythm of cutting on the forward turn and laying off on the reverse. When I did get it right and the angle of the tool correct it was very rewarding to see the shaving curl off and hear the tool cutting sweetly. I had no intention of making something useful but I returned home with a fairly intricately turned practice piece, thanks to Maurice’s help, which will make a handy sash window hook. If you have any affinity to working with wood, you will find this course a real pleasure. Maurice is a lovely chap and explains everything very well with plenty of demonstrations, cups of tea and biscuits."

Rhodri Jenkins reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"A good course in a lovely National Trust parkland setting. Its only a taster course so just one day to see if you like it and want to take it further. I loved it so I will be making my own lathe and learning the craft."

Laura Ghent reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"Had a fantastic day at Lower Brockhampton Estate on the Pole Lathe Turning. Maurice was very knowledgeable and excellent at teaching us the basics of wood turning (also very patient with my poor attempts at times!). We were taught what to do and which tools were used for what and were then free to explore and get a feel for using the lathe, but help was readily available from Maurice if we needed it. We were free to make whatever objects we chose. Would thoroughly recommend the course and will definitely be doing this again in the near future!"

Sean Radtke reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"The day was great, with an instructor who obviously thoroughly enjoyed woodworking, and sharing his enjoyment with others. I am very happy with the items I created. Thank you, Maurice"

Phil Argyle reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"I recently went on the pole lathe turning workshop at Brockhampton and found the entire day totally absorbing. We created 2 tools from the raw cleaved wood, and Maurice skillfully guided us throughout the process. It was a great day and thoroughly enjoyable. I have impressed many friends already with the implements created on the day!"

Ken Davies reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"Very enjoyable day, well run by the instructor, very pleased with the end results"

Daniel Cracknell reviewed: Pole-lathe turning taster days: spindle turning

"I went on this course recently and found it absolutely amazing, the instructor was brilliant and the finished product is more than i could ever have hoped for and everyone ive shown has been amazed!"