Andys woodworking reviews

Deano reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A great course with a great tutor, very knowledgeable and keen to share this. Clearly very passionate about wood turning. It's not just about spinning a piece of wood, it's all the detail behind it, the use of the correct tools, how to care for the tools to ensure you get the best finish and results for your effort. Detail about how to work the wood, why things are done a particular way and some of the history of wood turning. An all round great day in a relaxed atmosphere where you learn at your own pace."

Toby H reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"What a great day wood turning. I walked in to Andy's workshop a complete beginner. Andy was welcoming and a great teacher, with ample patience required in covering the fundamentals of wood turning. Awesome location for me workshop packed with tools and machines for the day, plenty of tea coffee and cake provided by the lovely Mary and assistance from Angus the terrier! The day was very well paced for me and progressive, starting with the basics of wood turning tools and methods and culminating in producing a good looking bowl in the afternoon. I hadn't quite realised the variety and scope of the craft and a day is only really enough time to scrape the surface and get a taste of wood turning, would definitely recommend booking 2 or more days with Andy. Thanks for a great day!"

Richard Lowe reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"I have just attended the first of a 2-day woodturning course with Andy which was a wonderful experience. He and his wife Mary were very warm and welcoming and quickly set me at ease. We started by focusing on tools, the difference between scrapers and gouges and the methods of sharpening them, but soon I was getting hands-on experience of different techniques for both spindle and bowl turning. Andy's knowledge and experience of the subject are impressive, and he is a great teacher! I came away with my first bowl, an appreciation of the breadth and complexity of the subject, and keen to get in some practice before returning for day 2. Thanks Andy!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks richard , looking forward to the next day Andy mary angus"

Vernon lovell reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"Hi I recently had a woodturning course with Andy which I thoroughly enjoyed and came away with a couple of projects , Andy is first class at teaching and has a relaxed but professional approach with a great deal of patients . He teaches you how to sharpen your tools and to use them properly while maintaining safety at all times . Time spent with Andy is well worth the money and his and his wife’ Rose show you great Yorkshire hospitality . Vernon ."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks vernon Looking forward to seeing you again Andy mary and angus"

Tasha Hallett reviewed: Lettercarving in wood

"It was an awesome day! Andy and Mary are such a lovely couple and made me feel very welcome. The experience just made me smile inside and out all day. I would recommend this to anyone."

John Doxey reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"A really good introduction to lathe woodwork. Andy provided a very detailed explanation of the lathe, the various ways to set the machine up, the large range of tools and the machines and methods to keep them sharp to the importantly correct angles He then carefully worked through how the tools needed to be used and has a seemingly inexhaustible supply of patience in taking me through what I was attempting I booked a day course just to get an idea of this and loved it A great teacher!"

Tim Adams reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"Andy provided a really enjoyable day for my first intro to woodturning. Not only lots of hands-on with expert guidance but also discovering the importance and complexities of tool sharpening. Had a go at spindle turning and ended the day with a nice little oak bowl to show off. Beyond the woodturning tuition, I also enjoyed the banter, the Yorkshire humour (!!) regular break for tea or coffee and cakes/biscuits (thanks, Mary!) and of course Angus the dog. 
Highly recommended to anyone at any level."

Stuart Eves reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"No-nonsense, practical guidance from a genuine Yorkshireman! Andy provided tuition on a range of turning tools and the techniques to sharpen them. In addition to the new knowledge, I also left his workshop with a very presentable oak bowl Excellent day!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Stuart Really looking forward to seeing you again Andy mary angus Happy new year ?"

Iain reviewed: Letter carving in wood

"A group of us spent the day letter carving with Andy. The tools used and how to sharpen them were demonstrated whilst we honed our skills. The first task was carving a variety of letters; some more difficult than others, with plenty of support along the way. He has a well equipped workshop nestled in the beautiful county of Wiltshire. Andy has a wealth of knowledge and many useful techniques. Such a welcoming place and genuine people. No shortage of tea and bakes. Thank you again."

Simon Gosling reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought a lathe during lock down and had taught myself using youtube and lots of practice. A day with Andy revolutionised my lathe experience. I had learnt more in the first two hours than in all my efforts over the previous 6 months. Andy is knowledgeable, patient and a great person to spend time with. I will be going back once I have had chance to finish practicing the things he has already taught me. Learning to sharpen tools was an unexpected part of the course, but possibly the most important - made a huge difference to me."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks for your kind comments Simon I enjoyed our time in the workshop and I’m looking forward to you coming back"

catherine mellersh reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I bought this as a gift for my father and brother. They had this to say ~ Andy is a very patient, kind and informative instructor that always seems to be able to find a positive comment about your efforts, even when you are struggling to do the same! The course on a whole is very informative for a complete beginner, such that I left feeling confident that I could repeat the process at home. I do feel that one day was not enough as there are things we didn't have time to cover. However the fact that I was told that if I ever have any questions or queries I am encouraged to contact Andy for answers leaves me with faith that I can fill in the gaps when I come across them. All in all I had a wonderful experience and would encourage anyone looking to learn more about wood turning to strongly consider signing up for a few days tuition. They both had a fantastic time and Andy was a brilliant teacher. Thank you!"

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thank you so much for your lovely comments It was a pleasure having you two in the workshop It was a full on busy day but I really enjoyed your company Both of you have so much potential to take your Woodturning to the next level Very well done"

Stuart Kingston reviewed: Woodturning tuition in Wiltshire

"I had a great one-to-one day of wood turning with Andy this weekend. As a complete beginner, we started with the fundamentals of sharpening. We then covered basic turning techniques such as coving and beading and in the afternoon we worked on producing a beautiful bowl. The single day was fast-paced and covered a lot of information. If I were doing it again, I would be tempted to go for one of Andy's two day courses to give myself a bit longer to improve my technique."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thank you for your kind comments Stuart , I enjoyed your company and glad that you found the course helpful, it is always difficult to pack so much information into a singe day Look forward to seeing you again - maybe with the wife next time ?"

Clare Bromell reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"I am taking the course as a series of half days, with practice in between, and finding it really helpful. Andy is generous with his extensive knowledge and passion for wood and is flexible to suit one's needs. Andy is also an expert on sharpening which is a fundamental building block for good turning. I am thoroughly enjoying learning the craft and I strongly recommend this course."

Malcolm Clark reviewed: Woodturning 2 day workshop

"I had an amazing couple of days at Andy's Woodworking. Covered loads of topics including choice of tools, sharpening methods, workpiece design and production approach. Really good hands-on learning and the opportunity to make something unique."

Andys woodworking responded:

"Thanks Malcolm for your company over those two days You have an aptitude for Woodturning so don’t let it go !!buy yourself a lathe Ps went for one of Mary’s flapjacks today and the tim was empty !where did they all go ? Sincere best wishes Andy mary and angus"