Devon Wood Crafts reviews

1 Aug 16'

Peter Chrystie reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"The other reviews are spot on. Colin is a very good teacher with endless patience. I thoroughly enjoyed my day with him and came away with the best bowl I have turned to date, a box with a lid that fits, my tools properly sharpened and a host of new skills to practice. Many thanks Colin!"

7 Jun 16'

Will Lepper reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I was given a 1 day course for my 60th Birthday, colin was very easy to get on with and explained how to do things in simple steps, as a beginner i managed to produce 3 pieces!! my wife and daughter were very impressed. I would love to do more but will need more lessons to learn how to hold tools correctly without having to check, as I was taught so many different types of cut using a variety of tools. Well worth the cost and effort, a great day I would recommend it to anyone very satisfying great fun Lovely day, if you can do it you will not regret it."

17 Jan 16'

rob lane reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Having just spent a day with my 12 year old son on a beginner session with Colin I can say that every previous review is spot on. His enthusiasm for his craft is clear but its the calm, consistent approach that really has really given us confidence to get started turning on own. The day itself is really well structured and the fact that we both had fun and came away with beautiful finished bowls was just great. Thanks Colin!!"

27 Nov 15'

Graham Skedgell reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Trying my hand at woodturning was something I had wanted to do for a very long time, and as a complete novice, I was as keen to learn, as Colin was to teach. Having run through the necessary safety matters, Colin demonstrated a few of the basics, and before long, I was doing it myself! As an introduction to faceplate and spindle turning, this was definitely a day well spent. I came away feeling confident that this was something I could do, and most of all, enjoy doing. Watching videos and reading books is fine, but there is no substitute for actually stepping up to the plate. And coming away with a bowl and an egg cup, made me very happy indeed. So thank you Colin for your patience, and for your clear explanation of what a novice like myself needs to know!"

14 Oct 15'

Julian Warington-Smyth reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I had not used a lathe since leaving school nearly half a century ago. The only techniques that I could remember had left me with bad habits! Colin's endless patience and calm manner was able to correct these faults and his clear method of teaching and undoubted enthusiasm was infectious. I finished the day with renewed determination to follow this up with practice at home, and with a beech bowl which now sits proudly on our kitchen table! I hope to make a return visit to Colin again soon for phase 2."

15 Aug 15'

John Gayton reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"From the outset I was made welcome and it's obvious that Colin has a real interest and dedication to his subject, plus endless patience. I spent a very enjoyable day learning quite a number of techniques including tool sharpening which is the single most important thing... I can thoroughly recommend this course to anyone and I can imagine that I will be back to see Colin myself again soon."

10 Aug 15'

John Gayton reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I thoroughly enjoyed the day and I was impressed by Colin's endless patience and enthusiasm for his work; also by his skills as a woodturner. I would certainly go back. Thank you."

16 Jun 15'

Dan Wride reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I was given a two day course by my wife for Christmas and as this is something I had always wanted to try I was delighted and couldn't wait to book it. I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the course. I was a little apprehensive when it came down to it but Colin soon put me at ease and before long I had forgotten my nerves. His patience and ability to judge the level at which you are comfortable at whilst also pushing you a little out of your comfort zone was perfect, I learnt loads and hope to continue my new hobby. Very much recommended, thank-you Colin!"

2 Feb 15'

Had Danner reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I am a senior citizen who has never used a lathe, but was always curious. My wife gave me a one-day introductory course with Colin, and I could not be more pleased. His patient explanations, demonstrations, and tolerance for novice mistakes gave me an appetite for much more. It was worth the trip from London to Devon, and were the distance shorter I would already have signed on for a followup."

29 Jul 14'

Susan Iwanek reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Colin is an awe-inspiring woodturner and also an excellent teacher who takes care to ensure his students actually learn and make progress. At the same time he has a great sense of humour and is great fun to be with. I spent three highly enjoyable days at his workshop improving the few skills I already had, learning new skills and techniques and improving my confidence considerably. I also appreciated his design talent which helped me make the best of the pieces of wood – one in particular quite exotic – that I took along. I feel now I can really make substantial progress back in my own garage and make my competence with handling wood come much closer to my passion for it. Many thanks, Colin!"

22 Jul 14'

Tony Kirtland reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"Just finished a 2 day course with Colin. I started as a self taught beginner with bad habits and a complete lack of correct technique. I can honestly say I have had a brilliant 2 days being put right. He has a great relaxed manner of teaching and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I also came away with some nice projects. Definitely recommended."

20 Jun 14'

Mark Dawkins reviewed: Woodturning in Devon with Colin Simpson

"I attended a one day course of private tuition. As a complete beginner, I had little idea what to expect and had a lot to learn. However, the whole day was a great experience. Colin's teaching style is relaxed but he inspires confidence, and throughout the day I learned an enormous amount, had great fun and came away with some beautiful pieces of wood! I thoroughly recommend this experience."