Great British Woodshop reviews

16 Feb 18'

Dom Rudd reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"So glad I spent the time with David learning about how to use so many power tools, some I'd used before but obviously did not fully understand! Some I'd looked at before and thought that I'd never want to or be able to use but I now have the confidence to do so. And I learnt so many extra tips and tricks of the trade from David. It was a very comprehensive, information packed day which was also very understandable, allowing me to put the use of the tools into perspective. It was well paced allowing me to absorb the information but allowing me unhurried time to practice using the tools. David has a good teaching style and I never felt rushed or hurried. David stuck with us until our objectives had been achieved. I highly recommend this day and would be really happy to work with David again."

16 Feb 18'

Tania reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"As an enthusiastic DIY-er, who also completed an introductory woodworking course (elsewhere), I've been looking at upgrading my collection of power tools in order to complete woodworking projects faster and to a higher standard. While I've had some idea what tools to look for, I wasn't necessarily confident in choosing or using them. In addition, due to a very limited working space, getting the right mix of multitasking and more specialist tools was of the essence for me. Yes, there're numerous guides and tutorials online nowadays but for me nothing beats 'try before you buy' approach coupled with a competent advice from a real person and this is why I opted for this course (and I wasn't disappointed!). David has a fantastic workshop equipped with every imaginable power tool you would need for a woodwork project. At the start of the day, he checked what each of us needed to get out of the course and made sure the agenda was tweaked accordingly. The class that followed was structured but flexible at the same time. David has provided a comprehensive overview of features, set-up and safe operation of each tool we covered, peppered with invaluable tips, all in a very friendly and professional manner. We've had plenty of opportunities to try each tool and ask any related questions. I would highly recommend this course."

12 Jan 18'

Roger Pinnock reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"I was given this as a Christmas present, and what a brilliant gift it proved to be. David is a personable and highly knowledgeable teacher, with a vast array of power tools available. He carefully checked what I wanted to get out of the day before we started, and made sure we achieved it all. As a late starter, I was chuffed to get the advice and confidence I need in selecting the tools I am yet to buy, and in setting up and using those I already have. Thoroughly recommended."

20 Oct 17'

Adrian Ede reviewed: Spray painting - furniture, doors, sculpture, metal, wood, masonry

"A good hands on course run in a well equipped workshop. David was very knowledgeable and able to describe plenty of practical examples of the different spraying techniques being addressed. He was happy to adapt the course content to meet my particular interests (HVLP) and was keen to understand exactly what I was looking to achieve from the course. I came away with a far better understanding of the subject and many tips on how to improve the quality of finishing on my home projects. I would thoroughly recommend the course to anyone interested in spray finishing be they a beginner or someone who just wants to improve."

19 Oct 17'

Craige reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"A self-taught do-it-yourselfer, I needed a course that made a step-change in my ability to use power tools accurately, safely and productively. The Great British Woodshop's Power Tools course did exactly this. David Free combines years of furniture building professional knowledge and skills with an ability to provide constructive feedback; he strikes an ideal balance between explanation and providing opportunity for hands-on experience with a range of power tools. Attending the course is akin to working with an old friend who offers advice on projects and with whom you chat about varying topics that range from tennis to skiing over a sandwich at lunch."

21 Sep 17'

Gabriela reviewed: Skills - Ultimate power tools

"I was amazed with the variety of tools David has in his workshop and how quickly I managed to pick up some of the techniques he was showing. David explained everything very thoroughly and ensured safe handling of all the tools and equipment throughout the day. I would highly recommend his courses."

21 Sep 17'

Gabriela reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in getting started with some woodwork and DIY projects. The way the course is structured allows you to gain an understanding in how to work with wood and learn more about the tools and range of techniques available, while also putting it all in practice on the day. David is very knowledgeable and has a very personal approach so he tailors the content to your experience and what you're trying to get out of the day."

21 Sep 17'

Victoria M reviewed: Basic woodworking and DIY course

"I highly recommend this course. David is a natural teacher, very generous with his time, good company and was keen to make sure the course covered the specific learning aspects relevant to me. I was looking for a course which covered the broad aspects (both manual and with power tools) of wood preparation, (cutting, planing, sanding), drilling into various materials, use of various screws, nails, plugs, hinge types, joints and basic box-style construction. He has a fabulous, incredibly well-equipped workshop, which should include every tool anyone may want to use. It's given me the confidence to start on basic woodwork & DIY projects, which is what I was looking for."