Mark Hancock reviews

1 Mar 16'

Karen baldwin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"After having a days lesson with Mark last year I found that I was still having problems with centering of a cut log and getting a good fit in a chuck. I recontacted Mark who was more than happy to fit me in for a lesson and go over the basics again. This was so helpful and seemed no trouble at all to Mark who was still as patient as ever."

26 Feb 16'

Chris Farrow reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This was my second day with Mark following an initial day of tuition in June last year. This time I wanted to try some deep hollowing and was interested in both learning technique and getting a better understanding the various systems and tools available. Mark had just about every possible tool to hand and spent some time explaining the differences between them before settling on a couple for me to try. As ever his relaxed style enabled me to learn a lot, with a real focus on proper technique. I came away with much increased confidence in turning hollow forms and an excellent understanding the options for tools. I would thoroughly recommend a day with Mark to any novice or more experienced turner looking to learn or refine their skills and have no doubt I'll be back again in the future."

24 Feb 16'

Duncan Scott reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark tailored each student's task to their requirement and level of experience. Instructions were clear with sensible references to safety. All techniques were skillfully demonstrated and backed up with good handouts. Several myths were dispelled and many useful tips offered. A good deal was covered in two days and all in a very relaxed manner. Thoroughly enjoyable."

23 Feb 16'

Brian Heward reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark is a first rate and 'oh so' patient trainer who really makes it all look so easy. Although I have been on a few training courses before Mark did not only teach the woodturning skills but always fell back to 'shape and form'. This I had not met before and I found this aspect particularly inspiring. He gave out clear and extremely useful course notes which I am currently finding invaluable for techniques of producing hollow forms - which is one of Marks specialties. Mark has a profound knowledge of both woodturning and the appropriate artistic foresight and ability to disseminate both of these, all done with patience and humor. I will certainly be attending a one2one with Mark in the near future."

22 Feb 16'

Charles reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have recently completed a two day course with Mark (February 2016). I have not done any wood turning since school days in early 90s, so a few decades have past since then ! Mark is extremely knowledgeable, and passes on information in a relaxed and informative manner. He is willing and able to answer all questions with examples which can be as detailed or as brief as you require. Aside from turning, his understanding of wood and its properties, combined with general workshop tips and suggestions, I found very positive and reassuring. After two days I knew my tools, tried both parallel and cross grain turning, was able to turn a spindle with coves and beads, sharpen tools on the grinder and I made my first ever bowl (a bit more practise needed here !). His course notes are also well written and a good record to take away at the end for future reference. Mark has definitely rekindled my love for wood-based projects and opened the door on the joy of turning, and I would be happy to recommend him as either a group or a private tutor to others. Many thanks Mark and I'm sure I will be in touch again soon for more advice !"

4 Feb 16'

George reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Splendid day with Mark. His teaching style is relaxed and flexible. I came away feeling confident and inspired. Thanks again Mark."

30 Jan 16'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a lesson with Mark before last Christmas and visited him again to follow up the last lesson, couple of weeks ago. This was so good and important because I could confirm whether or not I was woodturning in the right direction. This time I brought my own tools. He had helped me when I ordered those. Actually he emailed me with a list of all the essential tools, which made me not waste my money on paying for unnecessary tools. During the lesson, he corrected my posture and gave some tips when I was struggling. Also I had a time to grind and sharpen my tools. As I am planning to have my own workshop, he also gave me a lot of information to get the right machine and other equipments. Many thanks Mark!! It was another best of the best lesson I have ever had. I hope to see you again."

28 Jan 16'

Chris Green reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have just attended Marks wood turning course and can only give praise and admiration for someone who gives so much knowledge and inspiration in a day. The idea to attend was to develop my very basic knowledge and gain some new ideas to move forward - Marks friendly and relaxed approach made the day so enjoyable I would not hesitate to recommend anyone who has a interest in wood turning to book a day with him - the course notes were an added bonus and true to his word all the information links I requested were emailed over the following morning - thanks again Mark for a great day and I look forward to meeting you again soon."

26 Jan 16'

Michael McNulty reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"My decision to contact Mark was originally based on all of the reviews I had read here. Having just spent a very long day with Mark (sorry for that Mark), I feel I should now add to these fantastic and honest reviews. I am a total beginner to wood turning (although I knocked out a few decent pieces at school some 50 years ago) but wanted to learn more about it in the hope it would give me an extra skill to compliment my main hobby, building custom fly fishing rods. Mark covered everything in a logical and friendly way combined with enthusiasm and a genuine love for what he does. As I wrote earlier, the day was a long one, finishing around 8pm. It is a credit to Mark that he just doesn't rush anything but makes sure you have covered everything in the syllabus. Everything covered was backed up with excellent notes, very professionally done. I was on the course yesterday and I have already had 2 emails from Mark this morning with numerous links to various equipment and wood turning product suppliers. He supports his students with advice post course, which is tremendous. My advice to any 'would-be' wood turner: don't buy any tools or machinery until you have spent at least one day with Mark Hancock."

24 Jan 16'

Keith Holton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently spent a day with Mark, the result of a Christmas present from my wife. I had some experience of wood turning but felt I needed guidance. Mark's course was perfect. He is an excellent tutor, very thorough, and happy to repeat himself as many times as necessary. He also has a great sense of humour which helps when he has a 'ham-fisted' student. I came away with copious extremely helpful notes and the knowledge that I could call him whenever I had a query. The day was great fun and worth every penny. Thanks again Mark. Keith Holton January 2016"

24 Jan 16'

Roy Williams reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"An absolutely brilliant course for someone like me - a complete novice. Mark is patient and thorough in his approach to teaching so I came away not only with a wealth of technical knowledge but with the confidence to start having a go myself. Excellent workshop facilities and plenty of tea and sympathy - what else do you want? I would not hesitate to recommend Marks courses and I will certainly be back."

21 Jan 16'

Ian Jones reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I have just been the lucky recipient of a days one to one personal tuition with Mark. From the moment I arrived at the workshop Mark made me welcome, and at ease. I arrived on a bitterly cold January mornig but Mark was already insitu and had a nice wood burning stove going to take the chill from my bones. The information Mark gives is done is a friendly, and easy manner, and as a total beginner, the information you get is immense! Mark teaches by getting you hands on! and you actually make things! You will get all the advice you want, and will not leave until you have covered everything, Sorry for the "overtime" Mark! I left a very delighted potential woodturner Thanks Mark!"

20 Jan 16'

Antony Lynall reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I found Marks details on-line late in 2015 and my wife bought me a day's one-on-one lesson with Mark which I took in January. Communication was excellent prior to the day with good directions, pre-course notes & an interest in my current skill level & what I wanted to get from the day. A very warm welcome & a fantastic day! I came away buzzing with my new found skills & techniques. Considering all the equipment at your disposal, the materials provided and the skill of the teacher, this was incredible value for money. Mark has a undoubted skill for wood turning but importantly, his ability to teach is also excellent. I learnt so much in the day and will be back for more once I have practiced at home. I was not expecting to come away with such detailed & comprehensive teaching notes which was an added bonus. On top of all this, Mark is a really nice guy who was a pleasure to spend the day with."

12 Jan 16'

Simon Bolt reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A brilliant course, tailored to my needs. Mark is an excellent and paitient teacher who makes it all look so easy, and then makes you realise that with practice it actually is! Very clear and usefull course notes that i am sure are going to prove to be invaluable as it is so hard to take it all in. Marks knowledge is tremendous and i know we will be sharing another day together soon when the new lathe arrives. I am a joiner by trade and had a limited self taught knowledge of turning, i should have done this years ago as we achieved so much in a day I have spent many hours watching you tube videos! its much easier and safer to learn from someone who really know what they are talking about. Thank you Mark."

23 Dec 15'

Tim Yang reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a beginner, I had one day lesson with Mark who gave me so much on woodturning. First of all, I must say thank Mark for his advices and guidances. I feel so confident after his lesson. From the beginning to end of lesson, I have enjoyed all. One of the best thing was that he answered to all my questions clearly with various teaching materials, especially when I was hard to understand on something. What could I give better comment on him as he has had all the five star reviews? He reserves to have more than five stars. Thanks again Mark. You are the best teacher I have had so far. See you in January, next month, for another lesson which has already been booked."

13 Dec 15'

Gail Wicks reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I recently spent a day with Mark at his workshop - a gift from my daughter. I thoroughly enjoyed my day. As a self taught 70 year old novice I was keen to have my limited abilities looked at and be shown the correct way to use all my tools. This was done with great care and patience and was very rewarding. I am sure I will be able to progress with my hobby and produce better work. We also looked at the sharpening of my tools . Some were ok but several had to be completely reshaped!! They do now work much better!! Mark explained what I was doing wrong so hopefully I can replicate his reshaping to keep the tools in good shape. Mark is an excellent teacher - his patience and knowledge and love of his subject are second to none. I was sorry my day had to come to an end."

13 Dec 15'

Tom Parsons reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was friendly, knowledgeable and a great teacher. I recently attend one of his group courses and couldn't have asked for more. I had a great time and learnt a great deal! So much so that I'm now looking for my own lathe. If you are thinking about starring of in wood turning or simply want to try something fun and different you can't go wrong."

12 Dec 15'

Marian Dwyer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended Mark's woodturning course at the college these past 6 weeks. I arrived with only curiosity and enthusiasm, I had never even seen a lathe! I was very impressed, not only with Mark's knowledge and skills, but with his capacity to impart these with warmth and patience. We had fun too and I managed to create what I can only call a masterpiece! I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

6 Dec 15'

Peter reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a complete hands-on novice (although I had read some books and watched videos) I wanted a good introduction to the world of woodturning. I chanced on Mark''s website and encouraged by his reviews I made contact and booked an introductory day -which was yesterday. Mark turned out to be the best sort of enthusiast. Friendly and welcoming and with a very genuine desire to pass on as much of his 20 years experience in one day as possible. Mark has clearly put lot of thought into what he does and is eloquent in explaining the reasons why he does it. His approach to the art of wood turning was a little different from what I had read about but not the least bit gimmicky. The main difference seemed to me to be that he has questioned why things are done the way they are in "the mainstream" and spotted where it's simply a case of received wisdom or old habits dying hard. He has then worked out ways of working that address the issues he has identified. Mark is very interested in design and form in woodturning and is outspoken with regard to shortcomings in these areas- his own signature work in my humble opinion falling more into the realm of art than craft (in the best possible sense) albeit backed up with finely honed craft skills. In a genuinely action packed day Mark was able to introduce me to all the basic skills, reinforce what I had already learned and fill in gaps in my knowledge and advise me extensively on lathes, tools, timber, clubs etc. I now feel I have the knowledge needed to set myself up with a lathe and tools and to start to practice the basics at home. Once I have done so I am sure I will go back to Mark to refresh my skills with a view to take them to a higher level. I would not hesitate to recommend Mark as a woodturning teacher. He was unstinting with his skills and knowledge yesterday and has already sent me a lot of additional inormation which arose out of our discussion and is far above and beyond the call of duty. Thank you Mark."

2 Dec 15'

Jonathan Cope reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am compelled to write this review after enjoying an engrossing 2 days with Mark learning the skills of wood turning. In this relatively short but intense period I lost all track of time and became immersed in the absolute enjoyment of wood turning. The whole experience was, paradoxically, both therapeutic and stimulating. Mark's knowledge, skill and enthusiasm are infectious and as a result of his excellent instruction I will be purchasing my own equipment and continuing with my wood turning journey. I look forward to maintaining contact with Mark and will return for refresher and more advanced courses. I cannot recommend the course and Mark's tuition highly enough."

11 Nov 15'

Jill Wilson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a complete novice who had unexpectedly been given a gift of a day's wood turning course with Mark, I was not sure what to expect. However Mark was a personable, gifted teacher with all the patience in the world. With the wood burning stove adding light and warm to the workshop, Mark made me feel very welcome whilst he gently enquired about my knowledge (none!). Yet by the end of the day I am proud to say that I had made a set of four professional looking napkin rings each of which was individually decorated. As I remarked to my daughters who had treated me to the course "It was fun, intense, exhilarating, scary and ultimately fulfilling". Thanks to Mark for making the day so memorable."

30 Oct 15'

Ivor Gissing reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"If you think woodturning is for you, come and spend a day with Mark,don't rush out and buy anything first, Mark will suggest what would suit your needs if you get hooked. Which I am sure you will. If you just wish to improve/revise your skills like I did, then this is the right place, you will not find better tuition anywhere. Ivor Gissing -1 month ago"

24 Oct 15'

Anthony Ball reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I attended Marks one day course for beginners and found Mark very welcoming.The whole day was most enjoyable and has given me to the confidence to attempt my own projects. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn the art of woodturning but lack knowledge and confidence."

19 Oct 15'

Mark Pountney reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Arriving at marks workshop for a day of turning he makes you feel relaxed welcome. I found the way he teaches & explains his techniques brilliant .I wouldn't hesitate to go back to him . Plus he makes a lovely cup of tea. Cheers mark"

10 Oct 15'

Colin Thompson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark's course went a long way beyond teaching a beginner the basics of turning. In itself that was indeed superb value for money. however what has left an abiding memory for me is the way that Mark shares an absolute passion for the skill which he takes to the level of a real art form. I relished the enthusiasm he applied to not simply showing how to perform basic tasks on the lathe but incorporating all of the reasons why performing the task that way was so important. I have been a life long amateur carpenter and wanted to gain some basic turning skills to extend the range of my abilities. Mark's course has enabled me to do that. It also made me realise the level of practice I would need to create turned pieces effectively. Thank you Mark! I was truly grateful for your teaching skill, patience and for some of the insights into your own, very honest working philosophy."