Mark Hancock reviews

Katherine Osbourn reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a complete novice Mark took me through every aspect of wood turning, tool handling and sharpening with an introduction to both health and safety (a must) and also understanding wood. It was a wonderful, jam packed day trying the various tools, turning methods and producing a bowl. The accompanying notes are extremely detailed, and much needed as so much was covered in the day that I came away buzzing. I now use the notes to guide me through my approach to using the tools and lathe. Mark is a very knowledgeable craftsman and exceedingly generous with his time and knowledge - it was lovely to be in an environment where knowledge was shared so freely. I would thoroughly recommend this course to anyone with an interest in taking up wood turning."

Steve reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I arrived as a total beginner and left with so much knowledge, guidance and experience that Mark's course is essential for anyone wanting to experience, begin or improve their wood turning. Mark will tailor the day to your needs and development. The day was full on and none stop with advice on everything and more from lathes and equipment (and what to avoid!) to books, local clubs near my home to offer me more support and guidance and obviously plenty of hands on turning practise. Mark is always near-by to let you fully develop your feel for turning but also to guide you the moment should the need arise (it did!). The advice alone made the day worth while, (I asked lots of questions!) but with what I accomplished on top of the experience, made it into a brilliant day. I would definitely advise anyone to do it!"

Brian Wentworth reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"The course with Mark was a present from my wife for a significant birthday (oh alright it was70). I had done some woodturning in the past, but none since 2003. Having explained my previous experience (or lack of) to Mark when booking he asked me to bring along my tools and examples of previous work. The day started with a review and discussion of my woodturning. Mark outlined the programme for the day and his approach. After a safety briefing we moved on to some practice spindle turning and finally bowl turning. This resulted in a lovely elm bowl for my wife, now standing pride of place on the dresser. As mentioned Mark provided an excellent days practical training, also as importantly we discussed the craft and how to avoid being a collector of gadgets and gizmos (guilty as charged) which often prove of limited benefit to a general hobby turner. On reflection I think the course has paid for itself by stopping me getting carried away on the internet and at shows. We started at 9:00am and finished at 7:20pm with a short break for lunch and numerous coffees. All in all a most excellent and enjoyable day during which I re-acquired practical skills and gained a great deal of useful information."

Leslie Pinkham reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"If you want to experience wood turning for the first time, or indeed, if you have some experience already and want to learn more then there is no better way than getting yourself on to one of Mark's courses. Mark has over 30 years of wood turning skills to draw upon coupled with a very professional, practical and friendly coaching style. I thoroughly enjoyed my day, but be prepared for a long one ..... time just evaporates as you go through some of the theory behind wood turning, insiders practical knowledge around kit & equipment and importantly the raw material itself (I hadn't appreciated just how much there is to learn about timber). If you want to get more involved Mark can steer you towards some initial recommendations for clubs, societies and equipment which is worth such a lot on its own - he's also available to contact for advice after the course - so, all good. A great day for me - I would definitely recommend to anyone of all skill levels - give it a go!"

John Summers reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a thouroughly enjoyable and inspiring day with Mark - which went by far too fast. The one to one nature of the course enables him to tailor his teaching to each pupil's level of skill (or, as in my case, lack of it) and, particularly at the start of developing a hobby, this seems to me an excellent investment. He offers very good back up notes, with a lot of very sensible do's and don'ts. I very much hope to go back when I've become more proficient."

keith maslin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"What a fantastic day with Mark. An excellent tutor who gave me the basic skills and confidence to make a superb bowl (my wife was stunned) and spark my interest in woodturning. Thoroughly recommend to anyone as Mark has total skills to adapt to whatever skill level or nervousness you have."

Kevin McHale reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A wonderful day given to me, as a birthday present, by my wife. Mark’s skilful instruction and infinite patience enabled us to come away with a beautiful hand-turned bowl. This was not the only product of the day, however. We both felt we had given our brains a good ‘work out’, learned new skills and enjoyed much fun. Fully recommend this course. It really was a great birthday gift."

David Hartley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was interested in taking up woodturning as a hobby but thought it would be a good idea to try a course first. I was very nervous but Mark quickly put me at ease. I would recommend the course without reservation except to say be prepared to work hard. You certainly get your money's worth and I came away with a finished bowl and masses of information to get me started with my own lathe. Excellent course."

Oliver Marshall reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark was a fantastic teacher. I spent a whole day in his wonderful workshop learning basic wood turning skills. Highly recommended."

Tony Mellerick reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Woodturning was something I had thought about trying for sometime, but never actually did anything about, until my wife finally got fed up with hearing it and bought me a day course for my birthday! As the day of the course approached, my doubts started to increase, with it being a one to one session there would be no hiding my complete lack of woodworking skills and what if I just made a complete mess of it? As it turned out I needn't have worried at all. From the moment I arrived and Mark made the tea, I felt that I was in safe hands. The course was very comprehensive, without causing information overload and got down to the practical work very quickly. Mark's style of teaching was very laid back and I felt that it was ok to make mistakes as part of the learning process. He was very patient and I felt comfortable that no question was too stupid, apart from maybe "Do you want another cup of tea yet?". Over all, a very interesting and fun day, with the added bonus of taking home a bowl, which now has pride of place on the sideboard. The course certainly sparked my interest in the craft and I am now looking at buying my own lathe to see what I can do myself."

Pippa Dickinson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I turned up for my one day course a complete beginner with a feeling that I might enjoy wood-turning but with no idea at all what it entailed. Mark immediately put me at my ease, explaining the various bits of kit I would need and roughly how much they might cost, so that I knew what I might be letting myself in for if I pursued it as a hobby. Then it was overalls and visor on, sleeves up and down to work! Mark was very patient through out the day, even when I inadvertently put a large gash in the rim of my emerging bowl, which required him to 'make good' my mess. He explained things well, left me to practice and then - telling from the sound when I was doing it wrong - would gently point out what was wrong with my position. As a result of the day I am now looking to pursue wood-turning further, so for me it was very worthwhile as well as being just a fun day in itself. I strongly recommend it to other beginners,"

Paul Ellis reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I can only agree with all the 5* reviews listed for Mark. I had a great day yesterday. Tiring - yes, but so rewarding. Mark is really easy going and he has a passion he wants to share. He answered all my questions and I too would have taken a bowl away with me except at 7.30pm it got missed and I drove away without it. Next morning Mark found it and will be putting it in the post for me! Can't thank Mark enough for the experience. The day was a birthday present but I think my wife already has an idea as to what to buy me for Christmas!"

Jayne and Eddie reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"We had a great day learning to wood turn and came away with a rather lovely bowl. Mark was patient and kind and coped with our different abilities and ambition with humour. We laughed a lot and learnt a lot. I would recommend this course for anyone wanting to try a new craft."

Mark hancock reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a great day with Mark , he gave us lots of information and we had a good laugh together and produced a bowl! He put up with us and all our questions throughout the day, and I don’t think he will forget us in a hurry!!! He also advised of local places to stay and we arrived at 9am and he stayed with us until 7.30pm! I would love to do another day with him soon!!"

Mark Hancock responded:

"Thank you Sue or Cheryl for your review but you signed it off in my name! :-) I know it wasn't Jayne or Eddie as they have one listed. It was a pleasure for me meeting you all and introducing you to turning. I'm so glad you all enjoyed it. All the best Mark"

Matt Sims reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I am more than happy add my positive comments to the ratings given by those who have followed one of Mark's courses. He has a wealth of experience and knowledge that he passes on with great style and enthusiasm. The day was 'full on' lasting 9 hours+ with a short break for lunch. That said it flew by and at no stage did I feel the session was losing shape....and the pleasure at creating something (a bowl) I would not have dreamt myself capable of at the start of the day was a great way to finish the day. Mark worked me hard but in a good way always accentuating the positive. I feel I learnt a tremendous amount that will allow me to progress....."

John Charnock reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This was a most enjoyable day fulfilling a long-held ambition to learn how to turn wood. As a freelance musician who teaches (double bass) I can confidently say that Mark is an excellent teacher and enthusiastic communicator. Furthermore, he was happy to go at my pace and during the course of the day instilled me with the confidence to go home and put into practice the techniques I had learned. He fully explained every stage to me; not only ‘what’ to do but ‘why’ it is done and he also included essential guidance on tool sharpening and workshop safety. His course notes were invaluable. When I have practised the techniques I have learnt I fully intend to spend a “follow-up” day with Mark sometime in the autumn."

Kevin Stickney reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had a 1 day experience with Mark, and what an experience. He managed to guide me to create the most amazing wooden piece I never knew had within me. A fantastic day, would highly recommend it if your remotely interested in turning."

WALLACE FROOMS reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had an great 1 day with Mark, having not done any woodturning in over 5 years, I decided to approach the course as a complete novice (you can forget a lot in that time). From start to finish he explained everything and guided me through the process of a beginner. It was a long day 9am to 7pm, with a lot to learn, and lots of questions, Mark is very good and patient teacher and a good communicator so that I had no difficulty in understanding what was required. I would thoroughly recommend Mark and the course."

Terry Sandford reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Just returned from a brilliant two day course with Mark Hancock, upon arrival i was greeted warmly by Mark and I was quickly put at ease by his teaching method, we soon had a good rapport going. I was taught the aspects of basic wood turning and tool sharpening. This was for me very informative as I am a complete novice. I would highly recommend (and Mark hasn't paid me to say this) to you if you are thinking of wood turning as a hobby Mark Hancock comes highly recommended (absolutely brilliant)."

Tony Reeves reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I went on a course with Mark in January 19 the review does not seem to have been posted so will review again Thanks Mark for a wonderful day. The passion for woodturning and dedication to teaching is second to none. I enjoyed every aspect of the day being a novice you showed to mount the wood on the lathe how to stand at the lathe holding the chisels in the right or left hand. thank you for the information where to source equipment.I hope to do another course it was a tiring but very rewarding day . I was bought the course for my 70 birthday after an accident i was unsure if i would manage the course with limited mobility but Mark made every thing possible. Thanks again if it was possible i would award 10 stars on the review. Thanks Tony"

Karl Martin reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I had the privilage of spending a day with Mark in his workshop. I would highly recommend his day course, where I learnt safe working practices and watched practical demonstrations before trying a new tecnique. Mark was an excellent tutor with a superb workshop and nothing was too much trouble. I have come away with a better knowledge of working safely, whillst having the ability to produce a better standard of work. Thank you Mark."

Russell Sterry reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A comprehensive day spent with Mark introducing me to the wonders of turning wood from A-X (unfortunately had to shoot off at 7pm and missed Y and Z). Very good at glossing over the bits that I knew and dwelling on the difficult areas. By lunchtime I was worried I would forget what I had been shown in the morning but the prompts and hints were there in the afternoon along with clear notes to take home and refer to when the head scratching inevitably arose at home."

Mark Warren reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I did a bit of wood turning over 20 years ago and was self taught. We moved house and the lathe was put into a drawer where it stayed for 18 years! Last year I decided to get it set up again and have turned a few items which were ok but not fantastic. My wife bought me a day with Mark as a Xmas present and boy what a present it was. We started at 9.30 and finished just after 7.00 in the evening, my brain has had so much excellent advice put into it and I feel a lot more confident about what I am doing and what to do. I have a fantastic shopping list (birthday presents!) and can’t wait to get out into the garage to practice what I have learned. Mark is fantastic, he shows you what to do and let’s you get on with it, I was never afraid to ask for help when I needed it, he covers every aspect of turning and has so much knowledge. Thank you for a brilliant day Mark."

Julian Roberts reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Mark took his time to go through matters at a pace that suited my experience. He went quickly through the areas where he could see that I had knowledge and patiently explained and demonstrated good practice and new skills ensuring that he was satisfied that I had 'got it' when it was my turn at the lathe. The day was full of interest but not overcrowded with unnecessary information and the range of practical advice on tools, reading materials, clubs and support was better than I had hoped for. I came away with my head buzzing after a long but rewarding day and was impressed to get the promised follow on detail and information the very next day. Already my practicing is starting to yield dividends and phrases of Mark's advice keep springing to mind."

Kevin Hodge reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Hi, like a lot of other attendees, i was ( still am ) a novice, but with a desire to learn more, Mark is SO good at determining your level, passing on tips, tricks advice with good conversation thrown in for free! he has inspired me to buy a Lathe and get more guidance and instructions, he is so laid back and effortlessly guided me through the steps, and tools and of course safety. the step by step approach and leaving you to work the tools and lathe, but with an observant and encouraging eye on you all the time, so you do not feel like you are being watched. so Many tips and advice, i really recommend course for any newbie, that as the desire to " have a go" Mark has over 30 years of turning experience to share with all who are willing to listen and learn Kevin"