Mark Hancock reviews

31 Oct 16'

David Taylor reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This course, for a wood turning novice, was first class in every respect. I attended the training course with an old friend and at the end of the day we both had a small Walnut bowl to take away but as two old age pensioners we were very tired. Thanks you for all of your tolerance!"

16 Aug 16'

Trina and Craig Wilcock reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Bought my husband a Father's Day gift of a day's wood turning, having seen the skill on TV and decided to tag along myself. Mark was so patient and kind and with his help and constant encouragement we both managed to produce a beautiful wooden bowl to take home and show off to family and friends. It was a real Fun Day, no stress, no demands and not only did we produce something worthy, we managed to become totally absorbed in the task for a few hours which was hugely rewarding. A great antidote to the stress of modern living. Totally recommend."

6 Aug 16'

Richard Boland reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a complete beginner I didn't think I would be turning out much on my first day, however with Mark's expert tuition I (with a little help) managed to produce a lovely oak bowl, that I was proud to take home, as well as learning the correct methods of setting up the lathe, sharpening and using tools and how to get the best out of them. The course is packed full of information backed up with concise notes to take away and use for reference. For anyone thinking of learning to turn this is probably the best start you can have."

4 Aug 16'

Rich reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having spent two fantastic days of tuition with Mark, I felt as though I had had a very thorough introduction into woodturning, learning everything you would need to know to get yourself started, skillswise, toolswise and materialswise. Mark is a very knowledgeable and friendly tutor, and i would recommend this course to anyone. Thankyou for a couple of very enjoyable days!"

18 Jul 16'

Iain MacKirdy reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I thoroughly enjoyed my induction to wood and bowl turning. Mark is an excellent and enthusiastic tutor, and tailored the day specifically to my requirements. I am now looking forward to getting a lot of practice in !"

8 Jul 16'

Roger Oakes reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Had a great day with Mark who has a natural gift for imparting knowledge and is generous enough to share his undoubted skills. He helped to improve my technique and my understanding of woodturning. Thanks Mark."

7 Jul 16'

Richard Taylor reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a college technician, I had some basic experience of woodturning, but wanted to develop my skills much further both for my job and personal interest. Mark's great attention to detail, experience and organised way of running the day meant that we covered a lot of ground over the course of the day. Gaining knowledge of sharpening and maintaining tools was really valuable to me, something I knew little about before. I feel that I am not just a safer wood turner knowing the right way to use the tools, but also have a wider horizon on where myself and the students I help can take woodturning and the potential it offers looking at the sort of work Mark creates. I would recommend Mark's tuition to anyone, but if you work in education, I would say this level of detailed excellent training is vital particularly from a safety perspective."

21 Jun 16'

Ad Lindeman reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Last year I have had a very good course at West-Dean My tutor was also Mark Hancock. This year I did the course at Mark's woodturning place . It was even a better choice! Together with my colleague Bouke we did a five days course. It was more than Excellent. So we were not beginners, we have already experience. Mark is so patient , knows very much he likes to experience. What I learned from Mark was thinking out of the box: because I am a fine woodworker, teaching fine woodworking I am conservative in thinking. Mark shows you ways of not turning just functional. Think in objects! So he is really an artist! Therefore I sandblasted my bowl, than burned it hot and brushed it: nice smooth good looking result. Also he gave us good advice for buying Lathes for our school HMC Amsterdam Holland. It is the MagmaBlack line! Thank you Mark !! Ad"

12 Jun 16'

Matt Filer reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"As a total beginner with an interest in wood craft, I was bought this introduction day to woodtunring as a birthday present, I have to say genuinely wonderful experience and would highly recommend it to anyone. The whole day was massively informative and enjoyable as well as testing. Great care and detail was given in regard all aspects of skills and tools required, to include a detailed handout covering all basics which was used as the guide for the day. Mark clearly has a wealth of experience and knowledge which is only eclipsed by his passion for the art, of which he has a very high degree of skill. Not only did I find the course a perfect introduction to woodturning, leaving with a turned bowl as a reminder of the day I found Mark to be great company and very patient with me."

8 Jun 16'

Geoff Thompson reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This was a gift from my wife for a one to one days tuition with Mark. I had no experience of woodturning despite being a Carpenter for the last 35 plus years so was somewhat apprehensive regards the day. Having spoke to Mark in order to book the date I already felt more at ease and was looking forward to the day. Butties in hand and the big tool box left behind the day was far more enjoyable and informative than I would have imagined. Marks tuition was tuned to my ability and interest and I felt comfortable at all times. This was a first class experience and Mark is an excellent tutor and his personality helps to make the day."

27 May 16'

Steven Morgan reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"A great day. I had done just a little turning on dry wood, so great to learn so much about green wood turning. My tools needed sorting out - which mark did for me- saving me all sorts of ongoing trouble in the future. (just because you buy good branded tools doesnt meant they are ground right to start with!) Lots of explanation and good reasons for his techniques which will serve me well. A very full day, but at my pace. Make sure you have a look at some of Marks work in the back- Its art- not craft! I was so impressed I have commissioned a piece from him. I shall be back for more when I had some more practice (referring to the copious notes given to me by Mark to guide me through the process of turning a fine green oak bowel) thanks again for a great day- Steve"

19 May 16'

Dez Rolfe reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"May 2016 The day long, personal course with Mark was a well targeted birthday present. I have not done any turning since leaving school and had been thinking about setting up my own work shop. I did not know what equipment and tools I needed and needed some impartial advice. Mark had talked through what I hoped to get out of the day a few days before. After an introduction and then some practice using basic techniques, I was let loose on a lovely timber to do some real turning. As I worked, Mark kept a close eye on me, offering help when I needed it and letting me get on when I was confident. All the time Mark kept checking what I wanted from the day and refining ideas, so he could recommend the best tools to suit my plans for setting up a workshop at home. He was very patient, helpful and an excellent tutor. Overall a very good, useful and enjoyable day."

19 May 16'

Gordon Bragg reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having been unable to spend much time on woodturning for some years now, I decided a 'refresher' was needed to correct my bad habits, get back up to speed and improve my confidence level. I found Mark through this site and previously posted comments indicated that he was worth talking to. From our first conversation it was clear that his ability to operate at any level of competency was just what I needed. He quickly assessed my ability and tailored the day to fit, without any obvious time constraints. While obviously at the top of the woodworking community his ability to communicate and demonstrate at my lowly level is excellent, and his patience admirable!! I had a thoroughly enjoyable and informative day, backed up with written notes to refresh memories of the extensive detail provided non stop throughout. I am sure that time spent with Mark would be beneficial to anyone interested in woodturning."

4 May 16'

Michael Harvey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I can only echo what previous reviewers have said - what a fantastic day I had with Mark. Having only ever used a metal turning lathe some 30 odd years ago I was a bit wary of coming across as useless! I needn't have worried. His teaching style suited me and the way he puts things across made it so easy to learn - tools, techniques and plenty of background info. What this man doesn't know about wood turning probably isn't worth knowing. I would whole heartedly recommend anyone who is thinking about wood turning as a hobby spend a day with him. In fact, as it might be a while before I get myself a lathe, I'd go and have a refresher day with him no problem."

12 Apr 16'

David Jenkins reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I was given a gift voucher for a days one-to-one tuition with Mark as a gift. Being a complete beginner Mark guided me through the basics of wood turning and then it was straight into some practical exercises. I learned a vast amount in just this one day and far to much to write up in an online review. Needless to say my head was still buzzing with all the information Mark had imparted over the day when I got home that night. Its still going as I type this review 5 days later. Marks guidance and help has left me with a solid understanding on which to build and I would highly recommend spending a day with him, if like me, you are thinking of dipping your toes in this craft."

2 Apr 16'

Harry reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"This course far exceeded my expectation ,the day was packed full with advice ,hands on learning and demonstration, Mark was a great teacher who was only too willing to share his knowledge , I left felling I had more than received value, I highly recommend this course to anyone interested or thinking of leaning to take up turning ,you will not be disappointed. brilliant teacher excellent course."

26 Mar 16'

John and Jane Knuckey reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"We have just spent about 30 hours of intense learning how to turn wood on a lathe with Mark. We ran through the basic principles and began using the various chisels, and because of his straightforward method of teaching we are now ready to begin work as woodturners -albeit novices. Mark was throughout really helpful, patient and encouraging, there wasn't a moment when he was not available, and was good humoured and nice to work with."

26 Mar 16'

Margaret Embleton reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I've spent two days with Mark turning a lump of wood into a beautiful aromatic bowl. He gave plenty of advice before starting to work on the wood about why the tools were used in a particular way How the grain of the wood affected the use of the tools. While turning he gave advice on improoving technique.. All this was followed up with copious notes and advice on equipment to buy. I left with the confidence to go back to my lathe and turn another lump of wood into a bowl. Well worth the money."

25 Mar 16'

Graham King reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having dabbled with woodturning for the last 12 years or more, I'd never really got to grips with bowl turning or really found a reliable way of sharpening my turning tools. Trying to find any kind of turning course locally had proved to be an impossible task until recently, my wife met a friend of hers who was eagerly looking forward to a bowl turning course at West Dean College. At last, a course seemed possible and the college website was eagerly searched and a booking made for a weekend of turning with Mark Hancock. What an amazing weekend it was - the college and surroundings are so inspiring and the tuition from Mark was first class. We were a varied group of 6 individuals and experience of turning but Mark showed great patience in dealing with numerous catches of tool and wood and going over the main points as we worked. I'm pleased to say that we all went home with a bowl turned from green wood, with a great feeling of satisfaction and achievement. Even in our free time, over meals or in the bar, Mark gave us lots of advice and an insight into the creative process that professional turners employ. True to his word, I received an email today with further information on lathes and other equipment I'd asked for. A very comprehensive list which will involve further research. I'd love to do another course with Mark once I have had a chance to refine my bowl turning skills. In the meantime, thank you Mark for a memorable weekend."

24 Mar 16'

Ken Fordham reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I bought a lathe and basic tools some 15 or 16 years ago and did no more than spend some time playing at turning. Since then my lathe has been gathering dust at the back of my workshop. Now and again I mentioned to my family that I might book myself on a turning course somewhere in order to get some real experience. Finally this Christmas my son gave me a voucher for a one day course with Mark which I redeemed a couple of weeks ago. What a great present it turned! out to be. Mark is not only obviously remarkably talented at wood turning but is also a very good teacher. Starting from the complete basics I felt that I made amazing progress in such a short time under his tuition and was very please with the bowl that I was able to take home with me. He also provided me with a comprehensive set of guidance notes and sent me an email the following day listing the equipment I should think of getting and the best suppliers to deal with. In summary a very profitable and enjoyable day because Mark is not only a good teacher but is also very good company. I have now brushed the dust off the lathe and plan to use it regularly from now on."

24 Mar 16'

Richard Drewett reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"In September last year I retired from teaching and was given a leaving present of a Day’s Woodturning tuition with Mark Hancock – date ‘to be arranged’. Last week, I finally used my gift. I had been looking forward to the day and took Mark at his word when he said ‘Bring any tools you have with you and we’ll find time to have a look at them’. My tools included a second hand lathe (another gift) and assorted chisels and power tools. As I hadn’t used a lathe in 40 years, it wasn’t the only thing that was a bit rusty! I arrived at 9.30 and left - inspired - many hours later. Mark is a natural teacher and patiently tailored the day around my needs and ability. Always conscious of safety, I was shown how to use a range of chisels, sharpening equipment and techniques. At lunchtime I asked Mark what he liked to turn and was ‘blown away’ with his work. His signature bowls reflect his unique style and exquisite craftsmanship - superbly - turned, delicately - worked and finished with imagination that bring the wood back to life. Mark was generous in his time, explanations, demonstrations and encouragement. He gave me a great insight into the material and tools of the woodturner. He made me feel a lot more confident about developing my own skills and in getting involved in the craft. He also provided me with a clear set of notes covering the activities we had been through and followed this up with email links to a range of tool, part and group sites that will enable me to set up my own workshop. Mark was extremely helpful, used time very effectively and, as promised, structured the day to suit my requirements. I can thoroughly recommend him. Richard Drewett"

23 Mar 16'

Paul Hazlewood reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Splendid day. Mark is a talented and patient tutor. Didn't once run away screaming and swearing as I jammed tools into the timber like a madman! Taught many skills, most importantly how to put the correct grind on the expensive but useless tools I'd bought with ne'er a clue! Clear and concise course notes provided for later reference. It was later than seven by the time he'd finished with me, good value and comprehensive course from a guy with great practical and artistic skills"

13 Mar 16'

Mike haley reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Sorry for the delay mark been away. Thoroughly enjoyed the day with mark. Very patient to a complete novice and just worked along at my pace. Looking forward to going again at some time"

13 Mar 16'

Brian Heward reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"I booked a follow on course day with Mark, having completed an equally excellent two day group course a few weeks ago. With the one2one day Mark was able to focus very specifically on my own woodturning weaknesses (these days they are called 'development needs'). Under Marks prior advice I brought my own tools and he showed me how to use these specifically, in my case for hollow forms. I really do like Marks approach by focusing on the form (in my case a rule of thumb advice "spend 2/3 of time on the outside form, get it right only when it is, go to the hollowing"). I'm practising now and need to keep working at the suggestions Mark made. When I have mastered these I will be back for a another one2one - this time closing the opening down a little more. Thank you so much Mark."

7 Mar 16'

Jeffrey Gray reviewed: Wood turning courses in the Midlands

"Having recently spent a day with Mark I conclude that he is one of the most patient teachers in the world! Never having done any wood turning before but always having been fascinated by turned wooden objects I arrived at Mark's studio a total beginner. I left after a fascinating and informative day still a complete beginner but aware of all that I needed to learn and captivated by the diverse range of skills required to gain some degree of proficiency. Mark was very generous with his knowledge and provided me with references to tools, equipment and organisations that will be invaluable in getting started myself. During the day we covered a great deal of ground and he ensured that the 'one to one' approach was tailored specifically to a complete beginner. I look forward to part two."