The Scottish Woodturner reviews

Fran reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Great course! We booked a day and expanded our course to nearly 2 days worth of teaching. Really enjoyed our time and learnt a lot. My partner, John, still deciding whether to get a lathe. I hope so, as I’m a potter and would be happy if he made lids and bowls and things to complement my pottery. But I loved the wood turning and even if we don’t go on to buy the equipment to turn wood at home it was a really worthwhile 2 days and I’m totally chuffed with my apple and wee bowl. Thanks so much! "

John Stewart reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"An excellent course, having no knowledge of woodturning. Stuart has a fantastic knowledge of the craft and a talent to impart that knowledge and some confidence. I cannot recommend this course highly enough, you will definitely not be disappointed"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for that John. Look forward to seeing you for your second day soon. All the best. Stuart. "

Liz Bell reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Fantastic course. I hadn’t done any woodturning before and splitting the 2 day course meant that I could start learning and then try out my own lathe with his guidance and go back with all my questions. He’s given me the confidence to do this at home. I’m definitely going again next year to expand on my skills and my husband wants to go too. See you again soon Stuart. Regards Liz"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Liz. Glad you enjoyed it. Look forward to seeing you both back again. Stuart."

John Lewis reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This course is tailored to reflect your skills and capabilities. The day is just you and Stuart the tutor. Stuart is a very patient and highly skilled craftsman who clearly loves his craft. I had never done wood turning and by the end of the day had created a beautiful bowl and a garden dibber! Stuart’s workshop is well equipped and a comfortable space for learning - and located in an amazing highland setting. If you want an intro to this craft or be helped to hone your existing skills this is a great course for you. And good value too!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks John. Glad you enjoyed the day. Stuart."

Jimmy Lang reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"On the 1 Day Course Stuart took me thru the Safety and Health aspects required to make sure I would not do anything to endanger myself; he also covered all types of wood and what type was best for different projects. I arrived on the day with a project already suggested by my wife, a "Darning Mushroom". Stuart helped me choice the piece of wood, remove the bark and get it ready for the lathe, then guided me while I worked on the lathe. My wife was very happy with the finished project. Stuart has a natural ability to communicate instructions and make it enjoyable. A fantastic day with new skills learned and a hand made gift for my wife. I cannot recommend Stuart and his course highly enough."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Jimmy, Thanks for the review and glad the boss liked your efforts. Well done. Stuart."

Peter Crowther reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I spent two days with Stuart and enjoyed every minute. It was full hands on with new skills gained all the time. I had previously watched numerous videos but most are about the presenter showing what they can do. You can't beat watching someone and then practicing yourself under Stuarts watchful eye. Its obvious Stuart enjoys imparting his vast knowledge and skills to others. We covered all aspects from selecting wood through making some great pieces to take away. I split my two days with one day between and this worked for me giving plenty of time to absorb more. I would highly recommend Stuart for any level from an introduction through to advanced skills - just look at his web site to see the quality of his work."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Pete, Glad you enjoyed your time here and yes, I do get a lot from teaching. Never really feels like a job when you enjoy it so much. Enjoy your new lathe. Stuart."

Ian & Allan reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"We had an enjoyable and informative day with Stuart, learning the basics of woodturning. Absolute beginners but we left more informed and better equipped with a knowledge of where we wanted to go with our very basic wood-turning skills. Fantastic work-shop - a cornucopia of tools, lathes, wood and a wood stove. Stuart has the gift to teach and make it an enjoyable experience. Stories, and things that might help, signposting but in a way that gives you some confidence. We were both chuffed that we were able to produce something at the end of the day (with much help from Stuart) - we can definitely recommend Stuart’s courses."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi guys, Thanks for your review and so glad you enjoyed your day. Let me know if you need any advice on getting to the next stage. Stuart."

Sara Mehrabi reviewed: Woodturning for beginners: 2 day course

"An absolutely lovely weekend! This was my first ever try for woodturning, and it went better than I could have wished for. Stuart started by asking me exactly what I wanted to get out of the weekend and designed the two days to match my requirements. He was super flexible and very generous with his knowledge. I felt comfortable and confident with the tools really quickly and started enjoying myself within the first hour! Of course, the lovely pieces we made (I can't possibly take credit as the sole crafter!) were an amazing bonus. We made a bowl (Oak), a mushroom (Yew), and an apple (Elm). So, if you're there to pick up a new skill, you get to work with different woods and various tools. If you just want to have a fun weekend, he will adjust the activities to your desires, but you still go home with a lovely souvenir or two. I'd recommend this course to anyone who likes to have a go at something new or those who have some experience but like to upskill."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Sara, Sounds like you had a great time. I'm glad I was able to show you some of the fascinating sides to this wonderful craft. Hope you get a lathe soon. Stuart."

Lesley reviewed: Woodturning for beginners: 2 day course

"Both my husband and myself really enjoyed our recent 2 day course with Stuart. Being beginners he was extremely patient and encouraging, spending all the time necessary for us to grasp the basic woodturning techniques. We were totally absorbed and the time seemed to fly by. With Stuart's help we managed to leave with some beautiful creations. A particular concern for us was how to sharpen and use our own toolset which we brought along for the course. Stuart explained and demonstrated how to do this giving us confidence going forward. Many thanks again Stuart . I would thoroughly recommend the course which will be tailored to the student's level of skill and needs. Stuart was a great teacher."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Glad you both enjoyed it and I look forward to seeing some photos of the pieces you make. Happy turning. Stuart."

Barry reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"From the initial booking Stuart was extremely helpful and even provided my partner with a voucher that she could print and give to me on xmas day, which was a very nice touch. On arriving, Stuart was extremely welcoming and interested in my aims for the day, which helped tailor the day to my needs. After a wee chat and a tour of the machinery and tools we got stuck into the making. My confidence grew in leaps and bounds with Stuarts feedback as I tackled the various tools and techniques (some of which definitely require much more practice). The day was very relaxing and informative, and I could not fault Stuart on his teaching and patience. I was over the moon with the pieces I made (with a bit of help), and could not wait to show them off to family and friends when I got back. I am now on the hunt for a lathe and look forward to learning more about this fantastic craft. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in wood turning or looking to learn new skills or develop existing ones. Thanks for a great day!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Barry. Glad you enjoyed the day. I'm sure that with all the enthusiasm you have you will do well with your new lathe and master the spindle gouge. All the best. Stuart."

Neil Gow reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I came to this course having fond memories of wood turning in school. Stuart, from the start, was welcoming and instantly put me at ease. Stuart asked what I wanted out of the day and I had asked for a basic understanding of setup and a introduction to the basics. We spoke at length about his lathes and other kit in his workshop (which is worth the trip up alone to see). We done some basic turning techniques. I must say sturt is incredibly patient as my ability was no where near where I thought it would be! We then went on to make a pear, had lunch, then the afternoon was some more theory (which I really enjoyed, understanding the theory behind it) a walk through of various pieces of work dotted around his workshop and how they were made and what still had to be done to them. We then went on to produce a awesome oak donut bowl. In summary awesome day, friendly passionate and incredibly knowledgeable teacher. Great venue and worth every penny."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Neil, Thanks for your review. As the day went on I could see that you were progressing quickly. The school woodturning classes will give you some of the basics but with a very limited range of tools. I'm sure that you will do even better once you have your own lathe set up. All the best. Stuart."

John Peden reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"My wife Mandy and I have just done a one-day course with Stuart and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. (Stuart says he normally only works one-to-one but he agreed to take the pair of us together as long as we promised not to fight!) It was a full-on day filled with wonderful insight from Stuart, covering a huge range of aspects of wood-turning, from wood selection, tool selection, sharpening and use, turning between centres and face work, essential (and non-essential) machines, fitting out your workshop and much much more. Once we've set up the lathe we have inherited, and spent some time developing the techniques Stuart has shown us, we'd love to have another day with him to take advantage of his encyclopaedic knowledge to get us to the next level. Stuart is a great teacher - knowledgeable, patient, attentive, tolerant of all our questions... Can't recommend him highly enough."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi John & Mandy, Thanks for your review. Although it was some 45 years since you had both done any turning I could see it was all starting to come back to you. Hope you have lots of enjoyment from your lathe and It would be great to see you both back again whenever you want a top up. Stuart."

Mick Stewart reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I did the 2-day course on consecutive days and this was wonderful and immersive. I had never done woodturning before and had a gift of tools and a mini lathe as a present. Stuart is a great teacher, and took me through the basics, including tool sharpening. The first day was theory etc, and apart from making lots of shavings and dust, I only started on my first item; a dibber. The next day was a quick recap then on to more items. I created 4 in total, with growing complexity as my skills developed. I had a great time with Stuart, the chat never stopped, the food/coffee good, the workshop ideal and cosy. I, without hesitation, would thoroughly recommend this course. Thanks, Stuart for a great time."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Mick. The course sounds so good I may book one myself. All the best with your future turnings. Stuart."

David reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I had a great day with Stuart learning the basics of woodturning and making a turned apple out of elm. Stuart is a great host and tutor. He makes you feel welcome right away and has a great knack for teaching the skills required to progress with this wonderful craft. We chatted right through the day about all manner of forms of working with wood. His workshop is warm and inviting with its wood stove, stuff full of wonderful hand tools, lathes and a lifetime’s hoard of amazing wood from all around the world. Tea and cake capped the afternoon. I couldn’t recommend Stuart’s course more highly. A thoroughly enjoyable day out in the wonderful Argyll countryside - and skills to take away and build on. Thanks so much for a great day."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for your comments David. So glad you enjoyed your day. Hope to see you again soon when you get your new lathe. Stuart."

Gordon Watt reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This was a fantastic reintroduction to wood turning. Stuart is an excellent teacher, listened carefully to what I wanted to do and delivered a first class, bespoke learning experience."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Glad you enjoyed your day Gordon. Many thanks. Stuart."

Alan C reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Stuart’s course was an excellent introduction to Woodturning. He is very talented and also a great instructor, with solid technical understanding; which is a rare mixture to find! His workshop is very well set up and provides a very warm welcome."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Alan, Thanks for your review and glad you enjoyed your day. Hope to see you again. Stuart."

Vicky Grant reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I had a great day learning about wood, how to cut & dry it, and manage to turn a couple of half decent souvenirs with the expert guidance of Stuart. He is very patient, passionate about what he does & a great guy to spend a day with & chat about all manner of things. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Vicky, Many thanks for your comments. I'm glad we managed to cover the processing side of the timber as well as making a few things. That will at least have given you an insight into what's involved when you start to sort out all the trees you have. Just let me know if I can help further. Hope your son liked the spinning top. Stuart."

Gordon reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I had a blast of a day learning the mysterious art of wood turning. Stuart gives you a real appreciation of the fine art involved and guides you to produce some lovely souvenirs. His workshop is impressive. I'd thoroughly recommend the day to those with either a passing interest or a deep desire to learn more."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Gordon, Many thanks for your recommendation, I appreciate it. I think your day here was probably less tiring than your other pursuit of "Marilyn & Munroe" bagging. All the best. Stuart."

Susan Kennedy reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I thoroughly enjoyed my day with Stuart and cannot rate it highly enough. I arrived, armed with a love of wood but knowing nothing about wood turning and left with some knowledge and with two beautiful pieces. Stuart is a very talented man and a very good, patient teacher."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Susan, Glad you enjoyed your day. Thats one off your bucket list. All the best. Stuart."

Tony Bennett reviewed: Woodturning for beginners: 2 day course

"The 1 to 1 course was a great way learn the basics of a new craft. Stuart was both informative and patient, demonstrating various skills and then giving guidance as you tried them yourself. Safety was always considered, and something that you might not get from a video. It was also rewarding to take home 2 pieces of work - which have been admired by others. An enjoyable course which I can recommend. I now feel more confident to set up my own lathe and get started!"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Tony, Thanks for your review. Let me know if I can advise when buying tools / wood etc. Stuart."

Pauline Colburn reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Just used day one of my woodturning course voucher & have had such an interesting day, Stuart made me feel relaxed from the start , explaining about the woods preparation and showing examples of various techniques & finishes , which I found inspiring .I am a complete beginner but Stuart is a very relaxed & patient tutor who gives you confidence .His workshop is well equipped & has a a good ventilation system. I had a go at spindle making in the morning . had lunch & with Stuarts guidance ( & lots of help ) I managed to produce a lovely oak dish to take home in the afternoon . This was a wonderful birthday gift & I'm really looking forward to day 2. I think the success of the day was summed up by my familys reaction of "wow . did you make that?""

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for your review Pauline and glad you got so much out of your day. Look forward to the second act. Stuart."

Stewart Campbell reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"This was a great introduction to woodturning. I'm amazed at how professional my two pieces of turning looked at the end of the day, but a lot of the professional finish came from Stuart's guiding hands. Stuart's tutoring and hospitality set just the right tone for an interesting day. Although I've been interested in turning for years and have had expert friends, its only when you do a day like this that you begin to realise the skills and techniques involved and also how you can begin to master them. I'm a volunteer with a local woodland Friends group so I was also interested in how to manage felled wood and the drying process, and I got great help from Stuart on all of these aspects. I was surprised at the extent to which wood continues to "live" after being felled. It's made me a lot more confident about what we can do with our wood. And I also enjoyed my mini-tutorial on the engineering aspects of swift nest boxes."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Stewart, Good to hear you were happy with the pieces you made. You did all the turning with just a little "assist" from me. You're lucky to have access to timber through the good voluntary work you do. (The swift box adjustments are at the Mark 4 Prototype stage but I understand progress is being made). Stuart."

Peter Booth reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"Hi Stuart, Sorry about the late review! Thank you for a great 2 days of turning wood. I've thought that I would enjoy it for years and now I know for sure. For anyone who is thinking about it for themselves, or for a friend, you won't be disappointed. The 2 day course is great because you learn a lot on day one. You can then go away and think about it, then practice more the next day or whenever you book day 2. There's a lot to it but Stuart will answer any questions and give advice from his 30 odd years experience. I will definitely be back for more and will be in touch when I start thinking about getting some equipment! Cheers"

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Hi Peter, Glad you enjoyed your course and happy to help again whenever you are ready. Stuart."

Sam Weldon reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I had an absolutely fantastic day on the one day course with Stuart and came away with some stunning pieces which I am chuffed to bits with. Stuart is an excellent teacher with an outstanding knowledge and skill base which he was more than willing to share with me in great detail which will be invaluable for me going forward. The course setting was the icing on the cake, a stunning location with plenty of opportunities to view and discuss Stuarts current pieces and the processes around them. If you are looking for an informative and accommodating tutor to further your skill set or try something new Stuart is your man. I could not recommend him more highly! Also if you are a complete beginner to the wood turning game like me he also has the patience of a saint."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks Sam. Always a pleasure teaching someone who is inspired by the craft as you are. Stuart."

Peter Burrell reviewed: Woodturning for beginners

"I was an absolute beginner and found the course a great introduction to the craft. I came away with sufficient confidence to buy a lathe and tools and have now turned quite a few pieces with some modest success. Stuart was very helpful in assisting me choose the equipment and get started."

The Scottish Woodturner responded:

"Thanks for the review Peter and glad that you're continuing to improve. It's a great hobby."