Thompsons Wood reviews

David Yea reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I enrolled on this course with some limited woodworking experience, but absolutely zero experience of wood lathe turning. On arrival, Jake immediately put me at ease and that relaxed environment continued throughout the day. Not only is Jake highly experienced, but has wonderfully calm persona, ideally suited to instructing people in a great skill, whilst operating potentially dangerous machinery and tools. I would highly recommend Jake's training courses."

Mike Barnes reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I came to this course with some historic school experience of wood turning. Jake was able to adapt to refreshing the skills needed whilst also adding new tips, ideas and skills. Great enjoyable day."

Joseph reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Thanks Jake, had a great day in your workshop yesterday. Following your tuition and guidance I came away with a lovely bowl and pen. "

A CAMPBELL reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"I did the 1-day furniture-making and cabinetry beginners course with Jake and I couldn't recommend it highly enough. I didn't have any experience going into it so there was a lot to get through but Jake provided really clear explanations, instructions and demonstrations so it never felt rushed. It was a very relaxed day and thanks to Jake's excellent teaching I ended up with new knowledge, skills and confidence, as well a piece of furniture that I'm really proud of."

Roi reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"I had an amazing experience doing the workshop with Jake. He was patient and knowledgeable. The piece that we worked on came out really nice. I didn't have any experience coming in and I felt like I've learnt a lot. I would absolutely recommend Jake to anybody who is looking for a special experience and would absolutely come back again myself."

Jacqui reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Had a fantastic day with Jake and came away with a bowl, lid and pen. I'm well and truly hooked and am looking forward to buying my own lathe. Thankyou for sgaring your knowledge and experience, and for making it a thoroughly enjoyable day. "

Jon reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Had a lovely day woodturning with Jake. Great teacher - knowledgeable, enthusiastic and relaxed. Fully recommended."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you for the kind words Jon, it was indeed a lovely day!"

Eric Boon reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"It was fab told me everything I wanted to now "

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you Eric, much appreciated!"

John Cranston reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"I had a great day with Jake yesterday. He is very knowledgeable and friendly and made me very welcome. I'm a total novice with power tools but was keen to get some experience. He didn't disappoint. He showed me how to use his impressive kit, safely and with plenty of guidance. I can highly recommend Jake."

Lou Holloway reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"What a fantastic experience!…. Jake is warm, friendly ,so enthusiastic, knowledgeable and a great instructor. I came to the course with almost zero experience but a genuine interest, and left with a beautiful coffee table that now takes pride of place in my home. I still can’t believe that I made it from scratch! The whole day is busy but relaxed, with Jake taking the time to talk you through everything you do, all the tools you are using, and making sure you are using them safely, all whilst having a good laugh. He goes above and beyond to make sure you have a brilliant experience - I definitely highly recommend. "

Tim reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"Jake is an excellent teacher. He brings bags of encouragement and enthusiasm to his teaching, supporting you through every stage of the course. I would thoroughly recommend!"

Andrew reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Had a brilliant day with Jake learning how to use a wood turning lathe. This was a surprise gift from my wife and I really enjoyed myself. Jake was a great teacher and made me feel very welcome. I am really pleased with my creation too."

David reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Jake is an excellent knowledgeable teacher and a lovely guy. He has a very well equipped workshop. I enjoyed my day with him enormously and, with his expert guidance, I was able to produce a beautiful wooden bowl. I’d give him 6 stars if I could."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Awww mate that's some kind words! Thank you, it was my pleasure, honestly great day and thank you for testing the new lathe out with me! "

Steve reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Truly fantastic day. Great set up. Amazing teacher. Knowledgeable and generous with that knowledge. Hopefully the start of a new pastime . Thanks Jake"

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thanks steve it was a pleasure to have you in the shop! And Happy birthday from katie and I 🥰"

Corinne reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I had a fantastic day ... and with zero experience I came away with a bowl (and a lid)! I'd not have thought it possible from a standing start and it is entirely down to Jake. He is a great tutor and provided the perfect mix of direction, encouragement, fun and technical info. It's a brilliant hands on course and I can definitely and wholeheartedly recommend it!"

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you for those lovely words, I really appreciate it, I'd be more than happy to come over to you to help you set up your lathe once you've got the space up and ready ❤️ "

Sue M reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I had a fabulous day with Jake, making a lidded wooden bowl on his lathe. It was a real pleasure to spend the day with Jake - he was very knowledgeable and was really good at explaining the steps I needed to follow. He was there if I needed him, but he also gave me space to get on with what I needed to do and make my own design decisions about my bowl. He was also a lovely person to chat to and spend time with. Thanks Jake!"

Zak Ferguson-Young reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I had such a good day doing this turning course. Jake was generous with his time, knowledge and materials helping me to make a beautiful bowl. The day was relaxed and fun. I spent the whole next day showing everyone what I made. I would 100% recommend this course. I immediately went home to see if I could buy my own lathe! Thanks so much"

S Sheh reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"I decided to join Jake’s course having close to zero experience with woodworking, and had the best day which felt like a “mind reset”. Jake’s genuineness shows through his patience in teaching, his tailoring to individual needs and dedication to the craft. Thank you for holding my hand as I took enthusiastic toddler steps, taking extra time to go through tools unrelated to the project, too. I went home with a beautiful wooden bench- now a centrepiece within my humble abode, an affirmation to invest in the hobby, and the associated memories of joy from a day filled with deep conversations and hearty laughter."

Richard reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"It was superb. I had a great day. Nothing was too much trouble. "

Phil reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"This is our second visit to see Jake. He is amazing. My son made some fantastic presents for his teachers when he left school. All whilst gaining experience. We both really enjoyed the experience. We cannot recommend Jake enough and will definitely be keeping in touch"

Igor reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Had a great time doing a lathe turning workshop with Jake. He is a great teacher and instructor and an all round sound fella. He was very supportive and helpful and kept an eye on you but only stepped in when needed to, loved spending the day making a bowl and coming out with better than expected result. Would recommend doing a course with Jake to anyone who’s looking to work with wood. Mega day out."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you for the lovely words mate 😊"

Kristina H reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I absolutely loved the beginner's course with Jake. He is such a reassuring and calm tutor who helped me create a bowl and lid that is so so much more than I could have ever imagined. It was such fun as well. Thanks so much."

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you for your lovely review Kristina, it was a pleasure to work with you in the shop 😊"

J reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"Jake was amazing. He accommodated our request to make bespoke items for presents. I am sure the receivers will be very touched to receive such personal gifts. Jake was extremely accommodating and was very good in explaining how to use the machinery and tools. We will definitely be keeping in touch and going on future courses with Jake. He is very professional, friendly and wants to impart his knowledge for people to enjoy the craft. "

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you very much, I'm very much looking forward to our next rendezvous! "

Steve Gough reviewed: Lathe turning for beginners with Thompsons Wood

"I would like to thank you Jake for an amazing day where I learnt so much and came away confident to start using my lathe. I went in to this course with no lathe experience however, I am practically minded. I have a lathe but wanted to understand how to start making things correctly from an expert and not from misguiding youtube videos.. Jake provided this the whole day I was there. We had plenty of laughs along the way which was great and I came away with confidence, a great deal of knowledge and two wonderful items made on the lathe. When you work out the cost of this course per hour against any other trade, you fully understand the great value for money the day is. I’m sure I will be back for more in the future and all that remains for me to say is thank you Jake. Appreciated!"

Thompsons Wood responded:

"Thank you a million times over Steve, it was a lovely day and you did make some lovely pieces, be a pleasure to have you back whenever the feeling takes you! "

Viraaj Patel reviewed: Furniture making and Cabinetry beginners course

"Did this course with Jake on a peaceful Sunday. Jake was excellent right from the start with a warm welcoming smile and happy to just get stuck into the course straight away. He's such a knowledgeable guy and clearly loves what he does and it shows in how he delivers the course. We built an amazing coffee table and Jake explained all the various cuts and joints we would use, their purpose and how the specific tools are used for all the work. Overall it was an amazing, tiring, but extremely rewarding day and I would highly recommend to anyone with even a passing interest. Jake is a great instructor and such a lovely person that you will want to try your best and he will definitely get the best out of you. 5+ stars and definitely the best course I've been on so far."