Learn to turn in Devon!
Chris runs 1, 2 and 3-day courses in his well-equipped workshop in Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor in South Devon.
Each course is tailored to meet the individual needs of the student, their capabilities and experience, whether complete novice or more advanced turner.
There are no set course dates - courses are arranged throughout the year from Monday to Saturday, to suit individual commitments.
There will be a maximum of 2 students per course.
Introduction to Bowl Turning courses
The correct selection and use of tools and equipment, and the characteristics of the materials and finishes we use are fully explained, along with the importance of health and safety considerations, to advance the students' proficiency and skill in the woodturner's craft. Full-face shields will be provided and must be worn at all times when any machine in the workshop is being used. Dustmasks will be provided when necessary. (Dust extraction is provided to all machines as required.)
Students can expect to learn the basic bowl turning techniques to turn and finish a bowl, which they will take home at the end of the day.
Everything you will need will be provided in terms of turning smocks, equipment and materials. There will be plenty of tea and coffee available - just bring a packed lunch, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn. PLEASE WEAR SENSIBLE WORKING CLOTHES AND STOUT SHOES.
The day runs from 9.30 -4.30 approx with tea and lunch breaks.
Course prices:
£160 a day.
The course fee for 2 people booking to attend a course together on the same day is reduced to £300/b]
Courses for more advanced turners
To widen your range of turning techniques, improve your tooling and tool-sharpening, and trouble-shooting any problems you are currently experiencing.
Courses are also available in pen, fruit and spindle turning.
The day runs from 9.30 -4.30 with tea and lunch breaks.
NEW FOR 2022
Chair making courses
Please enquire for further details
Course prices:
£160 a day.
The course fee for 2 people booking to attend a course together on the same day is reduced to £300
Plenty of local accommodation is available -
www.ashburton.org/sitemap_wheretostay.htm
TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME OF MY PREVIOUS STUDENTS:
If you're going to learn something, then learn it from the best, and Chris is just that! Not only is he a truly talented, time-served master craftsman, but he has the ability, patience and desire to pass on his incredible skills to others such as myself.
As a total beginner, I've recently thoroughly enjoyed one of his 3-day woodturning courses, and returned home buzzing with the desire and enthusiasm to go further with it. Chris has a perfect balance of teaching the correct techniques to do it for yourself, and knowing when to step in if necessary, and all mixed with his calmness and great sense of humour. I returned home with a few new skills which I look forward to developing, and a couple of beautiful bowls and pens as a permanent reminder of what a great few days it was! Thanks Chris.
David
I would be gilding the lily if I repeated all the good things everyone has said about this most patient, professional teacher and craftsman. So I will just say 5 stars all round.
Go and do a course with this consummate craftsman.. even his workshop is a treat to visit.
Even his tea making is second to none.
Mei
The course was a Christmas gift from my parents and in-laws and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Chris is so careful to explain the whole process from basics to the more skilled steps and is great company throughout the day. The bowl I produced far exceeded my expectations of what I thought I was capable of and the whole day was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended
Adrian
My husband and I spent an extremely enjoyable day crafting a beautiful sycamore bowl under Chris ‘s expert eye. He is an excellent and very patient tutor and always able to correct any beginner’s mistakes and set you back on the right path. We would highly recommend Chris’s course to anyone.
Rebecca
A lovely day of woodturning tuition.
Chris is very patient and clearly knowledgeable and experienced in the subject.
The day was very relaxed and pleasant. Chris was chatty and put me at ease.
I made a beautiful bowl of sycamore.
Savannah
I had a really enjoyable day learning woodturning with chris. He's extremely knowledgeable, likeable and a patient teacher. It definitely feels like he wants you to leave with a product that is finished to a good standard and nothing feels rushed. Tea and lunchbreaks were also good as conversation was varied and interesting and chocolate biscuits were on tap! I would definitely recommend this course to a complete beginner like myself or a self taught hobby turner. He also has a display cabinet with some beautifully made pieces for sale. Highly recommended!
Martyn
I have just spent a wonderful day with Chris learning woodturning with two friends. I have learnt lots of techniques along the way. Chris is a fantastic teacher and extremely patient! I’m really pleased with my end product and can’t wait to go again!! Thank you Chris - that’s one thing I’ve done off my bucket list and thoroughly enjoyed it. You are a master craftsman!!
Grace
What a brilliant day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the patience of a saint! Went with two friends. We all managed to make a beautiful bowl learning a variety of techniques. Even when we made mistakes Chris managed to save the day with amazing skill he has gleaned over 50 years of woodworking.
Can I come again please ?
Clare
Chris was the perfect teacher, calm, professional at all times, inspiring and his love for woodturning is infectious.
The workshop was clean with good kit to work with.
I would recommend anyone to go to Chris, for any level of woodturning, his health and safety was outstanding.
We will be going back.
Lee
I couldn't recommend Chris enough, his course was excellent.
The workshop was very clean and tidy, the machines were well maintained.
Chris' tuition was very clear and really moved my woodturning on, he explained things so,easily, he was very patient and kind, and we had a beautiful bowl to show for it and the end of the day.
We will definitely be going back without a shadow of a doubt, thank you Chris.
Trudy
I am intending to turn sculptural shapes and needed specific tuition for this. Chris was brilliant in adapting his training to meet my needs. He was patient and also prepared to push me along, not dumb things down. the day was challenging, but I came away with what I needed, and a very beautiful wooden object.
Stefan
My sister and I spent a great day with Chris, he is very knowledgeable and extremely patient. We were very proud of the two beautiful bowls we went home with.
Derinne
I have been woodturning for a few years and was self-taught so I thought it was time to learn how to do it properly. The day spent with Chris was inspirational and enlightening to say the least.
Chris has a friendly, calm, supportive and patient manner which, together with a clear ability to explain and demonstrate techniques will put any student at ease and enable them to discover the beautiful world of woodturning and come away with new-found skills.
If you have any doubts about attending a woodturning tuition day, then go and spend a day with Chris. You won't go wrong. I certainly will be going back! Thank you Chris for a fantastic day!
David
Chris's beginners’ woodturning course is highly recommended. I was given a day with Chris as an experiential birthday gift, and I had a great time, learnt some new skills and came away with a very handsome piece of contemporary woodcraft as a memento.
Chris is a good instructor. He knows when to step in and assist the student, and when to step back and allow the student to complete the necessary tasks to learn the process.
His workshop has the added attraction of being situated in the beautiful and wholesome surroundings of Dartmoor, in God's own county of Devon.
Mac
I've had the best day with Chris today and have come home with a beautiful bowl that I'm over the moon with. Chris is a fantastic teacher, he explained everything clearly, was very patient, but he never took over. I'm definitely keen to do more turning.
Ellie
Chris provided a real fun day for me and my daughter in a fantastic setting on the edge of Dartmoor. I was particularly impressed with the attention to safety in the workshop environment. And we produced two fantastic bowls !!
Glenn
My Dad and I had a great day with Chris. I had recently inherited a lathe and was keen to learn the ropes before taking on my new tool. On our craft day both my dad and I turned a lovely bowl under the helpful watch and guidance of Chris. Chris really gave me the confidence I needed to continue wood turning in my own workshop and there's no doubt I'll be doing a level 2 course with him in the near future.
Zoe
Had a very enjoyable day with Chris learning about wood turning . Chris gave the right level of help to ensure we came away with a dish to be proud of and that we were happy we had produced it. Chris's helpful and friendly personality made it feel like we'd known him for ages.
Martin
Chris was a great teacher. I am 14 years old and I found that Chris was very patient and whilst he helped and advised he didn’t take over. At the end of the day I ended up with a beautiful beech bowl. I really enjoyed the whole day.
Kirsty
We did a day woodturning as a joint birthday present to ourselves. It was a great mix of productivity and learning and fun. The whole day went so smoothly because Chris is a great natural teacher and communicator; he understood who we were and paced the day accordingly (I don't have the greatest eye-sight and my wife has some issues with her hands). We now have two bowls that are both beautiful and functional, and of course they are a permanent reminder of what we did when we stumbled across into our sixties. Thanks Chris for a great day out - and your patience and kindness.
Gary and Terrill
My partner and I spent a really enjoyable day with Chris. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learing how to turn wood as Chris is extremely patient and attentive to your level of ability. Despite neither of us ever having done anything like this before we both came away with a beautiful bowl each. It was nice to know we could do it. Thanks Chris!
Matt
I have just had, I think, my third visit here. Chris is endlessly patient & an extremely good teacher. Part of yesterday was devoted to setting up my bench grinder for sharpening, I might add that all this was at my request. After that I made a lovely bowl out of sweet chestnut.
Anybody out there & thinking of giving woodturning a go, this is the chap you want.
Needless to say I shall be back!!
Roger
Did this course with my wife a couple of weeks ago. We both ended up with amazingly good products thanks to Chris's tuition, help and care. The workshop is well equipped with plenty of space for 2-3 people working there and the tuition was exceptionally good. Chris not only explained the intricacies but was patient to the extreme when we got it wrong. A most worthwhile day; we may well go again to develop our, as yet, very limited skills.
David
I highly recommend this day's course. I took my 16 year old nephew and we each came away with the most beautiful turned piece. Chris is superb and makes everything clear and straightforward - it was a fun, creative and uplifting day. Don't hesitate: go!
Helen
Chris runs 1, 2 and 3-day courses in his well-equipped workshop in Ashburton, on the edge of Dartmoor in South Devon.
Each course is tailored to meet the individual needs of the student, their capabilities and experience, whether complete novice or more advanced turner.
There are no set course dates - courses are arranged throughout the year from Monday to Saturday, to suit individual commitments.
There will be a maximum of 2 students per course.
Introduction to Bowl Turning courses
The correct selection and use of tools and equipment, and the characteristics of the materials and finishes we use are fully explained, along with the importance of health and safety considerations, to advance the students' proficiency and skill in the woodturner's craft. Full-face shields will be provided and must be worn at all times when any machine in the workshop is being used. Dustmasks will be provided when necessary. (Dust extraction is provided to all machines as required.)
Students can expect to learn the basic bowl turning techniques to turn and finish a bowl, which they will take home at the end of the day.
Everything you will need will be provided in terms of turning smocks, equipment and materials. There will be plenty of tea and coffee available - just bring a packed lunch, a sense of humour and a willingness to learn. PLEASE WEAR SENSIBLE WORKING CLOTHES AND STOUT SHOES.
The day runs from 9.30 -4.30 approx with tea and lunch breaks.
Course prices:
£160 a day.
The course fee for 2 people booking to attend a course together on the same day is reduced to £300/b]
Courses for more advanced turners
To widen your range of turning techniques, improve your tooling and tool-sharpening, and trouble-shooting any problems you are currently experiencing.
Courses are also available in pen, fruit and spindle turning.
The day runs from 9.30 -4.30 with tea and lunch breaks.
NEW FOR 2022
Chair making courses
Please enquire for further details
Course prices:
£160 a day.
The course fee for 2 people booking to attend a course together on the same day is reduced to £300
Plenty of local accommodation is available -
www.ashburton.org/sitemap_wheretostay.htm
TESTIMONIALS FROM SOME OF MY PREVIOUS STUDENTS:
If you're going to learn something, then learn it from the best, and Chris is just that! Not only is he a truly talented, time-served master craftsman, but he has the ability, patience and desire to pass on his incredible skills to others such as myself.
As a total beginner, I've recently thoroughly enjoyed one of his 3-day woodturning courses, and returned home buzzing with the desire and enthusiasm to go further with it. Chris has a perfect balance of teaching the correct techniques to do it for yourself, and knowing when to step in if necessary, and all mixed with his calmness and great sense of humour. I returned home with a few new skills which I look forward to developing, and a couple of beautiful bowls and pens as a permanent reminder of what a great few days it was! Thanks Chris.
David
I would be gilding the lily if I repeated all the good things everyone has said about this most patient, professional teacher and craftsman. So I will just say 5 stars all round.
Go and do a course with this consummate craftsman.. even his workshop is a treat to visit.
Even his tea making is second to none.
Mei
The course was a Christmas gift from my parents and in-laws and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute. Chris is so careful to explain the whole process from basics to the more skilled steps and is great company throughout the day. The bowl I produced far exceeded my expectations of what I thought I was capable of and the whole day was a wonderful experience. Highly recommended
Adrian
My husband and I spent an extremely enjoyable day crafting a beautiful sycamore bowl under Chris ‘s expert eye. He is an excellent and very patient tutor and always able to correct any beginner’s mistakes and set you back on the right path. We would highly recommend Chris’s course to anyone.
Rebecca
A lovely day of woodturning tuition.
Chris is very patient and clearly knowledgeable and experienced in the subject.
The day was very relaxed and pleasant. Chris was chatty and put me at ease.
I made a beautiful bowl of sycamore.
Savannah
I had a really enjoyable day learning woodturning with chris. He's extremely knowledgeable, likeable and a patient teacher. It definitely feels like he wants you to leave with a product that is finished to a good standard and nothing feels rushed. Tea and lunchbreaks were also good as conversation was varied and interesting and chocolate biscuits were on tap! I would definitely recommend this course to a complete beginner like myself or a self taught hobby turner. He also has a display cabinet with some beautifully made pieces for sale. Highly recommended!
Martyn
I have just spent a wonderful day with Chris learning woodturning with two friends. I have learnt lots of techniques along the way. Chris is a fantastic teacher and extremely patient! I’m really pleased with my end product and can’t wait to go again!! Thank you Chris - that’s one thing I’ve done off my bucket list and thoroughly enjoyed it. You are a master craftsman!!
Grace
What a brilliant day. Chris is an excellent teacher with the patience of a saint! Went with two friends. We all managed to make a beautiful bowl learning a variety of techniques. Even when we made mistakes Chris managed to save the day with amazing skill he has gleaned over 50 years of woodworking.
Can I come again please ?
Clare
Chris was the perfect teacher, calm, professional at all times, inspiring and his love for woodturning is infectious.
The workshop was clean with good kit to work with.
I would recommend anyone to go to Chris, for any level of woodturning, his health and safety was outstanding.
We will be going back.
Lee
I couldn't recommend Chris enough, his course was excellent.
The workshop was very clean and tidy, the machines were well maintained.
Chris' tuition was very clear and really moved my woodturning on, he explained things so,easily, he was very patient and kind, and we had a beautiful bowl to show for it and the end of the day.
We will definitely be going back without a shadow of a doubt, thank you Chris.
Trudy
I am intending to turn sculptural shapes and needed specific tuition for this. Chris was brilliant in adapting his training to meet my needs. He was patient and also prepared to push me along, not dumb things down. the day was challenging, but I came away with what I needed, and a very beautiful wooden object.
Stefan
My sister and I spent a great day with Chris, he is very knowledgeable and extremely patient. We were very proud of the two beautiful bowls we went home with.
Derinne
I have been woodturning for a few years and was self-taught so I thought it was time to learn how to do it properly. The day spent with Chris was inspirational and enlightening to say the least.
Chris has a friendly, calm, supportive and patient manner which, together with a clear ability to explain and demonstrate techniques will put any student at ease and enable them to discover the beautiful world of woodturning and come away with new-found skills.
If you have any doubts about attending a woodturning tuition day, then go and spend a day with Chris. You won't go wrong. I certainly will be going back! Thank you Chris for a fantastic day!
David
Chris's beginners’ woodturning course is highly recommended. I was given a day with Chris as an experiential birthday gift, and I had a great time, learnt some new skills and came away with a very handsome piece of contemporary woodcraft as a memento.
Chris is a good instructor. He knows when to step in and assist the student, and when to step back and allow the student to complete the necessary tasks to learn the process.
His workshop has the added attraction of being situated in the beautiful and wholesome surroundings of Dartmoor, in God's own county of Devon.
Mac
I've had the best day with Chris today and have come home with a beautiful bowl that I'm over the moon with. Chris is a fantastic teacher, he explained everything clearly, was very patient, but he never took over. I'm definitely keen to do more turning.
Ellie
Chris provided a real fun day for me and my daughter in a fantastic setting on the edge of Dartmoor. I was particularly impressed with the attention to safety in the workshop environment. And we produced two fantastic bowls !!
Glenn
My Dad and I had a great day with Chris. I had recently inherited a lathe and was keen to learn the ropes before taking on my new tool. On our craft day both my dad and I turned a lovely bowl under the helpful watch and guidance of Chris. Chris really gave me the confidence I needed to continue wood turning in my own workshop and there's no doubt I'll be doing a level 2 course with him in the near future.
Zoe
Had a very enjoyable day with Chris learning about wood turning . Chris gave the right level of help to ensure we came away with a dish to be proud of and that we were happy we had produced it. Chris's helpful and friendly personality made it feel like we'd known him for ages.
Martin
Chris was a great teacher. I am 14 years old and I found that Chris was very patient and whilst he helped and advised he didn’t take over. At the end of the day I ended up with a beautiful beech bowl. I really enjoyed the whole day.
Kirsty
We did a day woodturning as a joint birthday present to ourselves. It was a great mix of productivity and learning and fun. The whole day went so smoothly because Chris is a great natural teacher and communicator; he understood who we were and paced the day accordingly (I don't have the greatest eye-sight and my wife has some issues with her hands). We now have two bowls that are both beautiful and functional, and of course they are a permanent reminder of what we did when we stumbled across into our sixties. Thanks Chris for a great day out - and your patience and kindness.
Gary and Terrill
My partner and I spent a really enjoyable day with Chris. I would recommend this course to anyone interested in learing how to turn wood as Chris is extremely patient and attentive to your level of ability. Despite neither of us ever having done anything like this before we both came away with a beautiful bowl each. It was nice to know we could do it. Thanks Chris!
Matt
I have just had, I think, my third visit here. Chris is endlessly patient & an extremely good teacher. Part of yesterday was devoted to setting up my bench grinder for sharpening, I might add that all this was at my request. After that I made a lovely bowl out of sweet chestnut.
Anybody out there & thinking of giving woodturning a go, this is the chap you want.
Needless to say I shall be back!!
Roger
Did this course with my wife a couple of weeks ago. We both ended up with amazingly good products thanks to Chris's tuition, help and care. The workshop is well equipped with plenty of space for 2-3 people working there and the tuition was exceptionally good. Chris not only explained the intricacies but was patient to the extreme when we got it wrong. A most worthwhile day; we may well go again to develop our, as yet, very limited skills.
David
I highly recommend this day's course. I took my 16 year old nephew and we each came away with the most beautiful turned piece. Chris is superb and makes everything clear and straightforward - it was a fun, creative and uplifting day. Don't hesitate: go!
Helen
