training Testimonials

We had a great day with Rick, learning the basics of woodturning, and (with a fair bit of help!) made two lovely items to take home.  Rick made it clear from the start that to gain competence takes many hours of practice – and I can well believe it.  He showed us the tools and techniques to use but most importantly explained the principles of how and why they work.  If you think you can easily pick this up from watching online tutorials think again!  The personal guidance provided by Rick was invaluable, showing us time and time again how to hold and use the tools correctly.

Rick looked after us extremely well, both by making sure we followed all appropriate safe workshop practices and by keeping us well supplied with drinks, biscuits and lunch.  Many thanks again Rick – an experience to remember!

Nigel “ Had a great day with Rick. He is an excellent teacher who explains things really well and takes you through each step so you come away with an excellent understanding of what to do ( and a couple of bits you made on the day). It is a very full on and hands on day which is just what I was looking for. Will have a bit of a practice at home and will almost certainly be booking a more advanced course in the future. Really can't recommend Rick highly enough ”

Lee "I've always wanted to try my hand at wood turning. My  experience with Rick Dobney was the best place to start. Right from the word go, Rick is invested in giving you the most out of your time with him. An overview of the machines and tools you'll be using along with health and safety guidance. And then you're straight into it. Nothing was too much trouble with Rick. Offering valuable advice and best practices on how to approach each individual cut while turning your work piece. There is a lot of skill required to this craft, and it shows through Rick when he helps guide you through issues. Of which I encountered a fair few. All part of the learning process. It is a great experience for anyone who is thinking of trying woodturning for the first time, and even those who have plenty of experience.

I came away with 2 great pieces. The beech garden dibber and the solid oak bowl. Items that are keepsakes and can be cherished forever. Many thanks for a great day, Rick. I'll be back again soon 👍"

Paul “ I really enjoyed my woodturning introduction day. I have never done anything like this before and I came home with a garden dibber and an oak bowl that (to my untrained eye) was indistinguishable from something I would find on a craft stall. I am very proud of them both and the family were delighted. The pace of the course was perfect and the breakdown of the stages involved was clear. We didn’t stop until both pieces were finished to perfection – I was having so much fun that I didn’t even notice that we had overrun. Your assistance and guidance was spot-on and you divided your time well between both students. This arrangement worked well because I felt that it was my own work, and you were always to hand when needed or to guide us through the next stage. You obviously enjoy doing this and I liked the friendly, relaxed and informal atmosphere. We had time for a break and a chat in the afternoon. Thanks for the lunch, which was lovely. The tea, cold bottled water and biscuits throughout the day was also appreciated. Everything in the workshop was clean and well organised and the tools and equipment were top-notch. Thank you.”

Neil "I attended a one day beginners woodturning class with Rick, given to me as a birthday present from my wife in an attempt to help me find an absorbing hobby to keep me busy during my recently gained retirement. Having had absolutely no experience in woodturning I was surprised and delighted to come away with two respectable looking pieces after a very enjoyable day. Having another student working alongside me was actually the perfect situation as it enabled Rick to move between us delivering instruction and then allowing individual time to put newly acquired techniques into practice. Rick was patient and supportive in his teaching and clearly has a huge amount of skill and experience. I'm hoping that this day will be the start of a woodturning journey that will span many years and I certainly have no hesitation in recommending this course to anyone interested in taking their first steps to becoming a turner. "

“Firstly, I would like to thank my wife, Debbie, for organising this wonderful day, spent under the tutelage of Rick, whose skill, knowledge and patience was boundless. Although I work mainly with my hands, I have always admired REAL craftsmen and women who have the ability to create beautiful pieces of work. My day spent with Rick provided a wonderful opportunity for creativity and learning, and a perfect insight into the art of woodturning. The day passed in the blink of an eye and Rick was a fantastic teacher as well as a perfect host. I thoroughly recommend that anyone considering this experience should look no further than Rick. You will come away from your day with a big smile on your face and a tremendous sense of achievement. Thanks Rick.”

 " Perfect woodturning class for complete beginners all the way up to more experienced woodturners, Rick adapts to make it the perfect class. I was a complete novice and he allowed me to chose how much help I needed and gave constant help. There was no time pressure, he was only interested in making sure you enjoyed it and finished your project. Give it a go, you'll love it." 

 "  I have been getting into woodwork for a few years now but had never tried any woodturning so booked two half day sessions with Rick. From the start he was professional and friendly and I knew I was going to love it. On the first session I ended up with a sycamore honey dipper which I was very proud of but on the second I made a small bowl from cherry wood and it was absolutely fantastic. It was harder than I expected but Rick was encouraging and resourceful throughout, correcting my errors and gently coaxing me to improve technique. Highly recommended and I will certainly be back. " 

 " I bought Faye a wood lathe two years ago for Christmas – it was something she liked the idea of learning to use. We really needed some instruction before using it, so I booked an introductory course as a gift this Christmas and then decided I’d like to learn some of the basics as well.  We had a really enjoyable morning with Rick learning the basics and making our first woodturned pieces. We both feel much more confident using our own lathe – the first thing we did when we got home was to have a look at what equipment we have and what we need to buy! We’ll definitely be back to learn how to turn bowls once we’ve practiced what we learnt on our first lesson. Thanks again Rick – a great lesson brilliantly delivered. " 

 "I had two half day taster sessions with Rick, which I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to try a new wood working skill. Rick gave a detailed introduction to the lathe and the safe use of the basic turning tools. After my first attempts at turning I decided that l wanted to spend my time practicing spindle turning and Rick was flexible in his program to allow me to do so. Rick creates a relaxed but professional and safe learning space and is aware when guidance is needed and when a watchful eye is sufficient. In the second session I used my nascent skills to execute my first spindle project and finished the session the proud maker of a honey dipper. Thanks Rick for a great experience " 

 "Ricks easy to understand and positive approach to teaching gave me the confidence to use the tools and machinery to produce a nice stem vase. 

I really enjoyed the time, Thankyou. " 

 " The session ended sometime after 5 and by the time photos of my with my new pieces had been taken in the garden and my car was loaded it was nearer to 6 when I finally left. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding day. I left feeling confident that I could turn without continual jags and keep my tools sharp. Rick and his wife made me very welcome with coffee breaks throughout the day. I would recommend a course with Rick to anyone wanting to improve their technique with a professional turner " 

Alison succesfully completed her 1st introduction lesson and progressed to turning a fine spalted London Plane bowl for as a gift for her son.

"I have had a wonderful time, designing, and working on my bowl under the watchful eye of Rick. 
It has been the most satisfying achievement and Rick has inspired and encouraged me to keep learning and improving my technique. I can't wait to do more!"

"I had a great day on Saturday, it was both very useful & enjoyable. My wife asked me if the time had dragged & I said anything but! Anyway, thank you again, a great day"