Tim Feb. 2026 - Woodturning Introduction
" I attended the Full Day Woodturning Introduction on 22nd February 2026 with Rick and had a fantastic experience.
Rick is a very talented woodturner and an excellent teacher. He explains things clearly, demonstrates techniques well, and creates a relaxed, supportive atmosphere that makes learning enjoyable and confidence-building.
The workshop is extremely well equipped and impressively clean and organised, which really adds to the experience. By the end of the day, I’d learned a great deal and was proud to have made a beautiful bowl to take home.
I’d highly recommend this course to anyone interested in woodturning. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and rewarding day."
Ken and Josh Feb. 2026 - Woodturning Introduction
Ken - " I had a great day with Rick. As someone over 80, who has never used a lathe , I came away having made 2 quality items. Rick’s organisation and teaching skills are fantastic and as he only has two students, the teaching is personal and very supportive. Excellent value for money and I will certainly look forward to doing another course."
Josh - "Rick Dobney Woodturning was a really enjoyable day. Rick was so kind and and welcoming when I arrived. There was enough space for all the different aspects of the day, this included both the morning and afternoon sessions as well as when Rick was demonstrating something. The aim of the day was to have fun and learn something and this was most definitely achieved. Rick asked myself and the other attendee what we wanted to get out of the day as well as making sure that he could dedicate time to each person and their work. This meant that we both left with some really beautiful turned wood masterpieces (for a first attempt). Lunch was provided as were drinks throughout the day and this was done in such a way that I felt welcomed into the home and part of the family whilst there. Overall I would most definitely recommend this to anyone wanting to try woodturning for the first time or wanting to get some more experience and time spent with someone dedicated to their craft and wanting others to improve. Massive thanks again Rick for such a great day!"
Tony and Claire Nov. 2025 - Woodturning Introduction
" We chose this course with Rick because of the positive reviews and the course content. As a beginner, it seemed like a good starting point.
The introduction to tools, workshop, and the day’s plan was well-pitched, with plenty of tool and workshop instruction without overemphasis on health and safety. Rick demonstrated each stage before we tried it. We never felt rushed; the pace was constant but relaxed. Each time we felt we needed further input, Rick was on hand to provide just the right level of help and guidance.
After a hearty lunch, we chose our bowl options. Rick covered wood species, grain selection, making the most of our chosen blanks, and finishing options. After a few hours of happily working away on our bowls, we both ended up with something we were proud of. The bowls even turned out as we envisaged, in no small part thanks to Rick’s continued input.
Overall, the day exceeded our expectations. We both enjoyed the experience and would recommend Rick’s courses to anyone. I’m sure we'll return for another course in the not-too-distant future. "
Dave Nov. 2025 - Woodturning Introduction
"I found Rick very friendly and welcoming. His workshop was very clean and well equipped and organised. I never felt rushed, his teaching manner was calm and relaxed and if you made a mistake he would sort it out and explain what you’d done wrong."
Andy July 2025 - Spindle Turning Foundation
"It is almost 3 years since I attended a half day taster, bowl making, course with Rick. His calm, experience-based teaching style meant I left that session not only with a bowl but with the wood turning bug as well! After taking time to get a lathe set up at home and starting to try out the wood turning basics I booked a full day session, spindle turning, with Rick to hopefully start to sort out my bad habits. The full day spindle turning course has been brilliant. Ricks expertise and experience coupled with his calm teaching style meant I came away with loads to work on and a much better understanding of the basic tool techniques of spindle turning. The teaching workshop is wonderfully set up and makes you feel very safe. Thank you, Rick, for being so willing to give your time and share your skills. Thanks also to Alison for a wonderful lunch. I am really looking forward to returning for more of your courses in the future."
Jacob and Mike April 2025 - Bowl Turning Introduction
Mike - " Had tried woodturning in my school days and always wanted to try it again, so thank you to my wife Fiona for organising the surprise. What a thoroughly enjoyable day !
Rick - you struck just the right balance of time on the lathe and talking us through the multiple aspects of the craft and the tools. The latter being so useful to understand why things are done in a certain way. And thank you for just the right balance of help at the right moments, ensuring we had something we could really be proud to take home and show off !
The workshop set up was perfect with everything clearly of the best quality and condition and the utmost care taken regards safety.
I really felt like I could go on from our day with just enough knowledge to start what will surely be a very addictive hobby !
Thanks again Rick"
Nigel March 2025 - Wood Turning Introduction
My wife booked Rick’s course as a Christmas Present. I had a great day. The course was relaxed and friendly. The details and reasoning were excellent and addressed questions to take back to my lathe and tools. I made a Sycamore bowl, that everyone loves. Rick is a friendly and is an excellent instructor. Thanks Rick.
John and Scott March 2025 - Bowl Turning Foundation
John - "I thoroughly enjoyed the woodturning day I spent with Rick.
He has a very relaxed manner which puts you at ease right from the start and a great depth of knowledge about woodturning.
After an introduction to the machines, it is straight into it and after that, the day just flew by.
I have turned three bowls in the past but have received very little tuition before so I always used to find it difficult to get the finish right.
The tips Rick gave me throughout the day made such a difference to the final outcome and I was very proud with what I came away with at the end of the day.
I will for sure be booking another day with Rick.
Thanks also for the drinks and snacks you provided throughout the day and the great lunch that your wife made for us.
I would highly recommend anyone who is thinking of having a go at woodturning to get in touch with Rick."