Which course?

[nicko]

Hi
I have been having a go on the lathe, following Keith Rowley's book and have had a few minor victories, with a couple of reasonable small bowls to show. I now seem to be stuck and can't solve a few issues that I am having, I also feel I need a better understanding of the finer points.
With this in mind, I am thinking of booking myself on either the Yandles or Axminster 2 day beginners course.
Does anyone have experience of these courses, the Yandles is the cheaper!
Which would you recommend?

Nick

 

[marcros]

at the Harrogate show, i was talking to the AWGB http://www.awgb.co.uk/

the chap was telling me that if I were to join, there were a number of heavily discounted courses available for members.

 

[nicko]

Thanks, I will look into this.

Nick

 

[Sporky McGuffin]

I did the Axminster one and found it very helpful, though I did it before I'd even unpacked my lathe. If you're already turning out bowls you might benefit from something a little more advanced.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

No clubs close to you? You could probably get a decades membership for what a two day course will cost.

 

[Rhossydd]

No clubs close to you? You could probably get a decades membership for what a two day course will cost.

I'm sure clubs suit some people, but they're unlikely to be as useful and enjoyable as a solid two days tuition in a well equipped workshop with a professional tutor.

I haven't been to either myself, although I have watched Jason Breech (who teaches at Axminster) demonstrate. JB had a nice style and I could imagine learning a lot from him.

 

[SVB]

Nick,

Drop me a PM if you like with your contact details. I'm in Nailsworth and would be happy to spend an evening working together at either your or my workshop (or both - any excuse!).

I have been a member of both the Avon / Bristol and Glos Association woodturner's club so can let you know about both of these incl the A&B tuition programme.

Over the years I've done 1:1 courses with Chris Eagles, Phil Irons, Nick Agar and had group tuition from Mark Sanger and Mark Hancock so I can give my perspective on those sessions also if it is of interest to you.

BRgds

Simon

Club info below:

ABWT

http://www.avon-and-bristol-woodturners.org.uk/

They meet monthly in a church hall in the Filton area and also the former chairman has set up a charitable trust with a workshop in Portishead with about 20 lathes from basic record units to a VB36 so the full spectrum.

http://www.maxcareywoodturningtrust.org.uk/

They do training there for new turners (was mid-week only but this may have changed) so will give you access to all sorts of kit to look at before you buy and loads of inpartial advice - worth a day's holiday if your working or get your self signed up asap if your retired and have the time!

GAW

They also meet monthly, sports club just outside Barnwood, Glos. No workshop / tuition but also good programme of evening + odd full day demo.

 

[SVB]

Also, forgot to say there are weekly / evening courses both at Orchard Worshops (Bristiol) and Stanton Guildhouse (Chelt + a bit!) that may be yet another option.

S

 

[Sporky McGuffin]

I'm sure clubs suit some people, but they're unlikely to be as useful and enjoyable as a solid two days tuition in a well equipped workshop with a professional tutor.

I haven't been to either myself, although I have watched Jason Breech (who teaches at Axminster) demonstrate. JB had a nice style and I could imagine learning a lot from him.

I definitely agree with the first point - with work it's much easier for me to book two days (or even an entire week for one of Peter Sefton's courses next year) than it is to turn up every week/month on a given evening. I also find that courses suit me very well for getting started, then I can just plough on on my own for a while.

 

[Peter Sefton]

Chris Eagles used to run short turning courses for me at the school but now I advice students to go direct to him. I also recommend Mark Hancock if they are local to us in Worcestershire. Paul Hannaby is in Gloucestershire and I hear he is also good.

I feel it's best for these guys to teach their own unique skills whilst we specialise in ours.

http://www.hannaby.com/woodturning-courses.html

Cheers Peter

 

[Mal]

I did a 2 day course at Yandles with Paul Ridler a few months ago, and I found it excellent value.
I had been churning away on my own previously, and must admit to having a few near misses!!
I found the various elements, sharpening tools, (which I found really helpful) and the basics of turning between centres, and face turning was invaluable for a novice like me
Well worth the money I found

 

[modelman093]

Wrong part of the country for you but for anyone in the South East I can thoroughly recommend Stiles and Bates between Canterbury and Dover.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Maybe some clubs are better/different than others. Mine has £30 p.a. membership and £5 per night if you turn, which you can four nights a week on 13 or 14 lathes. Any tool you require and half a dozen grinders and jigs if you wish to take your own tools. All the tuition you wish from a couple of professional turners, a couple of dozen extremely good turners (a few semi professional) and a shop that sells blanks, Abranet etc. cheaper than online.
There is something to be said for learning something one week and going back a week later having either succeeded or failed at home.

 

[Mark Hancock]

Chris Eagles used to run short turning courses for me at the school but now I advice students to go direct to him. I also recommend Mark Hancock if they are local to us in Worcestershire. Paul Hannaby is in Gloucestershire and I hear he is also good.

I feel it's best for these guys to teach their own unique skills whilst we specialise in ours.

Peter thank you for the recommendation.

Nick you can check me out here
http://www.craftcourses.com/courses/woodturning-courses-in-the-midlands

 

[nicko]

Thanks to all that took the time to respond to my post.

A special thanks to SVB, I spent the afternoon with him in his workshop and already feel more confident now.

Think I will wait a short while before booking a course, might try a 1:2:1 to help me with more specific points.

Again a big thanks to all responders, and a Happy New Year to all on the forum.

Nick