Woodturning course in National Botanic Gardens Wales

graduate_owner · 16 Jan 2013

Hi everyone,
I've already posted an entry regarding this weekend's exhibition at the National Botanic Gardens. They also run woodturning courses, the next one being in February. Here's a snippet from their web site:

Wood Turning Weekend

With Les Bryan

This weekend course will take you through the first steps of woodturning and will enable you to produce bowls, goblets and captive rings.

Date: 16-17th February 2013
Time: 10.00am-4.00pm
Where: Great Glass House
Fee: £75, members and concessions £70
Contact: phone 01558 667150 or email [email protected]

I've booked a place today. The course is repeated in March, and there are also courses in the 'Art of Wood Turning' in March and April. The details are on their website.

I've had some trouble with the email link so a telephone call is probably better. The concession refers to people of 65 or over - I don't quite qualify.

K

=Adam= · 16 Jan 2013

hi graduate_owner,

I don't mean to 'rain on your parade' but I don't think that this course would be as good value as the one that runs in the Graig (Coleg Sir Gar).

The course in the college is a full academic year long and only costs £93!

Now some may argue that the turners who would be instructing would be of a lower quality, however I have got nothing but praise for the tutors, they are very patient and full of knowledge. I personally feel that my turning has come on leaps and bounds since starting the course!

Just my 2p worth

graduate_owner · 17 Jan 2013

Hi Adam,
I had read about the Graig course in the County newsletter but I hadn't realised it was such good value. The Graig campus is a 70mile round trip for me and I didn't fancy committing to that each week, so I didn't look any further into it. Having said that, the Botanic Gardens are about 25 miles away, but I'm only going twice - I'm not sure if that is a good or bad thing!! Anyhow I'm hoping to pick up some useful tips and techniques, and perhaps correct some bad habits.

Are you the same Adam that replied to my posting about connecting dust extractor ducting using BT trunking? If so, send me a PM with your mobile phone number, and I'll see if we can meet up this weekend to give you a couple of pieces. I cut the trunking into about 6- 8 inch lengths - just let me know how many you'll need and I'll fetch them in a carrier bag. (No charge, and if you need a few for some of your woodturning colleagues as well, then I can leave them in the boot of the car and you can collect them from there). PM me soon though, as I will have to find the lengths (in the snow!!) and cut them up.

K

WoodMangler · 18 Jan 2013

graduate_owner":2j6ans3q said:
They (National Botanic Gardens of Wales) also run woodturning courses, the next one being in February. Here's a snippet from their web site:- Wood Turning Weekend With Les Bryan

I'd heartily recommend this course for any beginner, I took it last year. Les is an excellent teacher and give you a good basic understanding of both the 'how' and the 'why'. I came away with four turned pieces I'd have assumed I needed years of experience to make - they still sit on my desk in pride of place

Unfortunately I'm not sure I'll be going to the exhibition this year unless the snow clears - we're well snowed in here (near Lampeter) - a pity as it's the only show I know of within easy 'day-trip' distance

=Adam= · 19 Jan 2013

Hi guys!

Just got back from the show and I must admit that it was exceptional!

There was a turner who did a demo on inlaying timber into bowls, another one did a demo on using spirit stains, plus the usual pen demo's etc. I feel like I picked up a few hints and tips!

I ended up buying a shed load of items, loads of bowl blanks and a few tools too!

If anyone is thinking of going down tomorrow then go for it! Just a heads up, DG Heath are selling kiln dried beech bowl blanks for £3-£5 each, the £5 ones are HUGE!