Saturday 26th February
On Saturday Les had four students for a 1 Day Group Beginners Course that covered the basics of spindle turning including which tool to use and how they are sharpened. The lesson was run in a friendly atmosphere with an individual approach to each student as much as possible, such as a platform for shorter students. Chairs are also available to help rest tired feet.
Monday 28th February
On Monday, Martin and Natalja went to Bordon to pick up a new wardrobe for the classroom. This piece of furniture is necessary in a dusty environment like we have. From now on, students coming for courses can leave their outdoor clothing and other belongings in the wardrobe and be sure that it will be away from all the shavings and dust produced during the day.
The wardrobe, looking quite retro with its funky colour and pink features is not only useful, but also transforms our classroom into a more homely and welcoming place.
Tuesday 1st March
On Les’s 1-1 Colouring and Texturing Course, this student learned technics how to turn a piece to make it blossom using variety of tools and wood dyes. The student was treated to a lunch and coffee break in the coffee shop in the Garden Centre.
All students on any of our courses have a 10% off on a purchase in The Woodturning Shop on the day of the course.
Wednesday 2nd March
Today, Martin filmed the bowl gouge episode of his new video series on the tools he uses and why. The first episode comes out on Sunday evening on his YouTube channel.
This was the second go at completing the episode. The first take (45mins!) failed as the wireless microphone did not connect properly.
Thankfully, the second take was successful.
Any applied finish will not be effective if the surface of the wood is not prepared properly.
Les’ Tip of the Week
Thursday 3rd March
The highlight of the day on Thursday was us working on a care pack for students who come to our learning centre for a lesson. Read about the content of the pack in Martin’s recent post.‘
Late Availability
Looking for a days woodturning tuition? At the time of writing, there are just 2 places available on forthcoming one day courses with Les this month
Tuesday 15th March: 1 place
Friday 25th March: 1 place
Cost: £135.00 per person
Oh When the Saints. . .
The week before last, one of Les’ students turned out to have an interesting occupation! He is none other than the mascot for Southampton Football Club SAMMY SAINT!
Sammy very kindly sent Les this signed photo of him holding the bowl he turned during his lesson.
Thanks, Sammy!
Friday 4th March
Double Teaching
On Friday, Les and Martin were each on a 1-1 Day Tuition. While Martin was in his studio workshop, Les was in the teaching room with his student. They met in the morning for coffee before getting into some spindle turning. They met again for lunch to compare notes before going through their bowl techniques in the afternoon.
On Saturday, Les has another group whilst Martin is off-site at a demo.
There’ll be more next week!
Martin’s Product of the Week – Citrus Burnishing Oil
The sweet smell of success! Hampshire Sheen’s Citrus Burnishing Oil is a fantastic finish that dries with the aid of friction (burnishing). It gives a lovely warm satin finish and is water resistant when fully cured . . . and it smells fantastic when applied. (It’s toy and food contact safe, too)
The Woodturning Shop weekly blog not only keeps me informed, its full of interesting stuff. Long may it continue.