£380 for a full day (9am to 4pm) | Weekdays | Add up to 3 others at £70 each

Sometimes a group class doesn't fit what you need. You might want to focus on a specific technique, work through a problem you've been having, or spend a full day on a particular project without the pace being set by others.

That's what one-to-one lessons are for.

You book either me or Les for the day, and we tailor the session entirely to what you want to work on. It might be mastering the skew, refining your bowl technique, learning how to hollow forms, working on finials, or anything else you're trying to figure out. The day is yours.

Why Choose One to One?

The advantage is simple: all the attention is on you and your turning. We can spend as long as you need on the bits that aren't clicking, and move quickly through the parts you've already got. There's no waiting for others to catch up, and no rushing past something because the group needs to move on.

It's also the best way to address specific problems. Perhaps you've developed a habit that's causing issues, or there's a technique that just won't come together no matter how many videos you watch. Having an experienced tutor standing beside you, watching exactly what you're doing, makes all the difference. Sometimes the fix is tiny. A small change in angle, a different grip, a shift in where you're looking. These are things that can't be seen on a screen.

What People Use One to One Sessions For

• Working on a specific tool or technique. The skew chisel, hollowing, spindle work, sharpening. Whatever's been frustrating you, we can spend the whole day on it until it clicks.

• Tackling a project beyond what group classes cover. Perhaps you want to make something specific: a particular style of bowl, a set of chess pieces, a special commission. We can work through it together.

• Troubleshooting problems in your turning. Torn grain, tool catches, uneven walls, poor finishes. Bring your problem pieces if you have them. Sometimes seeing the evidence helps diagnose the issue.

• Building confidence before investing in your own lathe. If you're considering buying equipment, it makes sense to develop your skills first. You'll also get better advice on what to buy.

• Refreshing skills after time away from the lathe. Life gets in the way. If you haven't turned for months (or years) and want to get back into it, a focused day can rebuild your confidence quickly.

• Learning with a friend or partner. You can add up to three others at £70 per person, but everyone needs to be working on the same thing. It's a good option for couples or small groups who want to learn together.

What's Included

The £380 covers your tutor for the full day (9am to 4pm), all timber and consumables, lunch at the coffee shop, and everything you need to complete whatever project you're working on.

We strongly recommend bringing your own tools if you have them, freshly sharpened. Working with your own tools means what you learn transfers directly to your own workshop. If you don't have tools yet, we have everything you need here.

How to Book

Use the enquiry form to request your preferred date (and a backup). Let us know what you want to work on, and whether you have a preference for Martin or Les. We'll check availability and confirm or suggest an alternative.

Note: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are usually taken by group classes, so weekdays are your best bet for one-to-one sessions.