My first experience of turning was at school, I cut the wood to a rough round shape with a tenon saw, planed the bottom flat with a hand plane and glued it to a backing board using a paper joint, I then screwed it to a face plate. That was the limit of what I was allowed to do as the teacher then proceeded to turn a bowl whilst explaining the rudiments of turning.
I was apprenticed as a joiner/wood machinist and part of that training included woodturning although I would struggle to get on the lathe as all the old boys bagged it first.I ran my own joinery company for a while and I have been self employed now for a number of years, doing carpentry and joinery and making bespoke furniture.Having a need to find a slightly lighter job, and turning as a hobby, I decided to start turning full time,this was made easier by the fact that I just offered my regular customers a new service. I now turn full time for a living give tuition on a regular basis to aspiring turners.
In 2009 I was accepted onto the Register of Professional Turners which is supported by The Worshipful Company of Turners and I became the Chairman of the RPT in 2016. In 2020 I was given the great honour of being made a Freeman by Presentation of the Worshipful Company of Turners of London.
You may see me at craft fairs and fetes or turning on open days around the county.I also demonstrate at schools and clubs. Please come and talk to me if you see me , I love a good natter.
I hope you enjoy my website.
