Frequently Asked Questions
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Not yet
I currently work from a home workshop which has neither the room or the health and safety requirements to host lessons but one day I would love to be able to offer lessons
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99% through trial and error in my workshop. I’m a definite “Watch then have a go / Learning by doing” person so I spend a lot of time watching YouTube/Instagram then going to the workshop to have a go myself
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Ask around and find someone who can let you have a go. There are local woodturning clubs and shed groups all over the country. If you’re feeling confident you can buy a 2nd hand lathe and tools and just give it a go. YouTube and other online resources are a fantastic place to learn. Be safe!
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Nearly every piece I make comes from locally sourced or reclaimed materials. Whenever you purchase from me I’ll be able to tell you where your item came from.
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Unfortunately not. Yet
This is still a hobby/side hustle that I’m trying make self funding.
Perhaps once I’ve paid off the mortgage and my kids have left home…
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Yes
All of my bowls, spatulas, spurtles and other utensils are treated with a beeswax and mineral oil blend. This provides a food safe, easy to maintain, water repellent coating.
All of my products are handwash only / not dishwasher safe
Some species of wood are poisonous if ingested. This will be made clear on the product page
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Depends, but on average somewhere between 1 and 2 hours depending on the size and how well behaved the material is.
Most of my bowls are twice turned. This means that I will turn the rough bowl shape when the wood is still green/freshly cut and then leave it for a few months to fully season. This allows the wood to twist, crack and settle. I will then give it a final turn to finish the product.
Most bowls are a couple of hours work spread out over several months
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Not usually
Due to the nature of how I source my materials I cannot always guarantee I’ll have the resources to be able to make specific items from specific species/types of wood.
Please drop me a message and I’ll see what I can do
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I am currently based in North Hertfordshire, United Kingdon.
I attend craft fairs and will collect materials anywhere within the county. I’ll also hop over the border in to Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Essex
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I try and attend at least one craft fair a season/quarter. Check my “What’s on” page or my social media
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Potentially
Please send me the details and I’ll see if I can
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Yes, absolutely
Please contact me to discuss the event and my rates
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No. My products are not intended to be children’s toys
There are UK rules and regulations around product safety and testing that I’m not set up to meet.
At shows I will turn whistles and other small items to order but these are musical instruments and not toys
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I will strive to have your item(s) dispatched within 2 working days of placing your order. Your order will be sent by Royal Mail tracked 48
If you need your item sooner please get in touch and I’ll see what I can do
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My items are priced based on the size of the product, the material(s) and how long it took to make.
I try to keep the pricing honest and simple
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Yes, unless it sold after you saw it
I take all of my products temporarily off sale so I can take them to my craft fairs. Those that haven’t sold will be re-listed. This may take me a day or two after the event.
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I am very sorry if a product has not lived up to the high standards I strive to put in to everything I make.
Please contact me through the contact tab with proof of purchase and we’ll resolve the matter
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Depending what it is then yes please!
My usual arrangement is I will make you a bowl or similar valued item and then keep the rest for myself.
I am not a tree surgeon so please don’t ask me to fell a 20’ tree from your garden
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Maple definitely has to be in my top 2
It’s always well behaved (doesn’t explode in my face), cuts beautifully and looks gorgeous
My other favourite is Beech
I’m fortunate to live next to a beech wood where I have permission to collect wood for my projects. I’ve found some stunningly beautiful pieces of naturally spalted wood that always create wonderful products
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Oak
I just don’t enjoy turning it. I turn oak worktops to make platters and locally felled trees and it just doesn’t do it for me
A close 2nd would be fast grown pine/softwoods. They’re cheap/easy to acquire for practice but can often be more trouble than they’re worth IMHO