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Description
Les Thorne is not only a professional turner, but he is also an exceptional individual who has dedicated himself to the craft of turning wood.
Over the years, Les has had the privilege of sharing his knowledge and expertise with countless students. Through his guidance, he has transformed the abilities of so many aspiring turners, helping them improve their turning to a new level.
One of Les’s greatest strengths lies in his deep understanding of tool presentation and techniques. He has spent years refining his approach and has mastered the art of conveying his knowledge to others. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced turner, Les has the unique ability to tailor his teachings to suit your individual needs, ensuring that you not only learn but also grow as a turner.
Choosing to learn from Les Thorne means embarking on a journey of discovery and self-improvement. His supportive teaching style will inspire and empower you to reach new heights in your turning abilities. So, whether you dream of creating intricate bowls, elegant spindle work, or artistic sculptures, Les Thorne will take your turning skills to a whole new level.
Timing: 9am – 4pm
Your Day Includes:
- Timber
- Use of Tools (If you have your own tools, we recommend you bring them to use)
- Use of any required consumables or other equipment
- Lunch at the onsite coffee shop
- Refreshments
- PPE and Insurance
How To Book:
- Choose a green date on the calendar
Dates with availability are green.
- Add Friends (optional)
Add friends if you want to bring someone with you. Up three friends can be added at a cost of £60.00 per person.
- Indicate your level of experience and requirements and the name of the person(s) coming.
It is very helpful for us to know your level of experience and what you would like to learn on the day. In the next box, let us know who is coming on the day, especially if the course is a gift.
- Click the ‘Check Availability’ button
- We’ll check and confirm the date.
We’ll then check your requested date is available and send you a confirmation of the date and link to pay, or contact you with an alternative date.
- After confirmation
A non-refundable deposit of £50.00 per person is due at the time of confirmation unless you are booking within 14 days of the course in which case, the full balance is due. After deposit payment has been made, an invoice for the balance will be sent which will be due no less than 14 days prior to the course. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.
Booking for Someone? Why not Add a Gift Card . . ?
16 reviews for 1-1 Full Day Tuition with Les Thorne
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
From: £350.00 inc VAT
1-1 Full Day Tuition with Les Thorne
By tailoring your tuition to what you want to learn, you can be assured of receiving the best value from your 1-1 day here.
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Philip Wray (verified owner) –
We spent a great day with Les (with additions from Martin) to learn the basics of woodturning. He was ever watchful to prevent us making errors with clear, concise information given from the outset. We were able to turn two bowls from the high quality ash blanks provided. A thoroughly enjoyable day with lunch provided. As our confidence improves, we shall be pleased to return to take one of their other courses. We also had a brief view of the production of Hampshire Sheen materials, which have been great in finishing the bowls. Thank you both.
Philip Wray (verified owner) –
We spent a great day with Les (with additions from Martin) to learn the basics of woodturning. He was ever watchful to prevent us making errors with clear, concise information given from the outset. We were able to turn two bowls from the high quality ash blanks provided. A thoroughly enjoyable day with lunch provided. As our confidence improves, we shall be pleased to return to take one of their other courses. We also had a brief view of the production of Hampshire Sheen materials, which have been great in finishing the bowls. Thank you both.
Martin Kavanagh (verified owner) –
I had my tuition with Martin, he was very informative and very friendly in his manner. The day was tailored around my current level of experience and I got lots of helpful and practical tips to improve my technique. I would recommend this course and will be booking again in the near future.
Martin Kavanagh (verified owner) –
I had my tuition with Martin, he was very informative and very friendly in his manner. The day was tailored around my current level of experience and I got lots of helpful and practical tips to improve my technique. I would recommend this course and will be booking again in the near future.
Kevin Lovett (verified owner) –
I had the pleasure of spending the day with Mr Thorne. Straight off the bat I was put at ease, no pressure.
Everything I wanted to learn and more was given by Les in an easy & informative manner.
From centering a blank to roughing, shaping. The positioning of my body and tools in relation to the work. I always assumed arm and hand movements, now I know better!
Unfortunately Mr Smith was unavailable on the day, maybe next time, which there will definitely be!
Whether it’s just one problem area or several, Les was more than able to show and correct my bad points and praise my ability in others.
I would highly recommend a 1-1 session for anyone who wishes to improve, whether you’re a green novice or seasoned turner!
Kevin Lovett (verified owner) –
I had the pleasure of spending the day with Mr Thorne. Straight off the bat I was put at ease, no pressure.
Everything I wanted to learn and more was given by Les in an easy & informative manner.
From centering a blank to roughing, shaping. The positioning of my body and tools in relation to the work. I always assumed arm and hand movements, now I know better!
Unfortunately Mr Smith was unavailable on the day, maybe next time, which there will definitely be!
Whether it’s just one problem area or several, Les was more than able to show and correct my bad points and praise my ability in others.
I would highly recommend a 1-1 session for anyone who wishes to improve, whether you’re a green novice or seasoned turner!
clivegouger (verified owner) –
Before starting Martin explained the workings of the lathe and safety procedures that I was going to be working with. I managed to turn a Sycamore Bud Vase and an Ash Bowl. I found certain turning movements hard to grasp as I had got into bad habits and probably lacked confidence. Martin showed me time after time how to make the cut and the positioning of my body. Plus he also taught me how to finish the turned items with wax and oil. I learnt so much from Martin it is a very intensive and full of information but a very enjoyable day. In my opinion I would certainly say the 1-1 tuition was good value for money plus lunch is included. Thank you Martin
clivegouger (verified owner) –
Before starting Martin explained the workings of the lathe and safety procedures that I was going to be working with. I managed to turn a Sycamore Bud Vase and an Ash Bowl. I found certain turning movements hard to grasp as I had got into bad habits and probably lacked confidence. Martin showed me time after time how to make the cut and the positioning of my body. Plus he also taught me how to finish the turned items with wax and oil. I learnt so much from Martin it is a very intensive and full of information but a very enjoyable day. In my opinion I would certainly say the 1-1 tuition was good value for money plus lunch is included. Thank you Martin
E J (BILL) FULLAGAR (verified owner) –
I WANTED TO COVER TURNING BASICS AND LES DID A GREAT JOB IN TAKING ME THROUGH THESE, ALWAYS IN AN ENTHUSIASTIC AND ENCOURAGING WAY. WOULD RECOMMEND THIS COURSE TO ANYONE WITH SIMILAR NEEDS. MAYBE ONE OR TWO SHEETS OF NOTES COVERING SOME OF THE KEY ISSUES WOULD BE A FURTHER BENEFIT.(ONE COVERS A LOT OF ISSUES AND IT IS SO EASY TO FORGET !)
E J (BILL) FULLAGAR (verified owner) –
I WANTED TO COVER TURNING BASICS AND LES DID A GREAT JOB IN TAKING ME THROUGH THESE, ALWAYS IN AN ENTHUSIASTIC AND ENCOURAGING WAY. WOULD RECOMMEND THIS COURSE TO ANYONE WITH SIMILAR NEEDS. MAYBE ONE OR TWO SHEETS OF NOTES COVERING SOME OF THE KEY ISSUES WOULD BE A FURTHER BENEFIT.(ONE COVERS A LOT OF ISSUES AND IT IS SO EASY TO FORGET !)
David Hartley (verified owner) –
Self taught I was not confident using gouges or skew chisels and decided to seek expert help.
Les Thorne’s 1 Day Course was well structured, easy to understand, and remember and has given me confidence to turn without mistakes and to attempt more ambitious work.
I can recommend his tuition and should have sought his help earlier.
If I had been inspired and taught this way as a teenager the direction of my life may have been different.
Thankyou Les for a very special day.
David Hartley
David Hartley (verified owner) –
Self taught I was not confident using gouges or skew chisels and decided to seek expert help.
Les Thorne’s 1 Day Course was well structured, easy to understand, and remember and has given me confidence to turn without mistakes and to attempt more ambitious work.
I can recommend his tuition and should have sought his help earlier.
If I had been inspired and taught this way as a teenager the direction of my life may have been different.
Thankyou Les for a very special day.
David Hartley
rogerbhardwick (verified owner) –
A great day. Les is a very good tutor. I learnt so much of the finer points of woodturning that you don’t get on watching Youtube clips. Knowing how to differentiate between carbon and HSS steel, sharpening angles for different situations, even how to hold the tools correctly makes all the difference. The finish I got straight from the gouge was far better than anything I ever done.
rogerbhardwick (verified owner) –
A great day. Les is a very good tutor. I learnt so much of the finer points of woodturning that you don’t get on watching Youtube clips. Knowing how to differentiate between carbon and HSS steel, sharpening angles for different situations, even how to hold the tools correctly makes all the difference. The finish I got straight from the gouge was far better than anything I ever done.
James Laurenson (verified owner) –
The day I spent with Martin flew past. It was quite clear you can only learn so much by yourself and he definitely opened my eyes more. With you tube being a great source of information and you can teach yourself a lot but unfortunately you can get into bad habits without realizing what you are doing. Right from the off he knew exactly what I was doing wrong and he showed me new and improved techniques to take away and practice on. I enjoyed the day I spent with him and look forward to putting all the things I learnt into practice.
James Laurenson (verified owner) –
The day I spent with Martin flew past. It was quite clear you can only learn so much by yourself and he definitely opened my eyes more. With you tube being a great source of information and you can teach yourself a lot but unfortunately you can get into bad habits without realizing what you are doing. Right from the off he knew exactly what I was doing wrong and he showed me new and improved techniques to take away and practice on. I enjoyed the day I spent with him and look forward to putting all the things I learnt into practice.