TJ Episode 25 Cold Mornings, Quiet Wins, and a Hollowing Class on the Horizon

One of the highlights of the week was a demonstration for my Woodturning 360 Club. Les presented a really excellent session, turning a nicely proportioned box with a finial-style lid while explaining a range of hollowing techniques.

He covered different tools and approaches, and it was clearly very well received by everyone watching. It was a strong demonstration and a good reminder of how valuable clear, well-paced teaching can be.

I also wanted to share an update on a new Introduction to Hollowing class that I have been developing here at the Woodturning School. Recently, I ran a trial day with four volunteers to test the structure ahead of the first official class, which starts on 13th February. We began with a small hollow form to get everyone comfortable with the Simon Hope hollowing tools, before moving on to a larger piece later in the day. Everyone learned a great deal and went home with work to finish, and just as importantly, I learned a lot about the pacing of the day, what should be included, and what can be left out. The trial went almost entirely to plan, which gives me real confidence going forward.

There have also been a couple of very positive developments recently. After a detailed review process, I have been awarded a Provider of Training Excellence badge through CPD. They spent several weeks looking at how I teach, how I communicate, and how the school operates, and I am genuinely pleased to have that recognition.

Finally, there is some good news for UK woodturners. After a conversation with Dan at Taylor’s Mirfield, he and Katie are taking on the Hampshire Sheen Gloss Finishing Wax product. When Hampshire Sheen closed last year, that wax effectively disappeared, so I am delighted that it will soon be back on the market for the wider turning community.

That is all for this episode. It may be a quieter one, but it reflects the reality of workshop life, teaching, and steady progress.

Thanks, as always, for following along, and I hope you have had creative weeks and weekends in your own workshop.