Club Woodturning Demonstrations

Martin has been presenting woodturning demonstrations since 2015 and has enjoyed growing popularity with clubs up and down the country. He demonstrates regularly at the major UK shows, some of the country’s biggest tool stores and clubs up and down the country.
He has also presented in-person and remotely at events in the USA, Denmark and Ireland.

Download Flyer
We’ve prepared a flyer with this information that you can download and print off to discuss when looking to book your next demonstration.
In-Person Bookings
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Club DemonstrationFrom: £250.00 inc VAT
Remote Bookings
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Remote Club DemonstrationFrom: £250.00 inc VAT
Martin’s easy to watch manner, witty and relaxed presentation style make his demos both enjoyable and informative.
His woodturning demonstrations are ‘Infotainment’. There is an element of performance that is equally important as the quality of the content. Using this combination shows his passion for turning as he enthuses over the projects he turns.
Popular on YouTube and social media, Martin has a growing following of turners from all around the world. They tune in to watch his videos, read his posts and find some inspiration from his workshop in Hampshire, UK.
Bookings can be made online using the links below, by email or phone.
Do you have any queries before making a booking?
Drop Martin a line and he will be happy to help
Having demonstrated woodturning across the UK and overseas, Martin is well versed in engaging audiences. His knowledge and insight is communicated clearly and in particular, excellent finishing processes.

Professional in manner, and informal in presentation style, Martin’s demonstrations are as entertaining and inspirational as they are informative and thought provoking.
When you make your booking, either over the phone, by email or using the online system, you will have a choice of what demo you would like presented for your club.
After booking, an email confirmation of the costs will be sent to you, and after the demo, any demo notes will be forwarded for distribution to your club members.
Remote Demonstrations

With a dedicated seven camera set-up in his purpose built workshop studio, Martin is able to provide all viewers a front row seat and his use of custom on-screen graphics provides superb extra clarity during the demonstration.
Using Zoom to present remotely is an ideal option for clubs where travel costs would be too high for Martin to attend in person.
Being right at the forefront of the UK rush to provide remote woodturning demonstrations in 2020, Martin is still there with some of the best technology and presentations in the country.
In-Person Demo Photos








Remote Demo Screen Shots






Join Our Club Mailing Lists
If you are a club and need a woodturning demonstrator, we have set-up two mailing list for clubs interested in having Martin demonstrate for them. Complete the correct form for your club below and we’ll drop you a line when we feel there are new demonstrations available or anything else of interest.
UK Club List
Overseas Club List
Audience and Viewer Feedback
I always like to watch
Excellent bowl turning IRD
A very informative and entertaining evening on the bowl turning IRD. Excellent graphics accompany the real thing so you can really see the tool presentation. Session was around 3 hours, the time flew by, with Martin’s knowledge and passion for turning obvious throughout. Many thanks Martin and your wife.
Martins Bowl turning IRD
As usual this was a very professional demonstration and went through all aspects of turning a standard bowl. Tool presentation was especially well covered and gave me areas on which I can improve As ever the camera work was exceptional
I enjoyed the demonstration as
One thing that I have taken away from this is the bevel angle that you use, I have re-ground one of my gouges to see if it helps.
Thank you to both of you for a great demo.
Bowl Turning Improvers Zoom Demonstration
Bowl Turning IRD on 2nd August
What an excellent demo last night. Great graphics and some very useful tips on solving hollowing problems. Martin has the remote demo down to a fine art with his array of cameras.
Live demo
Improving my Bowl Turning
I was kept both informed and entertained for the entire time. If the demonstrations going forward are laid out in the same format I’ll definitely be attending.
Many thanks for Your time Martin and also the same to your good lady Wife 😊👍🏼
Mark
Improving bowl turning
A fantastic demonstration from Martin as always, very thorough and explains every thing perfect from start to finish.
The bowl turning demonstration was
The bowl turning demonstration was brilliant.Even for those of us with a reasonable amount of knowledge,it was a reminder of the bad habits we can slip into,when it comes to tool control.Thank you Martin.
Improve your bowl turning.
Their always a lot of talk about turning the inside of the bowl, ie, inside to outside or visa versa, I learnt that for thin walled you should start from the outside and work in and for the thick walled inside out, this helps with stability of the turning as you progress.
I find Martin’s style of teaching as business like but also a willingness to hear the questions of the attendee’s , he tells us what and how he is going to teach and in what order, which help me personally as I need to make many notes so I do not get confused as to what I have written.
The finishes aspect of the turning wasn’t covered but explained with a promise of laying on another session another time to go through that in detail.
Excellent teacher, well timed and an extremely enjoyable 3 hours.
Thank you Martin.
Improving my bowl turning
Martin was a great host and very knowledgeable, he explained things in a way that was easy to understand and the graphics were spot on. I now have a greater understanding of bowl gouges and also know where I was going wrong before.
I would recommend these courses to anyone, new turners or experienced.
Great presentation
The bowl turning live demo I watched last night was very informative and enjoyable. I can only say that I learnt a lot, and that it was well worth watching.
Intermediate bowl turning
Martin made us all feel very welcome, started by explaining what he was about to teach allowed for interaction and demonstrated in detail to allow us to take in all the knowledge we could muster. Thanks Martin
bowl turning
as usual Martin explained very well the in and out of bowl turning specially on tool presentation to be able to have the best finish from the tool .he answered all the question ask in details .his uses of diagram and picture made it all much more understandable and made sense at the end
Bowl turning demo 2nd Aug 22
What an amazing evening. The demo was fantastic with slides prepared that went over the live turning, all questions answered in detail, great camera placements so you never missed a thing. What a great teacher and a wonderful evening.
Bowl turning demo 2nd Aug 22
What an amazing evening. The demo was fantastic with slides prepared that went over the live turning, all questions answered in detail, great camera placements so you never missed a thing. What a great teacher and a wonderful evening.
Improve your bowl turning IRD
I found this demo by Martin to be really helpful for me as I love turning bowls, I now know why I make mistakes and how to rectify them , just need to practice the techniques shown. Thanks again Martin
So much better than YouTube!
This was such an informative and content rich experience, with the incredible benefit of being able to ask questions and gain clarification during the demonstration. It was light years ahead of the standard YouTube fare, about as good a learning experience in fact as it’s possible to get without being physically there in the workshop!
Bowl turning demo
Found very useful; thanks
Bowl turning techniques
This IRD was delivered in an impressive way, with explanations and diagrams well thought out and terrific camera work. One of better ones I’ve attended. Questions where answered in a timely manner. The content was 1st class
The bowl turning improvers course
The bowl turning improvers course was without a doubt brilliant. Time was spent explaining the correct way to use the gouges to achieve very good finishes, as Martin said “take your time don’t rush”. He didn’t and it enabled me to absorb a great deal of knowledge. Thank you Martin
Bowl Turning Improvers Demo
Thank you
Demo
Thanks for the demo on Tuesday, very useful, learnt some valuable techniques. Especially liked the graphics showing cutting angles. Will certainly sign up for future events.
Incredible instructions and demonstrations
The knowledge and enthusiasm for what Martin is demonstrating comes across, with so many hints and tips. So often people try to hide how to do things. Martin is the complete opposite, wanting everyone to be at the same standard as himself, selfless and encouraging.
I only wish I could hang onto the demo recording so that I can get the push cut mastered – I still haven’t even after an improvers course (nickname is now ‘Stabber’) and also seeing Martin so ably demonstrate the cut online, many times.
I am looking forward to future online training sessions with excitement.
Thanks so much Martin.
Totally enjoyed the very informative
Totally enjoyed the very informative demonstration that Martin put on. I look forward to see and participate In more presentations in the future.
Martin Saban Smith
This was a very informative lesson/demonstration Martin talk us through everything he done and tool presentations this was like a hands on in real time thanks again Martin
Brilliant
Very professional, very informative, very enjoyable. Learnt a lot. Look forward to the next one.
This was an excellent demo
IMPROVERS’ COURSE
REALLY LIKED AND BENEFITTED FROM YESTERDAYS’ ZOOM DEMONSTRATION. 1. CAMERA WORK CLOSE UPS MEANT I LEARNED A LOT 2. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO WATCH THE DEMONSTRATION CAREFULLY AND MAKE GOOD NOTES AT THE SAME TIME, SO THE ‘IMPROVERS’ COURSE NOTES’ WHICH CAME BUY EMAIL AFTERWARDS WERE INVALUABLE. THEY REALLY ARE WELL DONE. KEEP IT UP!
First of all , sorry
Transfixed from start to finish, i was exhausted after , but just like a good book , couldn,t put it down.
The lesson was well presented, fully explained, so i knew what to expect, allowed time to ask questions or go back over anything we missed or didn,t understand.
The amount of knowledge imparted was immense, so i had a lot of notes after.
Thank you Martin for a thoroughly wonderful time, now using that knowledge to improve my finishing.
This was a very educational
This was a very educational course. Course leader Martin held a steady course throughout the course. He shows that he is very knowledgeable and good. Treat all participants with great respect with the way he responds to questions. Thank you very much Martin Best regards Kyrre Johansen
This was a very educational
This was a very educational course. Course leader Martin held a steady course throughout the course. He shows that he is very knowledgeable and good. Treat all participants with great respect with the way he responds to questions. Thank you very much Martin Best regards Kyrre Johansen
Excellence in Finishing online demo
I couldn’t have been more wrong!, the time flew by and I was quite disappointed when it ended. Martin’s natural presenting style and enthusiasm for the subject made it easy to stay focused on the content, the pace was just right, with a good mix of presentation and answering viewers questions. I gained a lot of knowledge from this presentation, some of which I have already successfully put into practise.
Excellence in finishing and excellence in presenting, I would highly recommend this demo to turners of all levels.
I learned much about finishing
I learned much about finishing and will be putting that knowledge to use going forward. Thanks for the excellent presentation. Four hours flew by.
A very informative but lengthy
A very informative but lengthy session. I think it could have been broken down into possibly three units. Well presented, well prepared. Would recommend
Hi Martin Great night, easy instructions
Hi Martin Great night, easy instructions while keeping it simple but getting the instructions over nicely. Hopefully I will get much better results using your intrinsic colours with the great finishing course last night. Many thanks throughly enjoyed it Martin
Great Demonstration on Finishing
This was a fantastic, educational
This was a fantastic, educational experience. Martin went through many ways of finishing turned pieces, taking time to explain all the processes and the reasons behind what he applies to the projects and the order of application. Many thanks to Martin and Natalia (sorry if spelt incorrectly)
Finishing course
I thought the presentation was second to none, will all the right content, I know what it’s like to put a shift in as I am a Nurse at my local trust. Hence you certainly put a shift and a half in on last nights demo I for one as a beginner am very thankful.
I only watch certain turners YouTube such as yourself Mike Waldt and a great turner based in Cheshire.
My only regret is that you aren’t a lot closer so I could enjoy great learning tips.
There was only a slight downside I would suggest to split the course as it was to long 4 hours. I was happy with content however for yourself I feel it’s a big requirement from yourself. Maybe a couple of hours however I loved all the same. I’m just a beginner and finding my way everything is helpful I will be purchasing your products based on what I believe to be top class.
Cheers Martin for all that you do.
Virgil
Finishing course – real eye opener
Very well presented demonstration
I’m a newbie to wood turning, something I turned my thoughts and interests too this year whilst going through prostate cancer treatment. I had the great fortune to discover Yandles in Martock, Somerset early this year where woodturning grasped my attention, and a few weeks ago I went on a pen-turning taster session which I fully enjoyed and in two weeks I’m going on a weekend woodturning course, again at Yandles.
I’m an avid watcher of your videos on Youtube and I really enjoyed your demonstration, learning how finished products can then be turned into something really beautiful, watching your techniques, listening how you apply the different waxes, oils and lacquers you produce was just so interesting and grasped my attention fully. There was a lot of information and I couldn’t keep up writing down everything so I glad you have provided the link to watch the demonstration again.
Thank you again
how to use finish properly
First class demonstration, will inspire
First class demonstration, will inspire me to change the way I have applied finishes in the past thankyou for your time Martin was worth every minute.
Great demo about finishing learned
Superb demonstration
Thank you for such an excellent demo Martin and for answering all my questions. The evening was very professionally run and extremely productive. I now know what I have been doing wrong with the gloss wax and Yorkshire Grit!! I will certainly be purchasing some of the other products now.
Hi Martin, I would like
I would like to express my thanks to you and Natalja for your live demonstration last evening, it was quite a mammoth effort!! I can’t imagine the amount of preparation that must have gone on beforehand to produce such a great event.
Whilst I have been turning for quite a long time now, I am of the opinion that you can never stop learning and such was the case last evening. I found the program very informative, entertaining and I gained a lot of useful tips.
There is also the added bonus of being able to watch the recording over the next few days, which I will be doing as I am sure that there are things that I missed when the attention started to wane a little.
Once again many thanks for an enjoyable evening.
Kind regards,
Keith Callaway.
As good as it gets
THANK YOU !!
Keep up the good work.
I really liked the demonstration,
I really liked the demonstration, I have learnd very much from it and hope to joine more of this demo’s later 😊👍👍 and also great products 😁👍
Finishing
Great demo very informative. Although I thought at first 4 hours for an online demo was a little long it was the right length for the information supplied. Thanks .
Thanks for the live demo
Thanks for the live demo Martin. Really enjoyed it plus picking up some tips to help my journey
Finishing
Fantastic information glad we had a chance to see a replay.
Excellence in Finishing Course
Thoroughly good course in which Martin conveyed the principals of finishing and demonstrated them in simple to understand methodology.
Finishing
Attended the online Finishing course. Excellent course. Everything was explained and demonstrated clearly. The four hours were really enjoyable. All questions were answered clearly and to the point. Learned a huge amount. Well done Martin. Thank you.
Finishing school
Thank you Martin for a very full and informative presentation. It was good to understand what order to use dye and sealer and wax and lacquer and polish. I learnt alot.
Amazing
The finishing demo was absolutly amazing. Martin explained every thing brilliantly and the reasons behind the process of getting the perfect finish. It was the most useful 4 hours I have spent and will save me time and effort to get the best finish on my turnings. Thank you Martin.
PDQ
Well I was wrong. It went by quickly and was very informative
Great information. I took notes but I’m sure I’ve missed a lot. I have never colored my work even though I’ve been turning over 20 years. Looking forward to a new chapter in finishing
Thanks for a great demo
Excellence in Finishing
Just wanted to say what a great demonstration by Martin. To give a 4 hour tutorial was amazing and I learnt a great deal. I will definitely be trying out the finishing techniques I have learnt. Thank you Martin for giving your time freely to the woodturning community.
Brilliant as usual you explain
Brilliant as usual you explain things so easy to understand, you have given me a lot to think about and given me so much inspiration to take my Finishing to the next level. Thank you .
Watching and listening to everything
Excellence in finishing
Fantastic course extremely well delivered. Loads of information and plenty of time to ask questions. Would definitely recommend it to anyone who is interested in wood finishing. I will definitely be looking out for more courses/demonstrations being advertised Thanks again Martin
Time and Value
Brilliant
Martin methodically explains everything in way that is easy to understand without missing any details.
Excellence
I found the demonstration to be very interesting and informative. Martin is always very clear and communicates the information in an enjoyable and lively way. I have long been a fan of Hampshire sheen products and seeing Martin using them and explaining his finishin process will make using them even easier.
HS finishing.
The presentation took 4 hours but, so much was included it was never not interesting and I could have watched for longer. Martin Saban-Smith is a very good demonstrator whose knowledge on the subject is Amazing. I would hope to be able to meet and learn other subjects from him.
Excellence Course
An excellent demonstration by Martin. Lots of information on techniques in applying Hampshire Sheen products. A very professional and well constructed course.
Martin, Excellent demo for excellence in
Excellent demo for excellence in finishing!! The detailed demo of all stages, delivered in your usual clear style was very much appreciated. Having the 5 minute breaks in a 4 hr demo was very important ( for you and us I guess!!).
A suitable way to handle follow up questions after the actual demo has finished would be good, as I had a few queries that only occurred to me after the event.
Many thanks again,
John
Extremely informative and immensely useful
His style of presentation is very engaging and his wide and deep knowledge of the subject is significant. It was a pleasure to hear first hand from him on his recommended methods for using the wide array of finishes available to the Woodturner.
A very worthwhile session from which I learned a great deal.
Many, many thanks
Finishing
Excellent info on the types of finishes and how to use them properly. A vast knowledge of all, and very helpful.
Very informative and brilliant by
Very informative and brilliant by M. Saban Smith as always. Learned a hole lot. As always Martin show us in an easy way of doing things. And the way he goes in to things are astonishing.
Watched the Excellence in Finishing
Watched the Excellence in Finishing Course today and found it very informative and learnt some new techniques,Martin covered many finishing techniques and overall it was a very good course.
Finishing Sat 9th Oct
What a well presented with clear explanations demo. I really learnt a lot and and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you Martin.
Excellence in finishing
Thanks Martin, great job!
Martins Finishing Demostration
Online Finishing Course
I learnt so much from this course. As soon as I get paid I am heading out for some Citrus Burnishing oil, Microcrystalline wax and some colour dyes! The demonstration was a good pace, it was very informative and easy to follow. Thank you!
Superb demo
Very well prepared and certainly professionaly brought by a very enjoyable demonstrator who shared a lot of knowledge so we can get our pieces to reach a higher standard and shine a lot more.
Thanks a lot,
(And know i have to go look up the local stockist for some embellishing waxes so i can try it myself 🙂 )
Regards
Paul
Finishing
Brilliant demo of your finishing products, I have used your products and have had great results.
Excellence in Finishing
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative
A thoroughly enjoyable and informative demonstration from Martin.
Excellence in finishing
Fantastic demonstration on finishing, I really enjoyed watching this and picking up some great tips from a professional woodturner, A massive thanks to Martin for his time and expertise.
Finishing demo.
Brilliant demo on finishing. I thought I could finish well but Martin takes it to another level…. Many thanks…
A big thank you!
I used to work as a technology manager for a large industrial paint company. After I retired 8years ago, I gradually took up woodturning and am ( so far!) self taught. I have made many pieces and sold these for the benefit of our local village hall here in Catton, Northumberland.
I have seen many of your U-tube videos and learned a great deal from them. I also met you briefly at one of the recent Harrogate Shows.
In light of the above I just wanted to say a very big thank you for all the contributions you have made to the woodturning scene. I find these to be extremely informative. The contributions you have made have :-
1 ) Been very clear and concise in their presentation style and, refeshingly, delivered with humour whilst admitting mistakes/learning from them.
2) Covered a very wide range of subject matter relating to woodturning.
3) Proved to be very valuable recommendations for set up procedures, techniques and materials.
I have more recently taken up purchasing items from your company and have been very pleased with the service provided, as well as with the quality of the materials.
I only wish I lived nearer Hampshire as I would be very keen to take some lessons from you!!
I look forward to meeting you again when viruses permit!
I trust you and your family remain healthy and the company goes from strength to strength,
Crack on with the good work!
John Nunn
Thank you Martin for some great videos for a beginner
I actually had a chat with you at the Harrowgate power tools and woodworking show a couple of years back and purchased some sheen.
Attached is pic of what I have been able to achieve.
Once again, thanks Martin, really appreciate your work.
Bob
Read more “Thank you Martin for some great videos for a beginner”
If Imitation is the Highest Form of Flattery …
This was very much
Great Day Learning
Martin has an easy style of teaching and gives his experience freely. We spent the day making a Gents Ring Box, which is what I asked to do when booking.
Thanks to this great experience I know have a completed box along with a lot more confidence to tackle projects such as these in my own workshop.
We finished the day with a bowl part done to finish at home along with some new ways to tackle and finesse bowls.
Thanks Martin I thoroughly enjoyed the day…..and lunch was great too.
Ian.
Excellent Demo
Martin, yet another excellent demonstration tonight using your metal in fill.
A successful and enjoyable 1-2-1 tutorial
Martin planned the day around my needs and objectives. In fact we both had similar Ash blanks, so I was able to watch Martin step-by-step on his lathe and then he watched me turn on another lathe, giving continuous advice on my technique. I still struggle a little with the inside of a bowl but that will improve with time and experience. The end result was by far the best piece I have turned in four months. The form and the finish was, for me,
so satisfying and testament to Martin’s tuition.
I would thoroughly recommend tuition from Martin, tailored to you needs and skills.
Thankful for the instruction and inspiration you provide…
I initially got into turning because I was interested in working with resin. Specifically, I wanted to make dragon eggs, a decorative hybrid of wood and resin. After making several dozon of those, I wanted to try making a bowl. Frankly, I was a little scared of it at first, visions of it flying off and smacking me in the head, regardless if wearing a face shield or not. But after making my first one, I fell in love with making bowls. I now do a lot of glue-ups, and still do a lot of resin/wood work, but mostly I’m focused on bowls.
One of the hardest things about woodturning is the finish. I have watched so many videos, with so many finishing solutions. But them I happened upon 2 products, your products, that really turned things around for me. First, the pre-thinned cellulose sanding sealer. I had tried t thin Myland’s Cellulose Sanding Sealer a few times, and just never hit upon the right mixture. Then I tried your pre-thinned sanding sealer, and it worked amazingly. I also started using your Hampshire Sheen High Gloss Paste Wax, and my finishes have never been better.
I’ve also experimented around with the Intrinisc Colour Collection, and while I haven’t gotten the spectacular results you’ve gotten yet, I’m still experimenting and trying to find the technique that works for me.
So Martin, thank you. Thank you for your wonderful videos, your spectacular products, and the inspiration you provide to hundreds if not thousands of turners out there.
Joe Sheble
Phoenix, Arizona – USA
Read more “Thankful for the instruction and inspiration you provide…”
My thoughts on live demos
My thoughts are you are doing a fantastic job and its nice to see things going wrong from time to time it shows myself that as a newbie to turning that when things go wrong its not always done too me it could be unseen problems ( like the monkey puzzle). So from my point of view you are doing a great job considering all the stuff you got going on.
Brilliant Night, great presentation
This was the first remote demonstration that our club Gloucestershire Association of Woodturners had held, and some 50+ members “tuned in” to watch, and am I sure that everyone benefitted from this superb demonstration. Thank you Martin.
Just to say that the
Just to say that the downloads of the cheat sheet and colour wheel don’t work. Thanks and best wishes Ian
Sucessful Evening
I hope this has opened the gates for many more Zoom demos and could become part of the yearly programme. I noticed that there were 35 members taking part which made it such a successful evening.
Just a note to thank
Just a note to thank you for the superb presentation to the Ely Guild on July 1st. First class presentation with lots of useful tips. Thank You once again.
Good substitute
Well explained
Thanks for organising last nights demo, well done. I thought it was great especially the way he explained the angles of the gouge etc., no visiting demonstrator has ever gone into this to that length.
Great Job!
I thought the demo was excellent. Martin has put a lot of time and thought into his presentation. The graphics showing chisel angles were so helpful. Great Demo. Martin was so full of information and gave it so clearly, I learned quite a bit.
Looking forward to the next one
A big thank you for organising last night. It was an excellent demo for all levels as I’m sure that most of us learned something new. I know I did. Looking forward to the next one.
A Good Teacher
I have spent the last 25 years teaching and I know a good teacher when I see one. Please pass my thanks to Martin. I enjoy the learning and social aspects of our live meetings but can see there are real plusses
to this style of demo/teaching.
Answered my Questions
Absolutely Brilliant
I’m now looking forward to the next one. Martin’s presentation and instructions/tips were brilliant, and whilst at the beginning I thought ‘oh not another bowl’, he gave an insight into methods that I and probably my colleagues had not thought of. Absolutely brilliant.
Absolute Beginner
Having seen this demo on Bowl Turning for beginners it has given me the knowledge to go of and try for myself, using basic tools and an understanding of the safety issues involved with woodturning. Thank you Martin for this excellent demo.
Finishing
Thanks for a great tuition.
All the best
John
Review #1801
Thank you for an excellent evening on the basic woodturning tool set.
Your style of teaching made the whole evening very informative, serious where it needed to be in reference to the roughing gouge and very much lighthearted and funny banter with participants and with your moderator Phil joining in when necessary, made the whole thing easy to watch and learn.
To be honest all of my knowledge on turning so far has come from you, after watching quite a few video’s and live sessions on your YouTube channel.
Questions asked were answered I thought in a very concise way and came over in a non patronising manner.
Did not realise how quickly it all went till you said goodbye, no idea it over ran.
Can not wait till the Bowl Turning Evening on Tuesday 2nd June.
One last thing I would like to say thank you for is giving your time to put these sessions on also including the live ones during this time of uncertainly going on in the world.
WooCommerce Review #1802
WooCommerce Review #1803
WooCommerce Review #1822
Really helpful tutorial, fully explaining the basics tools and their “correct” uses, with a chance to ask questions and watch demonstrations. Really enjoyed getting a professional guidance and advice.. looking forward to the next one.
WooCommerce Review #1888
WooCommerce Review #1899
Finishing
Great demonstration going through the grits to get a great finish. You made it a joy to watch. Tried myself on birch plywood and it works beautifully.
A huge thank you …
This online demonstration showed very clearly how much benefit there is in online interactive demonstrations / tuition, when it is done by someone who is a talented and engaging tutor and with a good camera set up. It also helped that Martin had an able and experienced wing man (Phil Boulter) to keep a check on proceedings and add to the commentary.
Finally, it was really helpful to be able to return to the video of the demonstration later to watch it through again thoroughly and make full notes for future reference.
Sharing the love of his craft
well done . keep on doing what you do best and STAY SAFE
Beginners Woodturning tool guide and demonstration
I joined Martin (and about 30 others) via Zoom for this introduction and demonstration on the basic 6 woodturning tools. It was logical, clear and Martin was keen to ensure that our queries were answered as we progressed. A great introduction to the tools which appear to work “magic” in Martin’s hands! Well worth it.
Good learning from a great delivery.
The pre-session admin was very efficient.
The session itself was very well structured with multiple cameras set up to ensure clear views of the action, along with well produced graphics to illustrate the matters under discussion.
The main highpoint was Martins teaching style. Well paced, clear, and detailed without being overwhelming. Very focused on establishing, and reinforcing, safe working practice. Careful choice of camera viewpoint ensured that the practical demonstrations were observed from the best angle, in many cases better than you could safely get if you were physically present!
The use of an intermediate facilitator ensured that all questions were answered, with many taken and the answer practically demonstrated.
Martins very matter of fact approach, and his openness about tools not often used and areas that he did not actively work in, only added value, and reinforced the need to be ‘skills aware’ when working around the lathe. One of the key safety messages “If you are not sure, Stop” resonated with many of the audience who were also new to the lathe.
All in all, from first contact, through delivery, and in follow up, a really comfortable learning experience, delivered in a relaxed, efficient and easily assimilated style.
Thank you Martin
How to use the basic set of tools.
I’m not the sharpest gouge on the shelf
WooCommerce Review #1730
WooCommerce Review #1736
Excellent demonstration. Great camera work and clear audio. I will be signing up for the next bowl demo. Thanks Martin
WooCommerce Review #1737
WooCommerce Review #1738
Frank
WooCommerce Review #1642
I plan to put a bowl blank on my lathe, follow Martin’s instruction in real time, while creating my own bowl.
I attended today’s ‘Woodturning Tools For Beginners’ on Zoom. Very fun, interesting, and educational. Martin is a great instructor, and knows his stuff.
Martin is at the top of the list of woodturning teachers. He puts a lot of thought and work in the preparation and hosting his classes.
Thank you Martin for everything you do. I hope to meet you at the AAW Symposium in Omaha, Nebraska next year.
Beginners Bowl Turning video
and overlays most helpful. I learned a lot more than I thought I would. He has put a lot of effort into camera angles and Overlays that help follow the discussion and techniques. Keep up the great work.
You are a teacher for all of us.
Since the lockdown I have
good luck to you Martin I look forward to seeing more of your ideas and skills.
Recently learned of your live
Recently learned of your live demonstrations and have thoroughly enjoyed them while learning so much. Your ability to answer questions from turners with various levels of experience, in language that all can understand, is a testimonial to your teaching skills. Keep up the excellent work. Sincerely, Francis
Hi Martin. After a 15
Educational and Fun
Thank you
I was hoping to see you at the Sittingbourne Axminster store in July, but that now looks very unlikely.
Well done you……
Made these this week…….
Finishing like Glass
I thoroughly enjoyed your 3 live demonstrations regarding colouring and finishing and found them very instructive. I would complement you on your presentation skills and covering how to properly present the tools to the wood and also the perils of wrong presentation. Additionally, your clear and concise advice on the various finishes, what to avoid and the possible repercussions of overlaying finishing materials with a different base. Your comments on turning the base and finishing either a spigot or dovetail caused me to reconsider how I was doing it. I can well understand why you are held in such high regard as a demonstrator. Well done and thanks.
How come I knew so little?
I took notes because I couldn’t keep all of the additional information in my head when there was more coming thick and fast. I wanted to make sure that this demo wasn’t a one-off so I had a look at how to use the ProEdge Sharpener. No one had ever advised me what the triangle bit was for, didn’t know that there was an extra long cylinder, I had been provided with the single hole one which didn’t work for the fingernail profile.
Martin has a lot of demonstrations on YouTube which I will be watching and taking notes from. It shows tremendous generosity and the way Martin works that as a professional turner gives his time, knowledge and advice to so many hobby turners. Thank you, now I have a bowl to watch being coloured.
Grateful
Escape from reality!
The ongoing COVID-19 lockdown has
In the world of woodturning, nobody has worked harder and adapted faster than Martin, who has seized the opportunity to reach more people and share his skills with turners of all experience and ability. Being in real time from the beginning of a project to the end, warts and all, his live demos are perfectly-paced and he takes the time to explain everything he is doing step-by-step, answering as many live-chat questions as he can along the way with clarity and humour.
If necessity is the mother of invention, I really think that the circumstances we find ourselves in have created the beginning of a readily-accepted new phase of woodturning, taking the hobby out of village halls (although there will always be a place for that once we can mingle again) and direct in to living rooms and workshops around the world.
Martin is at the forefront of that and he has every right to be proud of his achievements.
I have watched every live
I have watched every live demo Martin has done, they are superb learning opportunities mixed with good repartee both from Martin and the accompanying chat. Keeping us all sane during these trying times. Congratulations.
Excellence in Finishing
Fanatical! The finish and demo!
WooCommerce Review #195
The views of tool presentation and screen overlays to reinforce the point were spot on and really helpful, something viewers were keen to comment on afterwards.
Martin made it easy to ask questions and they were all answered fully, this helped to bring the audience into the demonstratrion even though they were sat at home.
All in all a very worthwhile evening and the first one – *not* the last one!!
Thank you!
Pastel Shades
I have watched both of your pastel shades live demonstrations on you tube and have loved not only the pieces, but your whole format; you give clear, concise explanations of what and why you are doing things a certain way, you engage with your viewers and take the time to answer questions that we raise.
The set up you have is absolutely amazing as is all the work you have put in behind the scenes, including programming the overlays, research, development and all the improvements, which are on-going. With each live demonstration I can see progress and it is very much appreciated.
Thank you.
Ligia
Keep up the good work
Just a quick thank you for all you do for us turners. Learning, entertainment and quality products. You have done a great job of turning a hobby into a business. I have made several purchases from Wood World of Texas. They are an honest company that ships quick. On a couple of occasions they have even refunded me part of the shipping cost because the original estimate was a bit high. Makes me want to continue doing business with them.
Your Finishing class was wonderful. I learned a lot and even got a new tool out of it. As the son of a commercial artist with no eye for art at all, you have made it so when I see a piece of wood I no longer think of round and brown, rather how can I make it into a unique piece of art.
Again thanks for all you do for all of us and keep it up. You are helping us learn and inspiring us to do more creative turnings.
Tom
Love the live demos
The pic a rippled sycamore using Martin’s danish oil and high shine wax. Any imperfections are solely the responsibility of the creator, I will keep trying to apply the lessons I am learning, keep it up Martin and I will keep watching.
Last two live demo’s
As a new comer to wood turning, only starting last September. The last two live demo’ have help me in leaps and bounds, with the information and techniques you have showed us. Thank you very much.
I think the live demo’s
Very Easy to Understand
Hi martin sorry to bother you ,i missed your live bowl demo but watched the repeat last night.just letting you know i loved it it was very infomative and was very easy to understand ,i have watched loads of bowl vids and none of them come close to yours superb keep up the good work
Elegant Beginners Bowl
Unfortunately I was unable to watch the live feed on Saturday, however I did watch it on Saturday evening. I really enjoy these sessions that you put on for us and it’s something to look forward to during these days full of doom and gloom.
I have watched all of the live demonstrations that you’ve done and I have picked up lots of useful tips. I am purely a hobby turner and largely self taught from books, YouTube videos and demonstrations at woodworking shows etc. I don’t belong to a club, so therefore I find the demos that you put on of particular interest as you explain fully and in detail what exactly you are doing and why. I thought the Saturday demo was excellent, particularly with the new graphics that you have, it makes what you are showing us much easier to understand, particularly for new turners.
I have been turning for quite a few years now and unfortunately I do not spend as much time practicing as I would like, but I am of the opinion that there is always something new that one can learn and watching you inspires me to get into the workshop and make some shavings.
I also find the Q.A. sessions interesting as questions are asked that I wouldn’t necessarily have thought of and it’s good to hear how you respond to them, as it may have particular relevance to things that I do.
I think that what you are doing is fantastic, as a lot of the videos on YouTube don’t have any explanation of what they are doing, it’s just a video of someone making something, okay it’s interesting to see the end result but it would be nice to hear how they achieve it.
I hope you will continue with the “live shows” for the foreseeable future, but understand that it takes a lot of time and preparation and when things get back to “normal” other commitments may become more of a priority and you may not have the time to produce these events.
In the meantime, you are doing a great job!!
Keep safe.
Best wishes,
Keith Callaway.
Shout out from Indiana, USA
I have been a fan of yours for a long time. I am an experienced woodturner and active in our local club (CICAAW.org). Your live demos are great. I always like to teach others and I realize you have a mixed audience. I like the way you describe what you are doing, the type of cuts you make, your coloring techniques etc. Keep up the detailed explanations. I like your work.
A question that I have is you frequently start a cut and stop to adjust the tool rest height. You sometimes do this several times. My question is how do you detect that the height isn’t “right”? I get that you visually try to set it, but a lot of times you just stop and change it. Can you “feel” it isn’t right buy the cut? I have tried to determine the differences of feel on tool rest height and I can’t notice anything.
Hi MartinI find your live
Hi Martin I find your live demos are made in a very professional kind. (And I have to admit that I learn a lot of thing I’ll use in my own demos, thanks). Thank you ver much. Stay safe matthias
Extraordinary Certificate of Excellence in Finishing
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I find these demonstrations very
They are delivered in a very easy style to watch.
I bought coloured materials at Harrogate and now I have the confidence to give it a go. Sadly I have run out of appropriate balnks, but I know where to get them from and will do so.
Please keep up the good work.
The Best Way To Get Through Crazy Times
These were the first ‘live’ things I had seen and I am so glad I started. It’s a bit like a drug, but in a nice way, once you have started, you are waiting for the next one to come along…. 🙂
I love the way Martin’s enthusiasm for the craft just pops out of the screen, a bit like how the grain pops when you add Hampshire Sheen Danish Oil or Sanding Sealer… He has always been like that though and he jut wants to pass it along to others which is wonderful.
A must watch when, and if, you can shoehorn it into the daily list of “things to do”. And it is truly global as well. I thought I was faintly exotic watching from Southern Spain but they come from all over Europe, Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada. Now that is popularity.
Recent Live Demonstrations
In my opinion the recent live demonstration have been a complete success and getting better each time. The atmosphere is not the usual video you are there with Martin working live. The chat panel makes it feel more like a virtual gathering in Martin’s workshop. Instructive, Informative and a lot of fun..Thank you
The Master Wood Turner at work
Clive from Horley
Attention to detail
Hi Martin, since the start
Interaction
I recently found you on YouTube looking for ways to dye a project. I am always searching for new techniques. I have been turning for 9 years now and found your demos not only enjoyable but also learning new ways of doing something. I also find your interaction with the online audience enjoyable. Stay healthy and safe and keep up the incredible work.
Superb Webinars/Web-Based Demos
While Martin’s woodturning skills are beyond question, I was totally impressed by his ability to teach. Each webinar was well structured. He has developed excellent graphics and uses them to reinforce key points in the demos. He schedules regular breaks during the demos to handle Q&A. Martin’s explanations and the way he manages the Q&A sessions clear up any confusion on the part of the attendees. Finally, his informal style of teaching makes the attendee feel like s/he are conversing with a friend rather than a teacher. As a result, the knowledge transfer is not only easy, it is very enjoyable. All-in-all, Martin’s ability to teach is superb.
Something that may not be apparent to the casual observer is Martin’s mastery of technology. His lighting, camera angles and integration of graphics at the touch of a button, make the webinar almost as good as attending the demo in person. Lastly, Martin’s preparation and setup for each webinar must take a tremendous amount of time. Each demo is superb. The integration of Martin’s instruction, graphics, and hands-on techniques is so smooth and transparent the attendees can hardly imagine the work that goes in to each.
In short, I would like give a “tip of the hat” to Martin on a job very well done!
Demonstrations
Hi Martin, To days live
To days live demonstration was a most enjoyable experience, as indeed have all the others so far! I have learnt SO much from this series of presentations and look forward to each and everyone of them.
Your presentation style, Camera quality and graphics are first class.
The live presentations are a credit to your previous life in photography and graphics, and I look forward to seeing many more in the future, they give me great comfort in these difficult times.
Sincere thanks for all your efforts.
John Farnsworth, Edinburgh
Very Enjoyable
Really enjoyed the demonstration and I thought the explanations of the techniques was first rate.
Excellent demonstration videos
Your videos have helped me get started and given me ideas, I have only been turning for about 9 months but I’m looking at this as a way to keep busy in my retirement, I have sold some work already but mostly I give it away in exchange for wood.
Keep up the excellent work.
Lee
Fantastic!
Since these live demos have been taking place I’ve learnt so much more!
A friend and I were due to attend one of the finishing courses but then the virus struck. The introduction of the live demonstrations from the workshop helped to ease the misfortune of missing the course.
The demos are great, my sanding and finishing has improved, my use of colour and application of final finishes has been transformed and I feel more confident to try new ideas and styles.
Martin presents in a very calm, level, friendly and clear manner. His knowledge and attention to detail is superb.
The benefits of the live demo is that the viewer is able to ask questions and get involved. Martin does his best to help.
The number of viewers is growing each time, a testament to the quality of workmanship being observed.
I for one am very grateful that Martin has taken the time to pass on his knowledge and expertise.
I recently took in the
I recently took in the Excellence in finishing demonstration. I was very pleased with the straight forward delivery of techniques and guidance provided. Your delivery was clear, concise and at time’s light hearted. Thank you for making my journey into turning a rewarding experience.
Excellent Instructor for Excellence in Finishing
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Sort of Demo cross Lesson
It just so happens that I picked up tin of bronze embellishing wax and a tin of high gloss on recent day trips to Yandles (my registered pusher of desirable things) totally unrelated to Martin’s videos, The YouTube streams were mentioned on the Robert Sorby forum of which I am a moderator, so it would have been rude not to check them out… I am glad I did, bit of banter in the chat while Martin is busy, and Martin answering questions and passing on his valuable knowledge, for almost free! you can and should make some donation if you get something from it but it is going out to lots of people so it doesn’t need to be a massive cost to you.
I got involved just in time to do the Extraordinary Excellence in Finishing Course, the certificate for that is proudly displayed above my workshop door, of course you are not welcome in my workshop until further notice, but I sent Martin a picture which is on Facebook, I also got seduced into buying some Intrinsic Colours, couldn’t decide which one so went for the sample set.
The bowl I cut for the finishing course had the finish cut off it, then got coloured, my first ever colouring project. I know it isn’t great, but it is pretty good and I am keeping it! also I mostly remembered to put on my glove, except once.. now I have a plumb forefinger.
Anyway Martin is an excellent demonstrator, and I think a great teacher 10 years of round and brown one lesson on YouTube and I made this bowl. Get yourself on the schedule, check it out see what you think.
Great entertainment
The YouTube live demos are just superb cant wait for the next one.
I have been turning three months and used his techniques to make my first coloured bowl.
Thank you Martin
Great video program
Extraordinary Live Demonstration
Hi Martin, Finally caught up
The demonstrations you do are extremely professional, great fun and very informative.. Hopefully we will be through this time as soon as possible and you can return to your normal touring and earning a living for you and your family, but if time allows, would you consider continuing doing these on an Ad Hoc basis.
You have a very large and loyal following. Paid subscription would work for me. Anyway. GREAT shows, learned a huge amount including some finishing I was getting wrong. Thank You
Martin’s performances are very instructive
The recent videos for whilst we are staying at home are excellent to watch and the techniques are simple but produce amazing results (at least Martin makes them look easy !!)
Thank you for doing this Martin and you have inspired me to do more!!
Hi martin. I really enjoyed
Hi martin. I really enjoyed the demo last night. I was so impressed I decided to have a go and ordered some intrinsic paints. The sanding tool you were using, was it from simon hope? You made it look very impressive.
Hi Martin…I imagine it’s very
Just got my selection of embellishing waxes through today so will have a crack with them at some point (just the little test pots) my wife and I enjoyed the video on the finishing and colouring and that bowl was incredible especially when you consider it before the colour being applied…that’s a good eye and skill you have.
You said somewhere that you were a professional photographer, and I’ll bet that’s where you get your creativity from. I have been a professional photographer for over 30 years (27 as a medical photographer) but now I’m retired so enjoying the chance to be creative too (can’t be creative photographing wounds!!) Your tuition is helping me so much so thanks again for doing these videos.
Nigel
Hi Martin,Really enjoyed the excellence
Really enjoyed the excellence in finishing video on Tuesday evening. I for one found the video a perfect way to learn and hone my knowledge on sanding and finishing my work. All from the comfort of my favourite chair
I tried to donate but couldn’t seem to do it in a “live” video. It would be a great idea I think if you could make the live video’s a “pay to watch” when there is a certificate at the end. A small fee for your teaching does not sound unreasonable to me. After all it is your time and effort, and being self employed time is money. A nominal fee of just a pound or two is cheap, considering we your audience have learned from it. A hundred viewers at £2/head would certainly help you keep your business running in these uncertain times when you cannot go to do live demo’s.
Regards,
Colin
Fab demo on Tuesday. Learned
Fab demo on Tuesday. Learned so much. Also enjoying putting into practice what I’ve learnt Fingers crossed
Enjoyed your demo this morning
Enjoyed your demo this morning (New Zealand time!). Mark