Cheshire Woodworking

I attended the beginners course having not done any woodwork since my school days (over 20yrs ago!) and with no knowledge of even the most basic skills.The 4 days I spent on this course absolutely transformed my confidence and interest in woodwork and I'm now desperately trying to make space in the garage for my small workbench and build up my tool collection.To go from level 0 in terms of skills, confidence and knowledge to leaving with a beautifully hand crafted display table in 4 days blew my mind and all the credit goes to Ciarán. Not only was I amazed at what I managed to achieve but Ciaran also creates an atmosphere where we all become friends and genuinely enjoyed each day spent in the workshop.I've already reccomended the course to all my friends and I'll definitely be keeping an eye open for more courses with Ciaran in the future.10/10

I’ve just finished the four day beginner course with Ciaran and I’m tired but immensely satisfied. There’s nothing quite like the sense of satisfaction that comes from the mortise and tenon joint that you have just made clicking solidly into place, or running your finger over a joint and feeling nothing because it’s so smooth. Whether at the start you know nothing, or a little or a lot I guarantee that you will learn lessons that will last you a lifetime, as will the delightful little display stand that you take home with you. Don’t hesitate, book now, you will not regret it.

Had a delightful time at the two day woodturning course last week run by Ciarán. My experience of woodworking - or to be honest DIY of any sort - was zero. I also have no craft experience or artistic bone in my body. That said, this was one of the most fun experiences I've had, and although I might have been slower than the rest of the group, I was so proud of what I achieved over the course of the two days. It's now a hobby that I'm seriously looking into continuing!Ciarán is so charming, a great teacher, and provider of tea. I would not hesitate to recommend his courses to anyone even remotely interested.

I attended the one day introduction course today. Absolutely loved it! Ciaran was great, very knowledgeable and passionate. He was really calm and patient and put everyone at ease. I've already booked to go back on his four day course, cannot wait!

I took part in Ciarán's 4 days beginner course. The amount of experience, positivity, encouragement and not forgetting the constant craic throughout each day was superb! As mentioned in other reviews plenty of tea & biscuits along with a fab pub lunch (lush) was also included. At the end of the course I have come away with many new skills, confidence to use and apply the techniques taught, a lovely side table and my mental health in tip top shape. Many thanks Ciarán ;-)

Just got back from a 5 day one to one intermediate course with Ciarán and I cannot thank him enough. As a teacher he is excellent and very patient. He works through by example all the different joints and if you are uncertain, he will explain in more detail. I was fortunate that the one on one tuition allowed for a bespoke approach to the coffee table project incorporating unique elements of design that would not be possible on the 6-day group intermediate course. Learning will stay with me and definitely provides me with the confidence to take my own projects forward at home. Couldn’t recommend Ciarán more highly.

I attended Ciaran's two day Woodturning course in November 2022. I had long wanted to buy a lathe after having fond memories of enjoying woodturning at school. However, school was thirty plus years ago and so I thought I'd best get hands on first before making a hasty purchase.Upon arrival I was greeted by the very friendly Ciaran and I met my fellow course attendees. The day started with an introduction to the work shop, lathes, tools, etc and related health and safety information. We were then set to work on our own lathes, practicing with the various chisels on a piece of pine. I'll admit, when I first offered my chisel up to the spinning block of wood, I was very nervous. However, with guidance from Ciaran, I'd soon roughed out a block into a cylinder and then I was away, trying all the tools and techniques we had been shown.Then it was onto our proper first piece, a honey drizzler/dripper. After a demonstration from Ciaran, we got to work and after a few missteps, a lot of nerves and quite a bit of time, I proudly held in my hands something that I had created. I felt so proud. With further instruction, over the two days, I also created a garden dabber and a rather lovely pine bowl.Over the course of the two days, Ciaran was there to help as much, or as little, as you needed. Tea and biscuits were always on offer and there was plenty of friendly chat too. We also got taken to lunch at a local pub on both days.Suffice to say, I had a wonderful time on this course. I would highly recommend anyone come and give it a go, you won't regret it. The feeling of pride that I have when showing my pieces to friends and family is hard to describe. My bowl and dabber take pride of place in my house. Sadly, one of my dogs got hold of the honey drizzler and it doesn't look as good as it once did. When I finally get my own lathe, it'll be the first thing I make.Ciaran, thank you so much for a wonderful experience. I'll never forget it.

I attended one of Ciaran’s one day courses a couple of months back, and it was absolutely superb! Ciaran’s passion for his craft comes through instantaneously, and not only has he great skills in joinery, but in teaching as well - especially his patience!I waited a couple of months before posting my review as I wanted to take the skills and confidence I picked up and apply them to my own projects and have something to show at the end of it.Ciaran, thank you for helping me find my new hobby! I hope you are managing to get some golf in!! Nick.

4 day beginners course.Ciarán was an excellent instructor, with a clear love for woodwork, and a passion to share his knowledge with others.He proves what can be achieved with some basic tools, and that it's a hobby/activity that's accessible without breaking the bank.As a novice woodworker it was really encouraging to see my skills and confidence develop over the course, able to leave with a finished piece of furniture that I'm proud to say that I made. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try their hand at woodwork.

I attended a two-day woodturning course with Ciaran at the beginning of March 2023. Although, I had messed about with a lathe for some time, I knew that I wasn't doing it right so wanted to get some proper tuition. There were five of us on the course of varying degrees of experience, and Ciaran managed this diverse group very well. He explains tools and techniques very clearly, leaving plenty of time for questions and making sure that we understood. The set up of the workshop is very conducive to learning, each of us having our own lathe and most of the two days was spent on practical learning. I have come away with a much better understanding of how to turn wood, but also why some things work and others don't. The attached image shows two of the pieces that we produced on the course. A really useful and enjoyable experience.