Woodturning Courses in Tralee, Co. Kerry – Beginner to Advanced Tuition in Ireland

🧾 Information for Students – Please Read Before Booking

If after reading this page you still would like to know more I have written a Blog Post Your First Woodturning Lesson, What to Expect. There is also a lot more content for prospective Woodturners to read in my Blog section.​​

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✨ Why Choose My Woodturning Tuition? ✨

I offer one-to-one or one-to-two teacher/student ratio woodturning sessions, typically in 4 or 5 hour blocks. This low student-to-teacher ratio means I’m right there with you—ready to help in the moment and adjust to your pace.

Most tuition courses are full-day, group-based classes. While those can be great (I’ve taken a few myself), the pace often slows to suit the group, and 8 hours of intense learning can be overwhelming—especially for beginners.

From experience, I found one-to-one tuition more valuable. Yes, it costs a little more, but the focused attention and tailored approach made a huge difference.

My shorter sessions are just the right length: packed with useful information, but not overwhelming. For beginners, I recommend 2–3 sessions to build a solid foundation. I also Have a Group Woodturning Introduction class for groups of up to 4 people if you are interested.

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If you're still unsure, my Blog has a few posts to help you decide whether tuition is the right path for you.

💡 Tuition could very well be the best money you invest in your woodturning journey.

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🧰 What You'll Learn in Each Session

Session 1 – Foundations

• Choosing the right equipment

• Basics of tool sharpening

• Turning a simple cylinder

• Correct tool presentation and body positioning

 

 ✨No finished projects yet—this session focuses on technique. Practicing at home after this will really help.

 

Session 2 – Skill Building

• More hands-on turning from the start

• Light theory and troubleshooting from home practice

• Improving technique, sanding, and finishing basics

 

Session 3 – Stepping Up

• Intro to bowl turning

• Advanced cuts and concepts

• Building confidence through guided progression

✨ Consistent practice between sessions is key to long-term progress.

 

💡 Why It’s Worth the Investment

I get it—tuition feels like a big step, especially when you’re starting out. But a smart beginning saves you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

• Avoid poor-quality tools and costly mistakes

• Learn proper technique from day one

• Build confidence and progress faster

Students often tell me how surprised they are by the improvement they see in just a few sessions. If you’re going to invest in tools and time, it’s worth doing it right from the start.

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🛡️ Special Offer – SA Cloth Face Shields

As a thank-you to students—and now to anyone who spends over €20 on tools or finishes—I offer discounted SA Cloth Face Shields on this page:

• Available on the day of your class or sent with outgoing tool orders

• Past students? You’re still eligible!

• Just let me know which ones you'd like and I’ll prepare them for you

You can pay in person or through the listing on this page—whatever’s easier.

These high-quality, comfortable face shields are great for both woodturning and general workshop use.

🎁 A small bonus to support your craft—and help keep you safe while you work.

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🧠 Keep Your Expectations Realistic

Woodturning is deeply rewarding, but also challenging. Online videos make it look easy—but remember, that’s usually someone with years of practice behind the lathe.

Don’t expect instant results. Progress takes time and repetition. But I’ll be here to guide you with one-to-one support, and I’ve kept pricing reasonable so you can learn at your own pace.

Think of tuition not as a cost—but as an investment in your skills and enjoyment of the craft.

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👦 Minimum Age for Tuition

Over the years, I’ve made several efforts to introduce younger people to woodturning. While I firmly believe in encouraging the next generation, experience has shown a few consistent challenges:

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I’ve worked hard to introduce younger people to woodturning, but there are a few challenges:

• Younger children often struggle with tool handling, focus, and physical coordination

• Their attention is usually divided between school, screens, and other interests

• Often, parents are more enthusiastic than the children themselves

Through experience, I’ve found age 16 and up is the best starting point. That said, if your child under 16 is truly interested, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to assess on a case-by-case basis.

📚 See my blog post: When is the Right Age to Start Woodturning?​

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🎓Hands-On Teaching Experience

Each Experience session is run as a hands-on teaching class, just like my tuition sessions. I demonstrate and explain woodturning skills and techniques, covering a wide range of topics as we work on each piece together.

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💵 Tuition Payment Preferences

• For tuition sessions, cash is preferred—it helps me avoid third-party fees and keeps things fair.

• It also gives me something to look forward to, nothing better than being paid into the hand at the end of a job!

• Your tuition reflects years of hands-on experience, and I’d rather not share that value with payment companies.

• All other website purchases (tools, finishes, etc.) can still be paid via credit card or PayPal.

• Paying in cash may save you money, and ensures I’m paid fairly for the work I do.

Thanks for your understanding!