I was having a tidy up recently and thought it would be a good idea to take a few shots of the workshop - in fact, I think these are the only photo's I have taken since it was built, two years ago.

People often ask me were my shavings go, or if I have a use for them. I'd love to say that I'm able compress them into pellets for the stove, or sell them to pet shops for bedding - if only it was all that easy! However, they do still have some uses.

Early last year, I dedicated a couple of blog posts to chainsawing and rough turning the 'huge yew bowl'. You may be wandering what became of this beast, but all will soon be revealed.

I had a call last week from a local country estate, asking if I was interested in some yew trees, which had just been felled – you bet I am! Just a quick look at all those sold pieces on my website will give an idea of what people like the most.

Protecting my bowls in transit is something I've always taken seriously. Many of my pieces have delicate edges and these need to be protected in fact, a large impact from the side of a box should not even touch the bowl inside.

Having a good chainsaw is essential if you’re really into woodturning. Being able to source your own timber opens up a whole array of possibilities. Not only will you be able to use unseasoned green wood, but you’ll also be in full control of the size and shape of the blanks you intend to use. However, chainsaws, like any other machine need to be maintained.