Martin Saban-Smith » Professional Demonstrators

Martin is a well known YouTubing woodturner with an internationally known and respected channel with around 200 turning and business oriented videos freely available.

He has recently expanded his online presence by presenting online free, and paid-for demonstrations on his YouTube channel and through Zoom. By using the technology on-hand, he was at the forefront of the rapidly growing popularity of remote demonstrations during the Coronavirus pandemic, presenting to a global audience for free regularly between March and August 2020.

Turning clubs all over the UK, USA and Canada have since enjoyed remote presentations and Martin’s entertaining and informative method of demonstrating.

In the autumn of 2015, Martin started developing the popular range of Hampshire Sheen finishes that now includes a range of waxes, oils, sealer and lacquers. From there, he began blending his own range of water based colours in shades that he prefers – the Intrinsic Colour Collection and produced by Hampshire Sheen. This range of atmospheric shades are different to the other brighter colours on the market. Now employing two further staff, Hampshire Sheen products are available all over the UK, and are exported to Europe, the US, Canada and South Africa.

During lockdown in 2020, Martin founded ‘Woodturning360’, a solely online turning club that features monthly demonstrations from professional turners from around the world and discussion meetings. The club currently enjoys a growing membership of over 160 members.

From August 2020, Martin teamed up with the well known Les Thorne and together they founded ‘The Woodturning Shop’ based next-door to Hampshire Sheen where they both teach lessons on a variety of disciplines for groups and individuals. They both present remote demonstrations from here, too.

Martin’s own turning is more artistic rather than practical. The making of many of his pieces can be found on his YouTube channel, as well as for sale on his website, or at The Woodturning Shop. A keen teacher of woodturning and creative skills, Martin’s students complete their lessons with finished items and a unique insight in the creative process. They leave encouraged and inspired to pursue their woodturning hobby to the best of their ability.

In March 2023, Hampshire Sheen launch their Finishing Academy for users of the product range. With over 3 hours of video tutorials, students can improve their finishing and knowledge of the range.

Please note the workshop is open by appointment only. Martin is available on the phone Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am – 3pm.

On 29th May 2024, Martin separated the woodturning tuition from Hampshire Sheen to a new tuition-focused business – The Woodturning School.