JonnieC

Mickdundee - I think those marks will go. What grit did you start on? Most times I see this, people have started slightly too fine; if you can't remove any of the tear-out with a fine finishing cut (sharpen tools just before final few passes), I'd use the full range: 80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600. Each grit only removes the marks of the last grit, so don't move on from the rougher grits until these kind of tear-out patches have gone. Sorry if any of that is teaching you to suck eggs - this isn't uncommon, and what I mentioned above has resolved the issue for others in your position :-) Cheers.

Hound-Dogg - just wanted to ask, did you do the course in the end (or anyone else done this one recently)? I'd be really interested to know how you're finding it. HCC does appear to be ABC accredited now if not before, and while some reviews/feedback suggest the tutor interaction is a little 'limited', it's not a huge cost and I would take it on assuming the research and graft is left largely to the individual (i.e. no great guidance or hand-holding, as you might get on a full time college course). Any feedback gratefully received. I work in another industry but have been interested in trees/woodland from a young age. I'm a trained cabinetmaker and wood machinist, experienced woodturner, and read about aspects of arboriculture for pleasure (tree species, tree anatomy, wood-rotting fungi etc); I'm looking at taking the distance learning ABC Level 2 in Arboriculture with HCC, just as a kind of self-improvement exercise, and try and structure/extend my knowledge of a subject I already have an established interest in. Any feedback further to the discussion above welcome. Thanks.