Est. 1998 — 27 years of woodworking knowledge
woodworking schools
Jane
>I'm a newbie at woodworking, but I love it thus far and find it tremendously relaxing. I'm interested in hearing about woodworking classes and workshops that other people have attended with good experiences. It would be nice to come home with a finished product, but more important to me is learning proper technique...Thanks!~
Re: woodworking schools
William R. Duffield on the Cohansey
>I have good friends, well-respected woodworkers, who post here at times, who really like Peter Korn's Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, in Warren, ME. This recommendation comes with a warning: It's really close to Thomas Lie-Nielsen's factory. Don't leave home without your favorite plastic.
Re: woodworking schools
Bob Hackett
>That LN magic must be working on you,Sir William.Ln is in Warren and The Center for Furniture Craftsmanship is alittle further up the coast in Rockport.
What could be better than summer in Maine?Maybe a summer WWing course on the coast of Maine.
If you prefer the mountains to the coast there`s always Haystack Mountain.They offer just about everything from rustic to turning.
Mainely,Bob
choosing a school/class
Bill Tindall, E. TN
>1. to get more answers post this message on the other forum.
2. I have limited experience with specific classes but it seems that each has its own personality, determined by the instructor. When that personality clashes with the student's the class can be less enjoyable. So, research classes carefully, perhaps talk to the instructor about your needs and interests and talk to former students. These classes can be a substantial investment so the time should be enjoyable and productive. As a start you might try some of the cheap and often good classes at Woodcraft or area clubs.
As an example, I wanted to learn spindle turning quickly and took a class with Nick Cook. I was interested in some specific spindle techniques. Nick was willing to focus on my needs and not insist I do the bowls and other things that the class normally included. It was an enjoyable productive experience. I took a second class where the instructor had a syllabus and rigidly stuck to it inspite of the class's pleas to put more emphasis on some parts and eliminate others. This class was less productive and for me annoying.
Re: woodworking schools
John, NY
>And, if you don't want to spend the money just yet, you may find that your local community college does courses. My local one does 3 courses in furniture making which are basically hand tool courses. One of the local high schools does power tool stuff too as well as my local Woodcraft.
You can check some out a little cheaper and a little closer to home.
Re: woodworking schools
John, NY
>I found my number 1 takeaway from my first course was how to sharpen my tools!
How to use a chisel and handplane were secondary to that but useful skills all the same but without a sharp tool woodworking is never going to be enjoyable!
Personal instruction
Bob Hackett
>The most focused program of instruction will be a one on one type.You get to do what you want with expert guidance.The drawback to this is that you only get to see how the person instructing approaches the work.
In a larger class you have interaction with other students and a chance to see different methods of work,this is supposing that the class is goal(as in project)oriented as opposed to a class teaching technique.
IMO the best teachers are the ones who relate to and interact with the class.An instructor who is committed to teaching is always both dynamic and flexible and able to adjust to his audience.The very best always strive to improve and welcome feeback aimed toward improving the curriculum or thier personal approach to the subject being taught.
Some of the most rewarding classes I`ve ever been involved in have been offered thru local WWing clubs and guilds.Many offer informal classes with experienced members in either thier own shop or yours.When first starting out it`s hard to find a tool that will give you as much bang for the buck as a local club.IMO it`s the quickest,easiest,and most enjoyable way to shorten the learning curve.It also has the added benefit of the help and support of like minded people who understand your addiction.
Mainely,Bob
Re: woodworking schools
Greg B�tit, Vergennes, VT
>Do a Google search on: "elderhostel woodworking". Even if you are not quite the right age for elderhostel activities, the hits you get will for the most part also have classes for the general public. And the fact that they do address elderhostel customers means that they can gear themselves to all levels of students.
I have never taken an elderhostel course, but I have heard some really good things about them from my (much older :) ) sister.
Greg
Re: woodworking schools
Tony - Memphis
>I have taken a few classes. The most enjoyable was the Ball and Claw class with Phil Lowe in Beverly, MA. He's a great instructor and a nice fella.
I took a class a little closer to home that was not as good...I learned a lot though, and I did enjoy it. Glad I took it. I think Bill and I attended the same place. Bill's right, it is a substantial investment, so make sure you know what you are getting into.
I also took a class with Mack Headley at Marc Adams several years ago. Great place. The class was a great experience, but I would have gained more had I had some carving experience going in. Not a beginner class in my opinion. Mack is a nice fella and a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. Just being in his company for a week was a pleasure. I'd like to get some more experience (I have done a little carving) and take it again. There were several folks in the class who were quite skilled and I felt like they got a little more attention than us rookies.
Tony
Re: woodworking schools
Todd from San Jose
>The classes that most intrique me are the ones taught by Lonnie Bird. His students use a mixture of power and hand tools (with a lot of hand tools) to learn how to create 18th century furniture, which is my passion. If you too like early american furniture, I think you should check out his curriculum. Everything from a hand dovetail class for beginners to building a grandfather clock in a 14-day course. I'm taking his "Mastering Fine Casework" course in October.
Todd
Re: woodworking schools
Tony - Memphis
>I took his side chair class. I did come away with with a bunch more confidence in handwork and learned some new techniques. There has been some "observations" here (by myself and others) of Lonnie's teaching techniques and other stuff, but aside from that, I did learn a lot and am glad I took the class. I did finish my chair at home and am real proud of it. I did get inspired by making the chair to do more things by hand. I'm going to start on a chippendale b&c stool from Phil Lowe's class (we did one leg in class) soon. Not sure how that'll go, but we'll see!
Tony
Re: woodworking schools *LINK*
Clay C in Miami
>Here's a thread (from elsewhere) on WW schools - the poster had some specific requests, but this might be of use to you ...
Clay
schools thread
Haystack Mountain
Jorge Castañeda~East Penobscot Bay
>is right here in Deer Isle Maine.
Great place to learn and make friends, but they offer woodwork now and then, not always Like the Center for Furniture Craftmanship.
Re: woodworking schools *LINK*
Tom Ryan
>I took a 5-day handtool woodworking course at Conover Workshops. It was great -- it took my woodworking from a very elementary state to a whole new level. It was fun at the same time -- but an intense 5 days. Actually 7 days -- I took one-day handplanes and dovetails courses the weekend before.
These is a "Shop Shots" bit about my experience. Just search for "Tom Ryan" in the search feature of the shop shots section.
Conover Workshops