Classes

[Michael]

All,

I am in the process of opening a woodworking school. It will be about 12k sqr feet in size. I will be able to have about 15 students per session. I also plan to have big names come from all over to teach these classes. My question to you is if you could have anyone teach a class what would the class be and who would you want to teach it??

Thanks in advance,

Michael

[Mark Hopkins]

I don't know how available he is, but JOAT might be coaxed to teach a class on finding plans on the internet. You might have to pay him really good though...

[AArDvarK]

What town and state will your school be in? Alex

[Edwin Pawlowski]

The best teacher is someone that knows more than me. Nothing wrong with the big names, but say, Mr. Bigs class is $500 and he will teach me how to make a table, but Mr. Nobody that has 30 years of experience, works in his own little shop, and can teach me how to make as good a table at a $200 class, I'm interested. Of course, a lot of people know more that me so I'm easily (and cheaply) impressed.

The subject could be anything I'm interested in at the time. Right now I'm thinking over the next year or so of a bed, a table, and maybe some boxes. Following that, cabinet doors for the kitchen. I'd pay for a door making class. Raised panel, flat panel some exposure to different types so I can better decide what suits me.

I guess it also depends on your market. Are you looking to take beginners to an intermediate, and take intermediates to a higher level, or are you planning to offer a class geared to the pro shop? Ed [e-mail]

[-linux_lad]

I have no suggestions on teachers. I don't know at what level your teachers will be instructing students, so I'll assume they are at the beginner to intermediate levels.

CAD for woodworkers If you create a beautiful design, people will want to copy it. Being able to draw your project precisely before you build it will make construction easier, and great drawings are always in demand.

Safety This subject seems never to be addressed. Dust collection is critical if you generate fine dust (like from milling MDF, for example). These tiny particles of wood can become embedded in your lungs and create health problems.

Selecting high quality tools and maintaining them Buying junk tools takes some of the pleasure out of woodworking. Learning to keep hand-tools as sharp as reasonably possible will make it easier to focus on the project. If you can't tune a saw, you won't get good results no matter how expensive it is.

Business fundamentals I can't even count the number of times I've seen or heard of new businesses going under in a year because the owner's passion for woodworking overcomes his or her business sense.

Individual classes on specific tools Mastering Windsor chairs requires the ability to turn wood on a well-tuned lathe if you want to build from scratch. Basic carving skills are handy too.

Just a few thoughts...

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-linux_lad To verify that this post isn't forged, click here:

[MJ Wallace]

Michael: RE:

Jeez, this is hard because many of the big names already teach - Dave Marks, Mike Dunbar, etc.

I would advise you to look at the current schools and see who they are gettting for "guest" lectures/classes, and see if you can get them.

I'd take a class from Kelly Mehler on tablesaws any day, Dave Marks on veneering, and so on. But I think they already do teach.

I think the best thing is to develop a solid set of classes you know people will want to take in your local area - which you haven't said where you are. I do part time web work for a local school in the SF Bay Area -

- and what they have done is to concentrate on the core skills everyone should have - basic woodworking, router, table saws, etc. They have other classes that are more "project related" like bandsaw boxes, etc. When you come out of any of the classes, you feel you learned a lot because ot the dedication of the instructor/director of the Academy - Jerry Konicek to make sure you have a successful and safe class.

My thought on this would be to to build your reputation on something that is independent of getting a name to teach. Teach good, safe woodworking and I'd be you will be succesful. Then over time, if you want to bring in a guest instructor, you can "re-invite" those who have taken the other courses back for this special.

Learn to listen to the people taking your courses and respond to them.

My 2 cents anyways.

Good luck!

MJ Wallace

[Robert Bonomi]

Even more fun would be his seminar on "de-bugging" TIKIs.

[michael]

The school will be in SoCal. There are tons of schools out there but what I am looking for is to give the woodworkers what they request. That is why I am asking you guys for your opinion.

thanks again

[Mark Hopkins]

Think folks would pay big $$$ for that awesome instruction?

[AArDvarK]

Yeah well, "It's a great idea" is my opinion... but what town? I am in SoCal too. Alex

[Wayne K.]

I would like to attend a class that has more classroom time than shop time. Like 3 ours class 1 hour shop (evening) I have a shop but no classroom.

Class 1. Safety Class 2. WW tools power, battery and hand. Class 3. Lumber Class 4. Joinery Class 5. Dovetails ( this would be mostly a hand on class) Class 6. WW Glues Class 7. Drafting Class 8. Design Class 9. Etc etc

[michael]

Mike,

It is in Anaheim CA. We are about 5 miles from Disney.

So far, we have decided on about 20 classes for 2005. We are in the process moving to bigger facilities, purchasing more equipment and finializing the

2005 schedule.

If you want more info, drop me an email at kev@manicdesigndotcom please replace the word dot with a period. I dislike spam.

Thanks

[AArDvarK]

toooooooo farrrrrrrrrrrrrrr awayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.......................