Woodworking Classes??

[Todd Young]

Any suggestions on where to take woodworking classes? I know Woodcraft has them, but wasn't sure if there were others out there that I wasn't aware of.

[Brad Knabel]

I took classes at Red Rocks Community College for a couple of years. They're one of the things I miss most about Denver.

They offer normal community college classes (a semester at a time almost always in the evening) or workshops which generally run a day or weekend at a time. The instruction is genuinely top-notch and focuses on both machine and hand skills. The equipment and hand tools are all professional quality and very well maintained. They've got all kinds of specialties as well - boat building, lutherie, marquetry, etc.

The program was excellent when I was there 5 years ago. They have a new department head, Rand Richards, that has made it even better. The shop is usually wide open when classes are in session and you should be able to drop in and take a look. The vast majority of students were adults rather than college students going for a primary degree.

It's a great resource to have in your backyard.

Another alternative that I used while in Denver was Anderson Ranch Arts Center. It's a great way to spend a week immersed in woodworking. It's more of a commitment time-wise and money-wise. But the workshops they have are great.

There is also a Rockler on Colorado Blvd that probably offers classes as well.

http://www.rrcc.edu/finewood/

http://www.andersonranch.org/workshops/courses/index.php?page=furniture-design-and-woodworking

[Myk Rian]

Ever use Google?

http://www.shopindenver.com/Denver-Center-for-Woodworking---Woodworking-Club-Denver/411161.htm
http://www.communitywoodworking.com/
http://www.woodcraftplans.com/Resources_and_Links_for_Woodwo/Finishing_Outdoor_Projects/Poster_Projects/Woodworking_Club_Listing/woodworking_club_listing.htm#co

[Philip Rodriquez]

I second the vote for RRCC. They have a great program and offer weekend workshops. Woodcraft and Rockler classes are there to sell you stuff. Not really worth the trouble.

[Dell Moore]

I beg to differ on the Woodcraft classes. If you go to one of thier DEMO classes, yeah, it's to sell you something. But my Woodcraft give weekly classes that have NOTHING to do with sales. There is not even a hint of pressure to buy anything. I've gone to two excellent classes on Bandsaw repair and using the Porter Cable dovetail jig and left leaving lots.

Maybe yours is different.

Dell

[Ron Jones near Indy]

I beg to differ on the Woodcraft classes. If you go to one of thier DEMO classes, yeah, it's to sell you something. But my Woodcraft give weekly classes that have NOTHING to do with sales. There is not even a hint of pressure to buy anything. I've gone to two excellent classes on Bandsaw repair and using the Porter Cable dovetail jig and left leaving lots.

Maybe yours is different.

Dell

I agree with Dell. I have only had 1 Woodcraft class, but there was no pressure to buy anything at all. It was focused and well done.

[Mike Henderson]

I beg to differ on the Woodcraft classes. If you go to one of thier DEMO classes, yeah, it's to sell you something. But my Woodcraft give weekly classes that have NOTHING to do with sales. There is not even a hint of pressure to buy anything. I've gone to two excellent classes on Bandsaw repair and using the Porter Cable dovetail jig and left leaving lots.

Maybe yours is different.

Dell
+1. If you take a paying class at Woodcraft there's no sales pitch - just teaching of the subject.

Mike

[Mark Godlesky]

I like the Woodcraft classes also. Just took sharpening last Thursday. No marketing but my store does give students a 10% discount on the day of the class.

[Todd Young]

Thanks for the input guys. I'd seen the RRCC options plus a few others and wasn't sure if one might be better than another. I'd been looking into the WC classes, but hadn't thought too much about the RRCC route. After hearing some of the kudos, I'll look into it a bit deeper.

Thanks for the responses.

[Philip Rodriquez]

the RRCC rocks! They blow away the WC classes. Give Rand Richards a call and he can talk you through the program.

[Clint Schlosser]

Have you tried looking for local woodworking guilds. They usually sponsor or will have demonstration learning sessions.

[Mark Maleski]

+1 on Woodcraft, my experience with their classes has been strongly positive. No sales pitch, in fact in my recent class (Intro to Lathe) they nearly closed up before the class ended, leaving little time for shopping!

Here's another suggestion: seek out the local WW Guild, if one exists in your area. They'll hip you to upcoming training classes, and provide mentorship as well. In my region, SAPFM chapter meetings also provide this; in Denver, that may not be a viable option (yet).

Mark
Herndon, VA

[alex grams]

+1 on woodcraft here too. My local one has a class from David Marks each year (last year covered inlays) and I am going to fight this year to fit into the class. They even had such great response from the class they convinced him to host another class the Friday before his planned Saturday class. No sales pitches, though I buy enough there they probably don't think they have to try to sell me anything....

[Robert Parrish]

If you can't find a class nearby try the videos on You Tube. There are also a lot of Video Podcasts available on Itunes (available for Windows). Woodsmith has some great ones.

[Todd Young]

I was checking out the RRCC schedule this morning to see what was available.

[Charles Wilson]

Ever use Google?

http://www.shopindenver.com/Denver-Center-for-Woodworking---Woodworking-Club-Denver/411161.htm
http://www.communitywoodworking.com/
http://www.woodcraftplans.com/Resources_and_Links_for_Woodwo/Finishing_Outdoor_Projects/Poster_Projects/Woodworking_Club_Listing/woodworking_club_listing.htm#co

What's google?

[Steve Jenkins]

If you want something more in depth than just a class check out Anderson Ranch. I believe it is in snowmass.

[Myk Rian]

What's google?
You are kidding, right?
www.google.com is a search engine.