D.McDonnel "Mac"
09-23-2012, 2:13 PM
Upfront disclaimer: I count Mike as a good friend and am proud of the way he has overcome the adversity of the last few years. And yes he has asked me to help by teaching a couple of courses.
That said:
Those of you within easy driving distance of Champaign IL probably already are familiar with the CU Woodshop woodworking store. Well they have decided to open a woodworking school nearby but separate from the store and Dream Shop facility. They have hired Mike VanPelt to run the school. Several of you might remember Mike from the American Sycamore Woodworking School he owned in Cloverdale IN.. He would post occasionally here on Sawmill Creek to answer questions. The tough economy and other events forced Mike to close the school some time back but he has landed on his feet in Champaign at the CU Woodshop.
The CU Woodshop School had their Grand Opening Open House yesterday. Mike has set up a beautiful facility. While it may lack the picturesque setting of his old school it makes up for it with more room and a fully equipped facility. There are Sawstop saws, General 24" wide planers and sanders, 8" Jointers, drill presses, bandsaws, Festool miter saws, sanders and guided circular saws. There is even a tool sharpening station. It is all hooked up with dust collection. It is also air conditioned for year round use. Having the Rockler affiliated CU Woodshop nearby is also a good thing for the students (but probably not good for their wallets). There are 8 completely outfitted workstations with assembly tables and a bench. Each station has clamps and basic handtools supplied and hanging on the wall.
If you are thinking of taking a woodworking class you owe it to yourself to check out the CU Woodshop School. Mike is working hard to build the list of classes offered and would appreciate any suggestions you might have regarding classes you would like to see offered and when (weekday, weekends, evenings). CU Woodshop has a web site that has a link to the school's offerings.
Happy Woodworking,
Mac
That said:
Those of you within easy driving distance of Champaign IL probably already are familiar with the CU Woodshop woodworking store. Well they have decided to open a woodworking school nearby but separate from the store and Dream Shop facility. They have hired Mike VanPelt to run the school. Several of you might remember Mike from the American Sycamore Woodworking School he owned in Cloverdale IN.. He would post occasionally here on Sawmill Creek to answer questions. The tough economy and other events forced Mike to close the school some time back but he has landed on his feet in Champaign at the CU Woodshop.
The CU Woodshop School had their Grand Opening Open House yesterday. Mike has set up a beautiful facility. While it may lack the picturesque setting of his old school it makes up for it with more room and a fully equipped facility. There are Sawstop saws, General 24" wide planers and sanders, 8" Jointers, drill presses, bandsaws, Festool miter saws, sanders and guided circular saws. There is even a tool sharpening station. It is all hooked up with dust collection. It is also air conditioned for year round use. Having the Rockler affiliated CU Woodshop nearby is also a good thing for the students (but probably not good for their wallets). There are 8 completely outfitted workstations with assembly tables and a bench. Each station has clamps and basic handtools supplied and hanging on the wall.
If you are thinking of taking a woodworking class you owe it to yourself to check out the CU Woodshop School. Mike is working hard to build the list of classes offered and would appreciate any suggestions you might have regarding classes you would like to see offered and when (weekday, weekends, evenings). CU Woodshop has a web site that has a link to the school's offerings.
Happy Woodworking,
Mac