Woodcraft classes

[Aaron Buys]

I was searching around on their site today and it seems Woodcraft has a store not more than a few miles from me. The lathe classes they offer look appealing. Has anybody here taken any of them? If so are there any particular classes you can recommend?

Thanks!

[Lee DeRaud]

I've taken three of them: two good, one so-so.

The problem with recommending them (or not) is that they're very dependent on exactly who is teaching them at your location. But if you've never turned before, it's not too bad a way to find out if it appeals to you.

[Jeff Fritzson]

I wood agree with Lee. They are very much instructor dependent. My first exposure to turning was through the classes and I have enjoyed them all. However, I will say that there are a few I probably would not go back and take another class from. I got to understand their instruction style and how it does not fit with my learning style. It does not mean it was bad I just enjoyed learning from others better.

Regards,
Jeff

[Jim Becker]

My very first turning experience was at a local Woodcraft for a pen turning class a number of years ago...taught by the inimitable Bill Grumbine. I think you'll find that the local classes are a nice start and there is a good chance that the instructor is also a member of the local turning group. You'll want to join that, too!

[Bill Boehme]

I agree that the classes are entirely dependent upon the instructor. I took a class at one store where the instructor was not very good, but it took a while before I realized it and in the meanwhile, my bowl turning was off to a bad start.

I know that the instructors at the local Woodcraft are top notch.

Bill

[Andy Hoyt]

I took a slightly different approach. I'd never touched a lathe in my life - nor knew anyone else who had - yet instinctively knew it was something I had to get into. So I sought out a local pro who also gave instruction and explained that I needed to try it before I plunged wallet first into the abyss.

I ended up spending one of the most rewarding Saturday's of my life in an all day one-on-one session with a patient, skilled, and nurturing instructor. I spent something like $150 to $200 on that session, but I've spent "more" since.

[Martin Braun]

You probably saved a bunch of $ too with the knowledge you gained (though it probably doesn't offset what you have spent :-D ).

[John Shuk]

I felt Woodcraft was a good value for a class. I took an introduction to bowl turning with Andy Barnum and liked it alot. It was more about learning to make a bowl than actually making sure I walked away with one.

[Fred Floyd]

I have taken several classes at the Seattle Woodcraft. All have been interesting and well worth the cost. My lathe classes were especially good as the instructor is excellent.

[Curt Fuller]

It doesn't matter if you're new at turning or if you've been around it for quite a while, watching someone else do it is going to teach you something. I think the woodcraft classes would be a great start. If you have a chance to attend a turning club meeting it's even better, like a class with a room full of instructors. The main thing though is to practice what you've been taught as soon as possible after the lesson while it's still fresh in your mind.