Mentor Program

[Matt Lentzner]

I see a lot of advice given to newbies (like myself) to get a mentor. I'm sure this is a good thing to do, but how do I go about finding one? I don't know anybody of any appreciable skill - all hackers. Just a quick shop visit to a experienced wood worker would probably do me a world of good.

I'm going to a bandsawing class tomorrow at the closest Woodcraft, but of course, it going to be all newbies.

Is there any way the the 'Creek can facilitate connecting experienced woodworkers looking for a sidekick to us new guys who are wet behind the ears?

Thanks!

Matt

[James Phillips]

Tell everyone where you are from and see if you get any volunteers

[Lee Koepke]

I also would not mind spending a little bit of time in a shop.

I mentioned this in one of the safety threads, I think newer woodworkers would benefit greatly (safetywise) from watching the proper operation of a tool from an experienced worker at least once prior to firing up ones own machine....you can only garner so much info from reading either forums or directions.

[Joe D'Attilio]

I concur Matt. Along with just joining the forum this week and seeking the advice and opinions of my peers; my ultimate goal would be to "pal" up with anyone local to the Philly area assisting them in their projects just for some hands on shop timea nd to hone my skills, not to mention have someone to consult with and learn from.

The days of "apprenticing under grandpa or pop or even the retired neighbor are long gone. My father lives 2 hours away, although its always nice to see hte family 4 hours plus a trip to the lumber yard hardly leaves any shop time in a weekend.

So anyone in the Philly area let me know!

[John Thompson]

You gentlemen might google for a local WW club where you do find some experienced members willing to tutor to a certain degree. Unless you attend a school, finding someone that has the time to donate ("their time" in essence) freely without some restrictioins is not a major reality, IMO.

Good luck...

Sarge..

[Jim Becker]

Already a work in progress...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=28325

Jim
SMC Moderator

[Al Killian]

Look for cabinet shops and woodworking shops in your area. I find local ones and stop in and introduce my self and see if I can harras them for awhile.:D I have a guy down the road that I stop by once in while and he gives me tips. Then there is a fellow weekend woodworker who I see on saturdays, who has been doing this for several years and helps me out.

[Dan O'Connor]

Already a work in progress...

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=28325

Jim
SMC Moderator

Jim, I live in bucks as well, (new Hope), do you know of any clubs or such in that area? I see that bucks county cc has some woodworking classes but since I work in north jersey, it is hard to travel further south after work. thanks.

[Lee Koepke]

You gentlemen might google for a local WW club where you do find some experienced members willing to tutor to a certain degree. Unless you attend a school, finding someone that has the time to donate ("their time" in essence) freely without some restrictioins is not a major reality, IMO.

Good luck...

Sarge..
good idea. Southern Poly hosts the Georgia WW Guild. I may just wander up there and see.

I also talk with one of my cabinet subs often. I used to even get some scrap ( to them ) plam and hardwoods from them on occasions.

[John Shuk]

Matt,
It really does help if you put your location in your profile.

[Jim Becker]

Jim, I live in bucks as well, (new Hope), do you know of any clubs or such in that area? I see that bucks county cc has some woodworking classes but since I work in north jersey, it is hard to travel further south after work. thanks.

Bucks Woodturners meets at BCCC. The woodworking programs there are also excellent. I don't know of any other "clubs" in the area, however.

BTW, we share a zip code...all rural delivery comes out of New Hope or Doylestown in this area.

[Joe D'Attilio]

Jim, I live in bucks as well, (new Hope), do you know of any clubs or such in that area? I see that bucks county cc has some woodworking classes but since I work in north jersey, it is hard to travel further south after work. thanks.


If you're interested, the MCWW (montgomery county woodworkers guild) is meeting next week, 1/16, for our monthly get-together. All are welcome. There will be a demonstration on carving the ball of a ball and claw foot (with the claw coming at a later date). There is a wide range of skill and interests among the group. membership is free.

Note: we technically meet in Philadelphia county but have people that come from Delaware and NJ, too. (THANKS MATT BICKFORD)
http://sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?t=73514

[Jamie Buxton]

Matt --
Look for a woodworking club in your area. I believe you've mentioned you're in the Bay Area. (But, fill in your SMC profile!) BAWA is one (http://www.geocities.com/bawanewsletter/index.html). Another is Diablo Woodworkers (http://www.diablowoodworkers.com/).

[Joe D'Attilio]

Jim, I live in bucks as well, (new Hope), do you know of any clubs or such in that area? I see that bucks county cc has some woodworking classes but since I work in north jersey, it is hard to travel further south after work. thanks.

Pennsylvania

Bucks Woodturners
Meetings at:
Hicks Art Center
Bucks County Community College
Swamp Road
Newtown, PA
Email: wsmith99@gmail.com (wsmith99@gmail.com)
Web site: www.bucksturners.com (http://www.bucksturners.com)

Harmony Hill
1459 Yellow Springs Rd.
Chester Springs, PA 19425
Phone: 610-827-7977
Email: paf@pearlsw.com (paf@pearlsw.com)

Montogmery County Woodworkers' Guild
Philadelphia Area, PA
Web site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCWW/ (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MCWW/)

[Matt Lentzner]

Okay, I filled out my Profile. Sorry about that.

I'd be willing to sharpen tools, clean up, do manual labor, buy the post shoptime beer, whatever, if I could get some shoptime with a woodworking guru. I certainly realize that I'm asking a lot so I'm more than willing to help out as much as possible.

Matt