Classes at Woodcraft

[azbison]

I've got a local woodcraft that has three classes I'd like to take and I was wondering if anybody else had spent the money and if it was worth it. They are Beginning Scroll Saw, Finishing and Router 101.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

[oops99]

Hey Az,

I can only speak for myself, but I think it would be crazy to go out and spend money on something that you can get here for free. I have never been to one of these classes, but I'm sure they are for people who don't have a clue, like which is the saw, and which is the wood?
There are so many things on line for free, look on you tube for videos for router basics, but stay right here for anything scroll saw

Just for the helluvit, how much are the classes?

[Barefoot1]

I have never taken one for two reasons, the cost always seemed to high and it seems like the one near me only does carving and pen turning. I would love to take a router class!

[Dragon]

I have taken classes at LeeValley and enjoyed them very much.
Took "beginning scrollsaw" and "intermediate scrollsaw". That's when I first got the saw. Then I took "beginner router" and "beginner band saw".
I am waiting for the next turn a pen class. These were hands on where you come home with a project. In router and band saw we learned to adjust them. Very informative and well worth the money.
Diane

[Dragon]

I should have added that these were not expensive at all. The scroll ones were $20 each and the others might have been $30.
Diane

[Paul S WI]

Azbison...I took several wood turning classes at Woodcraft only because I didn't have a clue of what was actually involved, just thought I did. I figured it was cheaper to take classes before spending the kind of expense I heard was involved. Class was very informative and I am glad I did, money well spent. There is nothing like hands when learning - for me anyways. So here is my thought on the subject for your consideration.

1) Check out the instructors before taking a class by asking other students or watching a class without paying and participating.

2) A class on the Router would be very good if you have little knowledge or understanding of the Router and its' capabilities as it can be dangerous if not respected.

Personally, I believe you can get sufficient info by reading, asking others here and elsewhere on the internet, and of course most importantly, practicing when it comes to Finishing and Scrollsawing.

[charpepper]

I took 3 classes at the woodcraft here and have learned a lot. I took Scrollsaw 101and 102 and wood burning. I have really gotten to know the people at woodcraft and when they have a scroll saw demo they have asked me to do them I really enjoy people and they are very knowledgeable .
Mimi

[jigsue]

Very often, classes such as these provide more than just the taught subject. It is a good way to network within your own area. To discuss ideas with like-minded people and to share local knowledge.

I have attended classes (only if the cost was reasonable) for things I am reasonally proficient at doing (painting, sewing - not woodwork, though - my husband teaches me most stuff), but have always come away having learned something.

I do appreciate and agree that lots can be learned from the forum and there are people here who can help on just about everything, but classes are about more than that and I would go ahead.

If you are intending to sell your work, you may make useful contacts and, if you do not have enough gear to host your own stall, it is sometimes possible for two or three of you to get together

Sue

[workin for wood]

If I didn't already know that stuff, I'd take the class. I just want to see things the instructor made first, because woodcraft instructors are not necessarily professionals in any way. You can take an intarsia class for example, and the guy that is teaching it makes everything flat and files the edges calling it good to go, and that's not too inspiring in my book. If his/her work is good enough to inspire you, then take his/her class.

[Barefoot1]

One other thought on Woodcraft, our scroll saw club meets there, perhaps there is a club in your area that meets at your local store. They would be an invaluable and relatively inexpensive resource! I think our dues for the year are $10.00. You should look into that.