Question for Folks who've taken WW Classes

[Jediscroller]

My local Woodcraft is offering a 6 week long cabinet making class. I'd very much like to take it but it's been a long time since I had any woodworking type classes. For those of you that have taken these types of classes, what were your experiences and do you feel it was worth the time (this one is 3 hours each session, once a week)?

Thanks in advance.

[greg194799]

Kevin,
It has been a while sense I had an formal training but any time you can get one on one training from a qualified instructor is worth while. Some of the things may be a repeat of what you know already but you may be able to pick up some new tips to make it worth while.
Just my two cents.

[stevebuk]

Take it kevin, all that experience will not be wasted on you, imagine making someone a set of cabinets and finishing them off with some beautiful fretwork, not only smart but unique too, and can obtain a high price.
waiting to hear of your decision.

[Daryl185]

Kevin it sounds good I would go for it

[lucky788scroller]

The only one I ever took was "turning a pen and pencil set" at Woodcraft, years ago, just because it always looked fun. The class was one session, 3 hours long, and I left with a nice parker style pen and pencil set of kingwood. It was well worth the money, and shorty after that, I sold "our" go cart, and bought "me" a lathe! Dale

[NC Scroller]

Originally Posted by Jediscroller

My local Woodcraft is offering a 6 week long cabinet making class. I'd very much like to take it but it's been a long time since I had any woodworking type classes. For those of you that have taken these types of classes, what were your experiences and do you feel it was worth the time (this one is 3 hours each session, once a week)?

Thanks in advance.

Kevin,

IMHO go for it. I have taken WW classes at WC and every one was really good. It is well worth the $$$$. It has been a couple years since I took one but if I recall correctly they give you special discounts as a student.

[DukeNukem]

Go for it Kevin you can always use the saw to put scroll work on the faces of the cabinets.Jerry

[workin for wood]

I have years of cabinet experience, so I wouldn't take the course myself. If I was going to, I want to see and inspect his cabinets before learning his techniques. I'm a big supporter of woodcraft, but they mostly use local people to be their teachers. Making a pen is almost idiot proof, but a cabinet is far from it. I make special guest appearances at a Cincinatti store, not that I'm a celeb by any stretch, but they act like I am. I drop in on the intarsia classes and show pictures, answer questions, offer advice on techniques at no charge whatsoever. The guy that actually teaches the class is extreme amatuer. He's been building them for years, but is still at beginner level, big gaps, flat faced intarsias, but that's all they have to teach down there. I would teach the class myself, but I dont live anywhere near there..they just happen to be in the building next to my last customer on sunday nights, so I shop there and have a few extra minutes to help out.

Some of the stores have great teachers, and some don't. The carving guy in Cincinatti, is a whole different story, as he is phenomenal at carving. So this is why I advise to do a couple minutes of research first on the cabinetmaker himself, and carefully inspect the cabinets. Bring a small square with you too, to help your inspection! I want you to take the course, like everyone else seems to, but I don't want you to throw away money to a hack cabinetmaker. Lets hope he knows what he's doing...good luck!

Anyone that wants very serious lessons in woodworking check out Marc Adams school of woodworking in Northern Indiana. They have classes in just about anything. It's probably the largest of it's kind in the world, and they have cabins you can stay in. There are short day or week classes and much longer classes that you can do college style. I haven't been there, but have driven by many times while delivering that area, and it is big. All the instructors are trained instructors and probably masters in their field. Woodcraft is good, especially if they can find someone competent, but Marc Adams is the best.