Bowl class at Woodcraft, Norwalk CT

[handibunny]

Yesterday, I taught an all-day bowl-making class the the Norwalk, CT Woodcraft store. I had 4 students, with skill levels ranging from no experience with the scroll saw to beginner. Despite the glitches--anticipated ones, and totally unexpected ones, like the 2 DeWalt saws that would not start--everyone left at 4PM with a very respectable bowl.

I was working with too many people for the equipment available, but honestly don't know the expectations for a relatively inexpensive class ($75 for 6 hours). I had 2 good saws (once they started running), 2 cheapies, 2 drill presses, one 12" disc sander, and one spindle sander. Since everyone was working at about the same pace, there were unavoidable back-ups for the sanding. We sped up the gluing time to about 20 minutes--thank goodness for Weldbond--and it worked, to my relief.

I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has taken a similar class regarding reasonable expectations. I know the students were satisfied with the teaching, but I don't think the store does class evaluations, so I wonder if my expectations are too high.

At any rate, despite my being exhausted, I was pleased with the way things went, and for the publicity.

[Wood Dog]

Well if they left with a bowl then i would think your class was certainly a success. Sure takes me more than 6 hours to complete a bowl. You certainly keep busy Carole.

[Sally]

I would have jumped at a class like that. I never expect a perfect project from a class - I want to learn the technique - then I'll put it together myself later. Often in a one day class I don't "finish" it but leave me some room to fine tune it and finish it at home. Looks like a big success to me!!

[Ghornet54]

Carole,

I would have jumped at the change also. I agree with Sally. I wouldn't expect to complete my bowl in one day, just glad to learn the technique so I can try it at home. If you come closer south, I will sign up for the class!

Charles

[jowshu98]

Only 4 people? Sounds like you really had 5; Murphy was shy and didn't show himself but sounds like he was hanging out near the saws . I too would have jumped at the chance. I'm sure they all left having learned something and feeling more confident. When can I expect to see you at our local Woodcraft????

Don

[handibunny]

Darn that Murphy--he always gets in the way. Both DeWalts at the same time? It was like a bad joke, but did get resolved, fortunately.

Thanks, everyone, for all the nice feedback. I really had a good time, and I appreciate knowing that everyone doesn't expect to come out with a fully finished project. I did offer help when appropriate--like helping to cut back to the line, and showing sanding techniques when needed--and tried to increase the chances of the bowl turning out well without give more help than wanted. And when one of the students drilled his holes in the wrong direction so they came out the side of the rings, we just decided that his wood was "wormy poplar".

[Kiwi]

Having studied all your video tutorials on your website I am sure that your students would have received quality value for their money. Keep up the good work

[handibunny]

Thanks, Kiwi.

[Rolf]

Did that $75 include the materials?
Does the workshop belong to Woodcraft or have you expanded your garage?
I think it is a great price. and to come away with a bowl.
The participants must have been excited.

[handibunny]

Rolf, that $75 was complete with materials, and held at the Woodcraft store. The setting was less than ideal, but quite adequate. Down side was that it takes a good hour to get there, so when added to the 6 hour class, it was a very long day. But fun. And bowls can be made in a single session, with Weldbond and enough tools. Or even advanced bowls, if people do the preliminaries at home. Maybe we can still get something going for the LI group.

I'm looking forward to your show this year--it was really very impressive and nicely organized, except for the noise level, and there's not much you can do about that.

And I wish I could expand out garage. Now with the colder weather, we'll actually be keeping our car in it. LOL