End User Training - Q1 2011 - Vegas

[truck90278]

Great [big grin]

should also have asked about the Cabinet class on Jan 31-Feb 1?

 

[Administrator_JSVN]

There are no prerequisites to attend. Our hope is that attendees will be comfortable enough using the tools that they can keep up with the pace of the class. That's something each attendee will need to gauge themselves. As long as you have experience using power tools, you should be fine in the Cabinet class. Attendees of previous classes can probably offer their opinions.

 

[truck90278]

Certainly have experience with power tools, just teaching myself how to use the Festools - unfortunately, like many on this forum I have fallen down this slippery green slope,

Thanks Ralph

 

[ccarrolladams]

This 8-9 November I was one of 8 participants in the Henderson (Las Vegas) Cabinet class. Steve B was one of the instructors. He is resident in Henderson. Brian S was flown in from Indiana by Festool. Thus we had the benefit of the two best woodworking instructors.

Four of us earn our living working with wood. I own a high-end custom cabinet shop. One is a general contractor who personally specializes in finish and cabinet carpentry. Another is a general contractor specializing in rehabilitating buildings damaged by flooding or fire. Another works for a general contractor as a finish carpenter.

The other four fellows were really dedicated hobby woodworkers. All own some Festools. Each brought there own experiences with them.

Clearly Steve in Henderson and Brian in Indiana have trained more than enough woodworkers over the years they can adjust the pace so everyone has a chance to practice what they learn. If some finish a task quickly they have the chance to try something else while others catch up.

Each class day before using tools, we had a discussion about where we needed to go, and to also settle the all-important lunch order!

Seriously, after the first discussion, Steve assigned us to 4 teams of 2 each. An experience professional was paired with a hobby woodworker. Before I retired to open my shop I was an engineer and technical VP, so I was paired with an electronic engineer.

Personally I encourage everyone who wants to improve his or her skills to participate in Festool classes. Everyone wins and gains confidence. I know as I need to instruct folks working for me I will be a much better trainer as a result of spending so much quality time with Steve, Brian and all the class participants.

All four of us who earn a living woodworking remained in Henderson for the advance router class. This time we only had three others, because of a last minute cancellation. Again all 3 were very experienced woodworkers. I was paired with a still-active family practice physician. He already owned an OF 2200 but wanted coaching before he used his own. Let me tell you, that FOG member knows how to work with wood! Another fellow had just recently bought an OF 2200 and brought with him very impressive sample projects he had made with that router.

 

[truck90278]

Well Shane, lets get the info up. From a professional point of view, I'm in Aerospace work (Northrup Grumman) and work on new business so travel a lot (currently working outside of Detroit thru the middle of January. So timing will be good.  I've built a lot of special interest vehicles (Mustangs, etc.).  but also play with wood some.  During the last year, I've gotten hooked on Festools, so this will be a great opportunity, particularly as I live in Southern California.  I have:

MFT 3
Dominio
TS 55
Trion
ETS 400
OF 1010
RO 125

Fortunately my wife thinks I should have all these neat toys, so hopefully I'll be able to get into some of these classes

R

 

[peter halle]

These classes fill up fast.  You need to check back often.  I have missed out on more than one, and I am here pretty consistently.

The classes are kept small to enhance the experience and maximize instructor/ student time.

Peter

 

[GPowers]

Is the Intro to Festool class open to folks not in the trade? For us beginners?

I'am one of the  hobbyist Carroll Adams is talking about from the November class. I original missed out on the March 2010 class because I was hesitant about my wood working experience.  I got in the November class and had a blast and learned a lot. It was my first formal woodworking training ever.

If you know how to use the tools and have done small project around the house,  shadow boxed, storage cabinets for the garage, book shelves, built in book cases/wall units, etc you most likely have the right skill set and experience.

 

[WoodChuckWoods]

What about classes in Alaska? Don't forget about us!