Recommended woodworking courses in the US

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Vaskerville

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Mar 12, 2011
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Hello:

I'm a (graphic) designer/developer and I'm looking to jump in and learn some solid woodworking basics - hopefully in an intense month or two package somewhere in the US. I have a decent set of starter tools including some Festool things. Currently, I'm living in Africa so I can't take a weekend course here or there...needs to be more than that. And, if they had a small segment on Japanese joinery that would be an extra bonus.

http://www.yestermorrow.org/

I'm currently look at Yestermorrow - which is a bit expensive considering that I have to add food and lodging on top (for their 11 week course).

I would prefer courses in/near a large city - LA, Seattle, NYC, etc...if it's possible.

Any recommendations, tips, thoughts?

Thanks
 
I know that rob cosman is about to start some online course soon. That could be right up your alley.
 
Are you looking for architecturally oriented courses, as yestermorrow seems to be, or finish carpentry, or furniture making? 

What would you wish to be able to do after two months?
 
Most courses I've seen are either 1-2 weeks or 9 months+. Finding a 1-2 month course may prove difficult.
 
There's a woodworking school up in Maine that keeps on sending me emails... I'll see if I can round one up and let you know.
 
Vaskerville said:
I'm a (graphic) designer/developer and I'm looking to jump in and learn some solid woodworking basics - hopefully in an intense month or two package somewhere in the US. I have a decent set of starter tools including some Festool things. Currently, I'm living in Africa so I can't take a weekend course here or there...needs to be more than that. And, if they had a small segment on Japanese joinery that would be an extra bonus.

I would prefer courses in/near a large city - LA, Seattle, NYC, etc...if it's possible.

Any recommendations, tips, thoughts?
Click to expand...

I have taken a couple of classes at the William Ng School in Anaheim, California (just South of L.A.), and I find it to be a very professional and enjoyable school. I'll be heading back many time in the future.

The classes are generally a week long, but could be scheduled simultaneously to fill up a month or two. The subjects run the gamut, including basic woodworking, furniture making, finishing, tool making, and all types of joinery, including Japanese. The instructors include some of the best in the business.

Give William a call, I'm sure he can work something out for you, he's a very friendly and helpful guy: (714) 993-4215

 
Not in US, but can recommend Inside Passage on the Sunshine Coast of BC, Canada http://www.insidepassage.ca/programs.htm#schedule2011 which runs an "Artisan Program consisting of seven one week programs that may be taken individually or as a complete program. Each of the courses are available to students of all levels of woodworking experience who want to develop and or refine their skills."
 
I vacation in Northern Vermont, and a couple of years ago I visited a woodworking school in Fairfax, Vermont. I just checked out their website, and they are now offering a twelve week Immersion program.

I was very impressed with what a saw a couple of summers ago, so this may be the type of thing you are looking for.

Charles

Here is the link: Vermont Woodworking School, Immersion Program
 
After two months what do I think I should be able to do? Well, know just enough where I can do things that are not completely hair-brained. ;)

Furniture and architecture are what interest me most - and my wife is an architect, as well.

It doesn't have to be a couple months, but I'm blocking out the time so I can really focus on things (and I'm lucky enough to be able to do it that way).

I've had two recommendations for Ng now...

Thanks for the suggestion.
 
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