I’m considering going to a class, i live about two hours away and am primarily concerned with whether it’s worth it.
The week long classes are around $600,
I’m just wondering if there are people here that have been and what their experience was, and if it was worth every penny.
Replies
Do it! I was at Lonnie's school about 2 months ago. It was the Shaping Wood class. It was an all-day Saturday class. I'm a Lonnie Bird fan so I might be biased but it was a great experience in a great teaching environment. Lonnie is a really down-to-earth guy. So were the other students that day. no prima donnas. His classroom and workshop is set up very well, very comfortable for working and learning. I will definitely go back when I can afford the time.
Yes I agree with the other Bill, go for it!!! Especially since you are so close. I took a week long joinery class and shaping class in the fall of 2003. Excellent class. Lonnie taught college woodworking for 13 or more years and has his technique of teaching perfected. His classes are small, 10 people or so, giving everyone the attention necessary to perfect his/her techniques.
Lonnie is an gifted woodworker. You would come away from his class with alot of new techniques and knowledge that you would have a hard time acheiving on your own. Self teaching is great, but being an apprentice for a week or two is exceptional.
Lonnie and family are very gracious in their hospitality. I look forward to returning in 2004.
Bill
Where is Lonnie located? I think I remember he's somewhere in Ohio or Kentucky. Does he have a website where you can get info on his courses. I would love to do something like that.
try http://www.lonniebird.com
He's in Tennessee close to Knoxville. Thanks for bringing this one up. I'm close to Memphis so it's about 6 hours to Knoxville, however, I have friends in that area. I'm seriously considering the one day class on tuning up and using hand planes.
RobinIt's football time in Tennessee! Go Vols!!!!
Lonnie is located in a little town called Dandridge, about 40 miles east of Knoxville. Douglas Lake, one of the TVA reservoirs in there. I camped in Panther Creek State Park near Morristown, from there to Lonnie's was only about 25 minutes away. There are lots of hotels, B & B's, etc around. The local library even opened at 7:oo am so I could check email before class.
Lonnie has a great setting, beautiful creek running beside his home. Check out his website http://www.lonniebird.com for class schedule, and links to other pertinent info.
Hope you go, it will be well worth your investment.
Bill
mikkimel
If you e-mail Lonnie with your phone number and indicate that you have questions he'll probably call you. He's very down-to-Earth. I'm about 2 1/2 hours away in central Kentucky and am scheduled for a class this coming spring.
mikkimel
There was an article in one of the WW mags recently about his shop and school. I tried to find it, but probably is in the shop. Got to get to work, but will check latter and post if I find it.
Beautiful shop he built and very scenic setting around Knoxville. I'm thinking about retirement in that same area one of these days, if it doesn't get too crowded before then.
Regards...
sarge..jt
Proud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
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