Gentlemen,
After many years of carpentry, woodworking and furniture building I am still confused about the term “Master Class”. This title seems to be attached to the names of prominent furniture builers. In all my experience, I have never seen this title used anywhere but Fine Woodworking magazine. I assume that there are advanced skill levels that must be achieved in order to be awarded Master Class status. What group is responsible for awarding this honor and how do you achieve it?
Replies
Fine Woodworking uses the phrase "master class" as meaning a lesson taught by an advanced woodworker, calling them a "master" is only meant to suggest that they are experienced and knowledgeable about what they are teaching.
In the traditional European guild system, a "master" was an official, legal, title that was earned in a craft after going through training as an apprentice and then working several more years as a paid journeyman. The title of master was conferred by a vote of the guild's existing masters and it came with civic and charitable obligations along with the responsibilities in the guild's management.
I doubt if any of the master class's American teachers in Fine Woodworking are true guild certified masters, though some of the magazines European contributor's might be since the guild system does still exist, at least in a limited form, in some countries there.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
John,
Thanks for clearing that up for me. I also want you to know how much I appreciate the articles that you contribute to Fine Woodworking Magazine. As soon as my new issue arrives, I quickly scan it to find any tool related gems you may have contributed. Your articles have made my shop tools run more safely and efficiently. Thanks.
Maurice
Maurice,
Thank you for the compliment, its nice to know I'm helping people.
John
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled