Mentor in Aiken, SC or Augusta, GA Area?
1st time poster. Is there anyone in the Aiken, SC (preferably) or Augusta, GA area willing to mentor me with respect to woodworking?
A little about me… My first job out of high school (1976) was as a gopher/helper for a customer builder, building low-end spec houses. Within a year and a half later I was working for a trim subcontractor doing piecework (e.g., running base, hanging doors, etc.). Then (1978), I made the mistake of changing careers by choosing what I perceived as job “security” (i.e., a weekly paycheck), instead of the sometimes irregular income for the building trade.
I’m interested in learning hand work, but not averse to motor tools. I haven’t been able to locate clubs or guilds less than 60 miles away, so I’m hoping to find someone closer to home.
Thanks in advance for the replies.
Replies
redleg
Sorry you haven't gotten responses. The sources you seek would probably be closer the metro-Atlanta area.
Good luck...
sarge..jt
Proud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
You may already be aware of Highland Hardware in Atlanta; they have some excellent classes going on all the time. I have been amazed at the caliber of professional woodworker that they get to teach their course; many are authors of popular books on the subject. Of course, it is about a 2 -21/2 hour drive for you but if you can't find anything any closer, they are outstanding.
SAILALEX & SARGE,
Thanks for the replies (I was starting to wonder if I'd get skunked on my 1st post).
I do intend to take classes at and visit Highland Hardware. I was hoping that posting on "Knots" would help me locate someone locally, since there are no formal groups or guilds.
redleg
I was afraid you would also. You just posed a tough question that pin-pointed a local thing. There are probably quite a few WW's in your area, but as far as anyone being in position to mentor leaves most out. Most of us are hobbyiest and do it every spare moment we can. To mentor someone would require an organized schedule of advanced planning.
I have been WW'ing for 31 years now, but I could not possibly take time to mentor someone full time even if I were a qualified instructor. With family, part time job and various organizational activities, no time is left for something of that nature. You might seek out some local WW'ers and get together to consider a local club. Otherwise Highland Hardware on week-ends with their hands-on instructors is the next best approach. I don't know if you are currrently employed, but part time in a cabinet shop would be a good foot in the door for some basics.
Good Luck...
sarge..jtProud member of the : "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>)
Hi Redleg - Sorry I can't offer any help as I'm about 900 miles north of you, but wondered if you happen to know Tom and Diane Day or Shirley Raymo from Aiken?
Good luck with your mentoring quest, and Merry Christmas......
Thanks Scotty,
I don't know them, but they're in the Aiken phone book. How are you aquainted with them?
Oh well....had to ask. It's my Aunt, cousin, and cousin-in-law. I was down there 4-5 years ago for Eugene Spencer's funeral. Nice town.....hope you have a Merry Christmas!
Hi Redleg,
I'm down in Florida so this isn't a local response. I don' t know if this is possible or not but I thought you might ask Highland HW if they'd let you post something on a bulletin board. You could ask if anyone might be interested in starting a Woodworking Club in your area and have them contact you. My guess is that there are more woodworkers near you than you might have thought and most in that area will make the pilgrimage to Highland on a regular basis.
Food for thought.Merry Christmas,Ken
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