Replies

1. 
   dave7085 | Dec 28, 2007 07:44am | #1

   I highly recommend Kelly Mehler's school, in Berea, Kentucky.  I have taken a class there every year for the past 4 years and have learned so much each time.   Also, you will have a good time!  I suggest taking a class taught by Kelly, although you had better hurry since his classes for 2008 are almost full.

2. 
   Jfrostjr | Dec 28, 2007 04:59pm | #2

   Take a look at Marc Adams School of Woodworking. He is located about 20 miles south of Indianapolis. The instruction (instructors) are outstanding and the variety of classes is so broad you keep coming back to enhance your skills. (I have attended 8 five day classes.)

   Marc's wife prepares lunch- the food is excellent and the camaraderie makes the week go fast. Hi "reup" rate is about 95% which says something about the quality of the experience.

   Frosty

   "I sometimes think we consider the good fortune of the early bird and overlook the bad fortune of the early worm." FDR - 1922

1. 
   JMadson | Dec 28, 2007 05:39pm | #3

   I'll be at Marc Adam this fall. Been there once before. Great school and a wide range of classes to pick from.

   http://www.marcadams.com

     

2. 
   dherzig | Dec 28, 2007 06:39pm | #5

   I would definitely support that, having been to 5 myself. One of the things I learned at all of the classes, in one way or another, was where one needs to be extremely accurate and where it doesn't matter. Sure saves a lot of time not fussing with things that have no effect on the product.

3. 
   Routerman | Dec 28, 2007 06:07pm | #4

   I teach routing, no 18th century tech there, but valuable nonetheless.

4. 
   GW52 | Dec 29, 2007 12:10am | #6

   I took some classes from Homestead Heritage and they are very informative. They offer classes and use mostly handtools. I learned a lot and they are just north of Waco, TX

   http://www.homesteadheritage.com

   Greg

    

   
   

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   Edited 12/28/2007 4:11 pm ET by GW52

5. 
   angkopa | Dec 29, 2007 12:15am | #7

   If you're looking for a serious education, look into the Distance Mastery program (http://www.northwestwoodworking.com/) run by FWW's Gary Rogowski.  It's a two year program with travel to the Portland, OR area 3-4 times/year.  Speaking as someone who's completed the course, I definitely recommend it for anyone who wants a high level education in woodworking without having to move elsewhere for a year plus.  Gary's program is comprehensive, teaching both hand and power tool skills.  Unlike taking classes at other schools, where you may or may not be able to keep in contact with the instructor, he's available via email and phone to consult with as you're working through the program.  Also, all of your projects are done in your home shop, so you learn to use what you have instead of learning on industrial equipment in a classroom that you may not have at home.

   It's not an easy program - he demands your best work, and preferably a notch above that.  Although the last two years were tough, they were also two of the most rewarding years of my life.  If you're committed to becoming a great woodworker, check into the program.

   Angie

6. 
   Kaleo | Dec 29, 2007 07:27am | #8

   It all depends on how serious you are about learning the craft. Of course many learn by themselves and it takes years, but they really enjoy that.

   While others like myself have gone to a school to cramp what I say is 10 years of experience into 2 years. Most of the programs that are 1 to 2 years are full on non stop eat sleep drink woodworking and furniture. I would recommend 2 school in the states and they are The North Bennett Street School. I have take 3 course there. They offer summer week long course and a 3 month comprehensive course.

   The other is The centre for furniture craftsmanship. I have never taken a course there, but I know the lead instructor and he is excellent. He was the former lead instructor at the school that I currently am attending, The Australian School of Fine Furniture. Which I would also recommend if you feel like traveling..

   Kaleo

   http://www.kaleosworkshop.com

   
   

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   Edited 12/28/2007 11:28 pm by Kaleo

1. 
   woodjam | Dec 29, 2007 04:37pm | #10

   That's exactly what I'm trying to do cram 10yrs into 2yrs.  Since I can't completely relocate I will be able to at least cram 10 into 5 or even less.  I don't mind what ever amount of work it takes to get totally up to speed.

   You all are giving me  lots of great Ideas.  Thanks a lot.

7. 
   troys | Dec 29, 2007 10:59am | #9

   Hi on the northern California coast at Ft. Bragg there is a community college program that is one of the tops in the country. Used to be taught buy some guy named Krenov I believe:) Anyway a great small logging town as well. Also in Southern California at Ceritos College there is an excellent program (a friend of mine took a lot of classes there). Here in Oakland Ca they have a program at Merrit community college that is ok but more geared toward the trades.

   Good luck

   Troy

8. 
   mapleman | Dec 29, 2007 10:43pm | #11

   brdjam,

   Another suggestion not mentioned is Lonnie Bird's school in Tennessee:

   http://www.lonniebird.com

   classes sell out quick, so you have to be put on a list to be notified when registration opens. After that, you need to be ready to pull the trigger w/in a few days or a week or the class will be filled.

   Good luck,

   Lee

9. 
   RonK | Dec 30, 2007 02:49am | #12

   http://www.furnituremakingclasses.com/

    

   Phil Lowe's classes are excellent