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first chair

The first step

By decommission

Where to start when getting into woodworking?

That’s a tricky question because there is no correct answer.  There’s also no wrong answer.  That ambiguity is incredibly freeing, because it means you can start exactly where you are right now.

I frequently respond to the “where do I start” question by giving a list of great options.  Some may be a viable option for you, others not.

  • Clubs and Associations:  The Furniture Society is a great place to start, though there turning clubs, local woodworking chapters, virtual groups, and other specific interests to explore.
  • Monthly Publications: Fine Woodworking Magazine has been the industry standard for the past 25 years.
  • Books: I’m always excited for the new releases by Tauton Press, Blue Hill Press, and Lost Art Press (disclosure: I’m writing a book with Lost Art Press currently about Appalachain Backwoods Chairmaking).
  • YouTube: It’s a mixed bag.  There’s a mountain of good information available, as well as dangerous practices and unsound techniques.  I like knowing the video is produced by a sound source and/or a considerate, experienced maker.
  • Classes:  This is where we come in.  We offer opportunities to expand your skills but we’re not the only ones around.  Greg Pennington offers Windsor chair making classes in Hendersonville, TN.  The John C Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, NC, always has an impressive catalog of classes.  Arrowmont (Gatlinburg, TN) is an inspiring place to take a class at the base of the Smokey Mountains.  Then there’s the Little Miami Handworks in Southwest Ohio.

With regards to classes at Pine Croft, it’s my intention to offer a range of classes (both project and skills based) that both challenge and support our students.  I intend to continue scheduling renowned instructors and upcoming younger makers, in hopes of adding variety and interest.

These classes can seem intimidating, especially for beginners.  While it may seem scary to sign up to make your first chair or cut your first dovetail, our classes are designed to support your initial efforts.  The classes are designed to challenge a seasoned maker as well as a beginner, while providing everyone the space and support needed to acquire new skills.

Please consider any class we offer.  If it requires advanced skills, I will note it in the class description.  Start with a class that looks interesting to you and expand your skills from there.

I have added a “place to start” class into our offerings for those of you who want a broad woodworking education as your foundation.  It’s our “Introduction to Woodworking” class and I plan on running it again this October.  It’s a six day class, roughly broken into daily topics: hand tools (day 1), common power tools and machinery (day 2), sharpening (day 3), wood turning (day 4), and we finish the week making a dovetailed keepsake box.

Again, my advice is to start with something that interests you.  Maybe I’ll see you in October at Pine Croft if the “Intro” class sounds interesting.

As always, please send me thoughts and questions about our classes.  I am excited to talk woodworking.  My email: glenna@berea.edu

Warmly, Andy Glenn

Classes

By decommission

Classes for the 2020 season are canceled.


April 3-5, 2020

Andy Glenn

Greenwood Stool

FREE

Andy chiseling

April 18, 2020

Andy Glenn

Sharpening Chisel and Plane Irons

$150

April 20-25, 2020

Kelly Mehler

Shaker-Inspired Two Drawer Table

$1,300

Peter Galbert Fan Back Chair

May 10-16, 2020

Peter Galbert

Balloon Back or Fan Back Windsor Chair

$1650

Building Skills -Woodworking Foundations

Andy Glenn

May 18-23, 2020

$950

May 30&31, 2020

Andy Glenn

Weekend Dovetail Madness

$325

June 1-5, 2020

Megan Fitzpatrick

Anarchist’s Tool Chest

$1450

Azariah at the lathe part 2

June 6, 2020

Andy Glenn

Spindle Turning

$150

June 15-19, 2020

Nancy Hiller

Voysey Two-Heart Chair

$1,250

Cathryn Peters, Voysey Chair

June 20&21, 2020

Cathryn Peters

Chair Seat Weaving (Cattail or Paper Fibre)

$350

June 26-28, 2020

Andy Glenn

Greenwood Stool

$550

July 10-12, 2020

Andy Glenn

Windsor Table Class

$475

Michael Puryear Project Photo

July 13-17, 2020

Michael Puryear

Jack Plane and Mallet Class

$1,150

July 24-26, 2020

Brendan Bernhardt Gaffney

Greenwood Post-and-Rung Chair

$575

July 27-31, 2020

Andy Glenn

Blanket Chest

$1,150