I live in Southern NH and work in the Boston area and was wondering if anyone out there can suggest somewhere to attend woodworking classes in the evening. I’m more looking for a program that offers classes once or twice a week. Most of the courses I have seen would require me to take a week or two off of work to attend and I end up using a lot of my vacation time. I have a wife and two children and it would not be easy to just up and take a course full time for a week or two. I work in the computer field and I would really love to receive some formal woodworking training (just a hobbyist now) so I could eventually move into that field at least on a part-time basis in the future. Any opinions, suggestions would be helpful. I am also wondering if anyone out there is in a similar situation where they work full time behind a desk and am just realy frustrated that they cannot work with their hands at least one or two days a week. Forget the weekends as it is pretty much relegated to yard-work and family-related activities…Thanks…
Regards,
Buzzsaw
Replies
Look up the North Bennett St School in Boston.They have classes and should be able to refer you to other schools.
Thank you. I have looked into North Bennet Street School and that is a good option but I have also found another school in Newmarket, NH called HOMESTEAD WOODWORKING SCHOOL. It is closer to my work as I will be going after work but I would love to hear anyone out there who has attended a class there. Any help?Regards,
Buzzsaw
What about Woodcraft just outside Boston on 128. It's local and the majority of classes are really good.
Jim
Coventry Woodworking
I'm in the exact same boat, minus one kid. I'm considering the Woodworking Essentials I course at my local Woodcraft (Springfield, VA); in fact, I was going to sign up tomorrow. Good timing for this thread!
Many high schools, vocational centers and sometimes tech colleges have night classes in woodworking for adults. Not this time of year though. Usually there is an introductory class and an advanced. Great way to be able to use equipment you may not own, often inexpensive. BYOWood.
I don't have anything to add, except to offer my encouragement to check out the classes offered by Woodcraft.
It will vary across the country, but in MN the Adult Education programs (administered by the high schools) offer a fairly decent selection of woodworking courses. And they're cheap.
As mentioned earlier, community and vocational colleges are another possibility.
Wherever tools are sold, you will probably find someone who will be able to give you a good run down of courses in your immediate area.
Thank you all for your input. I have attended a class at Woodcraft already on one Saturday. I'm actually looking for a more comprehensive class rather than individual workshops which is typically what Woodcraft offers. I will have to check my local Woodcraft store again to see what they are offerring in the upcoming months. There is a Homestead Woodworking School in Newmarket, NH that offers more comprehensive courses on a part-time basis. I am also considering a night course at North Bennet Street School in Boston. Anyone who has attended the Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking class at North Bennet Street School or the Woodworking - All Levels class at the Homestead Woodworking School I would appreciated any comments, etc. Regards,
Buzzsaw
The North Bennett Street School has a great workshops program that includes classes in the evening. I started with the Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking, did cabriole legs, veneering, etc. I strongly recommend it.
See http://www.nbss.org
Stephen J. Gaal
Stephen,
I am keeping my eye on their night classes. I have already contacted them about the Fundamentals of Fine Woodworking class and they haven't yet posted it on their website for the Fall so I cannot register yet. I would like to email you about this because I have a lot of questions. Could you possibly send me your email address at [email protected]. Thanks in advance...Regards,
Buzzsaw
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