Replies

1. 
   noreddust | Apr 22, 2008 07:13pm | #1

   The School for American Craftsmen in Rochester N.Y. (Rochester Institute for Technology campus) is where I went about 18 years ago.

   Scott

       http://www.cymafurnituredesign.com

1. 
   genecoder | Apr 22, 2008 07:22pm | #2

   Thank you very much for the info.

2. 
   RickL | Apr 22, 2008 07:26pm | #3

   http://www.taunton.com/finewoodworking/dtSearch/searchResults.aspx?page=1&query=schools&index=All+FineWoodWorking.com&channel=All%20FineWoodWorking.com

   http://woodcentral.com/links/schools.shtml

   You have to figure what kind of woodworking you want to do. You should find one with an emphasis on business if you want to run your own shop. Many schools are only about the craft part.

3. 
   rarebear | Apr 22, 2008 07:30pm | #4

   Lonnie Byrds School in Teen. Is one I would die to attend in his Master Class

   -rarebear-
   http://www.rexmill.com My Hand Plane Resource

4. 
   lwilliams | Apr 22, 2008 08:07pm | #5

   Gene,

   The problem I see with most of the recognized woodworking schools is that they don't teach how to be successful in a small business. That's too bad and a major short coming. Right now the big thing in economic development and revitalization of "blighted" areas is to attract what's described as the creative community. All those involved in economic development and city planning have realized all the old programs for revitalization haven't really worked. What has worked is attracting a "creative community" of artists, craftspeople and similar pursuits. Restaurants and other support businesses soon follow as foot traffic builds in these areas.

   Woodworkers and others are in high demand by towns and cities looking to revitalize their downtowns or older commercial sections. One thing I don't think they've realized is that the natural evolution of revitalization soon raises rents and the life span of business like woodworking businesses is naturally relatively short. The programs forward-looking towns and cities offer give you a chance to establish yourself and build your business but you'll probably have to relocate in ten or fifteen years.

   There are schools that work in this area and that turn out graduates who tend to be successful. Hayward College, near Asheville NC, is one of the most successful but there's a waiting list to get in now. Look for a program that has strong design elements. Your State of Montana is involved in this movement. You can learn more at:
   http://www.rtsinc.org/craftnet/

1. 
   genecoder | Apr 22, 2008 10:25pm | #6

   Thank you very much for the information.

5. 
   RonK | Apr 22, 2008 10:34pm | #7

   http://www.furnituremakingclasses.com/

   http://www.nbss.org/home/index_static.asp

   Both of these schools offer 2 year courses (Expensive).

   There probably are a few other schools offering longer courses.

    

   You might also want to consider

   http://www.nesaw.com/ 

   which is more geared toward Architectural woodworking and the course is only 37 weeks'

    

    

6. 
   blakeyoung | Apr 23, 2008 07:33am | #8

   Hi genecoder,

   I just finish school at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA, you should give it a look if your looking to get a bachelor's degree. SCAD has one of the best Furniture design programs in the US and probably the best facilities in the Southeast. It's a long way from Montana, but Savannah is a really fun town and great place to spend a few years. The department's website is http://www.scad.edu/furniture-design/ the work shown may seem too contemporary if you're used to rustic furniture, but I've seen students use nearly every material in almost every way there.

   Good luck in your search.

   -BY

1. 
   blewcrowe | Apr 23, 2008 02:38pm | #9

   My nephew attends there. I get the impression from him that this school is less about application and principle, and a lot more about design and expression.

1. 
   blakeyoung | Apr 24, 2008 03:42am | #14

   At times SCAD can seem like that, but in most art-like fields application, which you will learn plenty of there, can only take you so far, I feel a strong education in design will keep your work fresh, take you higher and make you a better craftsman in all aspects of your work. The Furniture Department's curriculum is geared more to design, but you do have to execute your designs in a professional manner to pass your courses. The the professors, who are very dedicated(to the point of sacrificing their own freetime) will make sure you have the technical skills needed.

2. 
   genecoder | Apr 23, 2008 04:45pm | #10

   Thank you much for the information.

3. 
   Scott_y | Apr 24, 2008 06:15pm | #17

   If I was 25 years younger, I'd take the full set of courses at this place.

   http://www.homesteadheritage-homesteading.com/info.html

   http://www.homesteadheritage-woodworking.com/

   Scotty

7. 
   user-292116 | Apr 23, 2008 05:49pm | #11

   There are so many good schools these days. I would ask you to think about whether what you want to concentrate on is learning mostly craftsmanship skills or spend a lot of additional time learning about history and design. Several universities offer wonderful long-term programs (San Diego State, Univ.of Wisc to name two) or you can go straight to a craft school like College of the Redwoods or the Center for Furniture Craftsmanship in Maine. I recommend the latter because it is affordable, well-rounded and very well-taught. I can tell you more if you like.

1. 
   genecoder | Apr 23, 2008 08:36pm | #12

   Please tell me more if you will.

   Thank You

8. 
   gb93433 | Apr 24, 2008 02:54am | #13

   http://www.crfinefurniture.com/

9. 
   hitai | Apr 24, 2008 08:22am | #15

   Have a look at palomar college in california.  Sheridan in toronto,  and there's one on vancouver Island< can't remember tha name right now but I was impressed when i was at the furniture society meeting up there last year. All  are solid programs intending to put out functioning adults....  

    

    

10. 
    terri77 | Apr 24, 2008 04:30pm | #16

    There's good community college program in North Carolina that's turned out some good folks, and emphasizes the business aspects:
    http://www.rockinghamcc.edu/woodworking/