Carpentry classes?
May 24, 2007 9:48 PM Subscribe
Where can i find a good beginners carpentry or woodworking class in Los Angeles?
Those pictures are awesome. I aspire to such things.
For a decent way to get your feet wet, you might check to see if there are any woodworker supply stores in your area (you'll need them anyway). In these parts there are Rockler stores and Woodcraft stores.
I took the beginner and intermediate lathe turning classes at woodcraft and found them decent. It's all going to depend on the instructor (which will most likely be someone from the local community). The classes also helped me find some local associations that have meetings, demonstrations, lectures, etc, etc. And way more wood dorks than you can shake a stick at.
It also might help if you know someone with a lot more experience. I used to work with a guy who in a former life was a carpenter/cabinetmaker and I trade ideas with him all the time, and he really helped me figure out how to best set up my shop, helped me pick out some equipment.
Regarding equipment, if I may blather on a bit... buy used if you can, and if you buy used, buy in the lower industrial range. I bought a powermatic cabinet saw for $500, that would retail today for around $2000. I put about $100 into rehabbing it, mostly getting the motor fixed. For $600 there is not much you can get new that is worth anything. Same goes for most of my other tools.
There are a few outfits selling chinese tools, that if chosen carefully, can be servicable. I have a harbor freight lathe and a grizzly jointer. I researched them carefully to make sure that people I respected thought they were worth owning - a lot of what those two companies make is NOT worth owning at any price.
posted by RustyBrooks at 8:00 AM on May 25, 2007
For a decent way to get your feet wet, you might check to see if there are any woodworker supply stores in your area (you'll need them anyway). In these parts there are Rockler stores and Woodcraft stores.
I took the beginner and intermediate lathe turning classes at woodcraft and found them decent. It's all going to depend on the instructor (which will most likely be someone from the local community). The classes also helped me find some local associations that have meetings, demonstrations, lectures, etc, etc. And way more wood dorks than you can shake a stick at.
It also might help if you know someone with a lot more experience. I used to work with a guy who in a former life was a carpenter/cabinetmaker and I trade ideas with him all the time, and he really helped me figure out how to best set up my shop, helped me pick out some equipment.
Regarding equipment, if I may blather on a bit... buy used if you can, and if you buy used, buy in the lower industrial range. I bought a powermatic cabinet saw for $500, that would retail today for around $2000. I put about $100 into rehabbing it, mostly getting the motor fixed. For $600 there is not much you can get new that is worth anything. Same goes for most of my other tools.
There are a few outfits selling chinese tools, that if chosen carefully, can be servicable. I have a harbor freight lathe and a grizzly jointer. I researched them carefully to make sure that people I respected thought they were worth owning - a lot of what those two companies make is NOT worth owning at any price.
posted by RustyBrooks at 8:00 AM on May 25, 2007
Are you wanting to get seriously into the hobby or just have a project in mind, or what?
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 4:05 PM on May 25, 2007
posted by Kid Charlemagne at 4:05 PM on May 25, 2007
just an afterthought - don't be intimidated by the projects I previously liked to. Cerritos' intro course is excellent - lots of foucs on basics and safety. this was my final project in my intro class. the instructors will take you as far as you want to go.
posted by killy willy at 5:57 PM on May 25, 2007
posted by killy willy at 5:57 PM on May 25, 2007
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posted by killy willy at 10:10 PM on May 24, 2007 [1 favorite]