Any decent woodworking schools in NC?

Monty · 07-16-2005, 12:16 PM

Are there any decent WW schools in NC?

I have heard about one: Icehouse Center, in Davidson, NC. You can't tell much about them from their web site, unfortunately. I have not been there, but I have seen some slick brochures.

Just curious. Anyone been there or know about this?

Any decent schools in this state?

09-01-2005, 09:44 PM

Two more that I've heard about are the Campbell folk art school in the western part of the state and a school in Herford that specializes in 18th century furniture run by a guy by the name of Hobbs.

Phillip · 09-01-2005, 10:01 PM

Rockingham Community College has a woodworking program geared toward commercial furniture making. I work with at least one grad, he's pretty good. Also, there's Country Workshops in Marshall, its run by a fellow named Drew Langsner. I've never attended a class there but I hope to take quite a few. They offer Swedish style carving classes, chair making, and Japanese woodworking classes. Their catalog has some of the nicest tools you'll find anywhere. I saw John C. Campbell Folk School listed previously, some seriously talented woodturners teach (and learn) there, I hope to go there in the future also. Lots to do in this state, happy hunting.

phillip

SteveColes · 09-01-2005, 10:32 PM

Originally Posted by Phillip

I saw John C. Campbell Folk School listed previously, some seriously talented woodturners teach (and learn) there, I hope to go there in the future also.
phillip

Alan Leland teaches at John C. Campbell Folk School and also the Woodcraft store in Raleigh. I've taken a class from Alan and it was pretty.

BTW, in Raleigh both Woodcraft and Klingspor have some pretty good classes and instructors.

dave_the_woodworker · 10-22-2005, 08:12 PM

Lonnie Bird's school is in Tennessee, close to the western border of North Carolina. I've taken a half dozen classes there and they've been really good. He has published a lot of articles in Popular Woodworking, Fine Woodworking, etc. He has a good background in Pennsylvania style Queen Anne and Chippendale furniture. The classes are small (max 9 people) and I've found it to be a great place to learn.

JohnsonMBrandon · 10-22-2005, 09:09 PM

I live about 5 minutes from the icehouse center in Davidson, NC. Do know anything else about what they do. I never knew that they taught any classes or anything of that nature.

CarpenterDad · 10-22-2005, 11:11 PM

Rogue River Studios of Fine Woodworking www.rogueriverstudios.com

John C. Campbell (mentioned above) www.folkschool.org

Hobbs Furniture Classes http://hobbsfurniture.com

Penland School of Crafts www.penland.org

Let us know if you try any of these. I'm waiting for the opportunity to try some classes myself.

Hope this helps.

Big Mike · 10-23-2005, 07:03 AM

I have taken two courses at John C. Campbell and had the time of my life. I love the experience there and find the setting and people most relaxing. I would characterize their courses as a mixture with a range from beginner to advanced. If concerned about the course being too elementary or too hard I would recommend contacting the instructor. You can learn a lot at the school.

walnutjerry · 02-22-2006, 09:10 PM

To All----------yes on the schools in NC. I have taken classes at John C Campbell Folkschool and I also teach a tablemaking class there. The enviroment there is probably the best I have been in. I have been there at least once a year for the last 10 years and I have yet to see a single negative incident. A truly great experience.

I am also aware of the IceHouse in Davidson. They are not as widely known as JCCF. There were some changes in staff last year and my contact is no longer there. They did have some nice lathes in the ww shop when I was there last. They had other equipment in there also-all of which appeared to be well maintained. I was considering teaching a class there also but we did not have enough enrollment to follow through. It takes a lot of publicity to get the word out and fill class enrollment.

Hope you find a school that will fill your need.

Best Regards, Jerry

hpetty · 02-23-2006, 08:13 AM

I had checked out the Icehouse last year and most of the WW classes were held during the day on weekdays. It sounded to me like they pretty much catered to the retirement crowd with a lot of their classes being somewhat "artsy" and the WW classes geared toward basics.

However, they made some major changes at the end of the year and now looks they may have some evening classes geared to us working stiffs. Unfortunately don't know much more abut them.

michaelgarner · 02-23-2006, 08:32 AM

I dont know about any schooles to go to, but I have seen lots of shops and friendly people here on this web site. Later this year if I dont go back to the sand box, I plan on doing some weekend workshop time with my friends here. Shoot we could could start our own school for members once a month, you learn more when your teaching anyway. Just take turns going to other shops, having a cold one, eating some chow, and having a good time doing whats good for woodworkers. Just something to chew on. Be blessed firiends.

michaelgarner · 02-23-2006, 08:33 AM

lol besides it would make me keep my shop clean,,lol
be blessed

NCPete · 02-23-2006, 08:51 AM

michaelgarner said:
you learn more when your teaching anyway

Then for as much as I have to learn, I ought to sign up to teach!

Tarhead · 02-23-2006, 09:26 AM

David Finck offers some cabinet and handplane programs. The group classes are hands off though.
http://www.davidfinck.com/workshop/workshop_info.htm

woodguy1975 · 02-23-2006, 09:32 AM

Don't forget about the on the move JSR Woodworking School.

I hope one day to go professional and have a pro shop attached to a teaching shop and run as school right here in Hickory. I enjoying teaching as much as doing.

Seriously Monty, the FolkSchool or Lonnie Byrd's school would be the way to go. I'm going to take a course at Lonnie's next year. I prefer the the period furniture.

John

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