Woodworking Courses

[stuartpaul]

I'm currently on the edge of taking the leap into self employment, - a very scary prospect when you've spent virtually your entire working life in some form of superannuated, PAYE 'comfort' (I'm the 'wrong side' of 50).

I know I'm not currently good enough to earn any form of substantial living from what I do and need to polish up my skills before hand. So, - with redundancy cheque I'm able to consider some form of further training to move forward.

At the moment I think the top of the list is David Savage and his 12 month course in Devon. Fairly close to me and I believe his reputation precedes him. Not cheap but then nothing really worthwhile ever is.

Also his syllabus is wide ranging and covers much more than just playing with wood!

I wonder if any has either any recommendations of providers (preferably in the south west but not necessarily exclusively so) or experience of undertaking such a course and the benefits/drawbacks of such an approach.

Thanks

Stuart

PS - I'm under no illusions here and do not believe I can simply step into the world of bespoke furniture making following such a course. This is a stepping stone not the answer!

 

[Charlie Woody]

Somebody closer to you and who I did a short course with and found excellent is Tom Kealy http://www.tomkealy.com/

Give him a ring to discuss your needs and good luck with the venture.

 

[goldeneyedmonkey]

Hi Stuart,

I looked at doing said course a few years ago, and at £18,000 it's a LOT of money (It would have been closer to £30,000 for me including commuting and accommodation), especially if you're just starting out. I'd recommend either (or both) saving the vast majority of that money and doing a part-time course or evening course more in the vein of 'an introduction to furniture making' or similar. And also getting a day or two a week in a proper workshop - just ask around and give them your services for free in return for them teaching you the skills you are after. If then you feel like you have a good grounding and still want more then consider another course such as the David Savage one.

Good luck with it. _Dan