Advice from Students

Advice from Students

We asked Fine Woodworking Program students what advice they have for new students. Here's what they had to say:
 
Practice what you are taught by your instructors and don't be hesitant about trying new things. Watch and learn from others around you because there is tremendous talent at this school.
 
Come to class, every day, and on time. I also recommend taking advantage of the shop hours as much as necessary to complete periodic goals. I highly recommend focusing on the instructor's class demo, asking questions, and deliberately challenging yourself with your project. Students should learn to become comfortable with all power and hand tools. I also think students' projects should be realistic to their abilities and aptitude, as many students are overly ambitious and fail to realize the commitment of time needed to complete their project. I also find the willingness and assistance of the teaching assistants invaluable.
 
Plan on giving a lot of time to your project. You'll never regret it.
 
Patience, grasshopper.
 
Listen carefully, watch closely and ask questions often.
 
Ask questions, come to class.
 
Watch, listen, and learn. Be a sponge. I know it sounds very simple, but this is the most valuable piece of advice I can give to students, or anybody (including myself) for that matter.
 
Be patient and don't worry about making mistakes. Everyone screws up, that is how you learn the right way to do something. And just have fun, and be safe.
 
Stay completely engaged and don't be afraid to make mistakes. We covered (by my count) at least 25 topics and I really enjoyed the breadth and depth. It was interesting to see how effectively the course covered material, regardless of prior experience. I liked the demo and then hands-on style with lots of room for questions both from students as well as from the instructor. I think the Socratic style really forced us to think and it was interesting to hear multiple answers or solutions to posed questions. I also liked the couple of small team exercises (e.g. bent laminates and finger joints).
 
Be willing to make mistakes to learn things (but be thoughtful & aware in the process).
 
Understand that there are many acceptable ways to accomplish something in woodworking.
 
Be inquisitive. Look for new techniques.
 
Pay attention, practice, practice, practice, and ask questions of everyone.
 
Welcome to our woodworking world. This is a wonderful craft may you forever enjoy seeking to become a better woodworker than you are today. The staff here will truly help your passion for this craft grow.
 
Be prepared to learn from everyone in the class and all the others in the shop working in other or similar areas. Following the progress of the multitude of projects is at once fascinating, rewarding and humbling. Every person in the shop is a resource and has something positive to offer.
 
Don't be shy about asking instructors for help instead of wasting unnecessary time potentially using ineffective approaches. Expect to work extra hours every week. Learn sharpening well. To keep from falling behind, plan to flatten backs of new chisels/planes outside of normal class time.
 
Plan on spending at least twice as much time in the shop as the actual class hours. Ask for help along the way, instructors are more than happy to show you the right techniques.
 
Have a plan. Think about each step of what you're going to do, and how you're going to do it. And draw, draw, draw! Paper is cheap; wood and time are not.
 
Learn the techniques, but also spend time thinking about design and aesthetics. A perfect joint in an ugly piece of furniture is not very satisfying.
 
Take inspiration from the instructors and others in your class, and from the great work you see being done in the shop. Keep in mind that all of those people were once beginners like you.
 
Be safe and be alert. Accidents happen in seconds, but the effects can last a lifetime. Respect the tools and what they can do FOR you and TO you!
 
Try not to get bogged down on a procedure if you are unsure of what to do. Spend time discussing next steps with instructors as often as you can to keep your momentum going. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. You'll learn so much from them and avoid being paralyzed by inaction because you're worried about messing up.
 
Challenge yourself with the project and use the infinite knowledge of the teachers, teaching assistants and other students to fully maximize your time here.
 
Work safe and take your time—there is more than one way to do anything and do not feel pressure to finish. For me, a geezer, enjoy the journey and learn from everybody.
 
Don't be afraid to experiment with all you are taught. Ask a lot of questions.
 
Don't get too wrapped up in the design process. Sometimes it's best to just start with a basic idea and adapt as you go.
 
Instructors and staff are very experienced and student friendly. Don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for demonstrations. No matter if you have done woodworking for a long time or not at all, this class will challenge you and enable you to learn new skills or to refine existing ones.
 
If you buy tools, don't buy cheap ones. You get what you pay for.
 
Really stretch yourself and your idea of what you're capable of producing. A lot of projects will seem very daunting until you start to do them and realize that they are possible. Make sure you ask questions!
 
Come in to the shop as often as you can. Soak up the knowledge like a sponge because it is an amazing place to be. Don't be afraid to fail and experiment with the ideas in your head.
 
Take advantage of the well-equipped shop and the craftsman environment, as well as the years of instructor experience.
 
For the first class, it is amazing how many mistakes one can fix with wood! Do not lose faith in completing your project. With a little time and patience, it will look great! Also, it is worth plunking down some extra money upfront for some decent tools. They are worth it in the long run.