Ask the Expert
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Michael Van Pelt is the founder of American Sycamore Woodworker’s Retreat. He has a reputation as the tool guru. Mike has been in woodworking for over thirty years. His knowledge of tools comes from his many years of intertwining experience in the woodworking industry. Mike’s experiences include being active as an Industrial Arts Teacher, professional instructor of power machinery and tool techniques, tool sales, management and owner of woodworking tool retail store, Delta Machinery representative and technical advisory.
If you have a question for Michael, choose the Submit Question button to the right by November 30th. We will send you a reply with Mike's response in mid-December and then post it to this page for other members to view. You never know...someone else may have the same question
IF YOU HAVE A PRODUCT RELATED QUESTION, PLEASE USE OUR CONTACT US FORM FOR AN IMMEDIATE RESPONSE. THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR GENERAL WOODWORKING RELATED QUESTIONS.
Listed below are questions and answers that have already been submitted.
Questions
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4/16/2009
Woodworking for Dummies
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
I've recently taken an interest in woodworking and have started with some basic weekend projects. What would you say is the best method or recommended steps for a beginning woodworker to get started in learning the craft? I don't expect to master something line turning table legs w/o years of practice, but having the confidence to build a built-in bookcase or a nice cabinet would be nice. |
| A. |
I would like to invite you to please visit my web site at www.americansycamoreretreat.com
I offer one-on-one classes in woodworking. Working only with one student we can
tailor a class just to meet your needs and to accelerate the learning of the
skills and techniques that you want to learn. I am confident that I could teach
you many things and get you started with a good foundation in woodworking. I
suggest you choose a piece of furniture you would like to build or every good
wood worker needs a good work bench. We build the finest work bench being built
anywhere today.
|
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4/14/2009
Woodworking Class
Answer provided by Mike Van Pelt
| Q. |
Will be losing my job soon. Would like to learn wood working. I am 61 years old and have never worked with wood but have always wanted to. Can you tell me of a good woodworking school in the West Virginia area? |
| A. |
Sorry to hear that you are losing your job. I am sad to
say I am hearing this a lot these days. Good luck! Take a look at Fine Wood
Working Magazine’s web site and they have a state by state listing of all
schools in the USA. There are several listed in
West Virginia. If these do
not meet your needs please take a look at my web site: www.americansycamoreretreat.com
I am offering one on one classes this year. Pick from the open weeks I have and
build the project or learn the skills that you want to learn. I would be
honored to tailor a class to your meet your needs.
|
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6/24/2008
Progressing in Woodworking
Answer provided by Mike Heavey
| Q. |
Mike, I'm 50 years old, but new to woodworking. Do you have some general advice on the best way to proceed in developing skills and progressing in the craft? (Tool budget is reasonably strong, as my wife hasn't complained so far). |
| A. |
Welcome. I think a good way is to take classes at a local Woodcraft store, They offer classes on site for all tool use. They would also be a good reference for recommending other venues to learn from. If there is not a store in your area, try the junior colleges. Mike |
