The world of chairs is very different. No real straight or square place to start or reference to. In a way sort of functional sculpture. But the challenge is worth it. And can be addictive.
Having a great instructor to lead you through this process is a gift. You can muddle through and learn some on your own, albeit slowly. Or you can put up with a teacher who is only teaching because they have to.
Learning from Pete is an amazing experience. The pace is good, atmosphere laid back and not threatening. And he is a wealth of knowledge on everything from grinding and using drill bits to explaining complex layouts and drilling angles.
Mostly you get the feeling he wants to be teaching you. I know he has to pay bills like we all do, and teaching is part of that. And he’d probably rather be creating a new design. Still, he seems to enjoy sharing the process with others. Experiencing the joy of their success and “ah-ha” moments. And the experience level of the students is truly all over the place. Pete seems to deliver what each student needs.
I began my career in education as a shop teacher before going into administration. I’ve made a lot of furniture and other things over the years. I believe the classes I’ve taken with Pete are perhaps the most enjoyable, if not challenging and rewarding woodworking experiences I’ve had
Perfectionism getting in the way of the good has been my life-long struggle. Reared by an engineer, who only saw the world as binary choices, makes the middle gray areas of life so wonderful. My chair making experiences with Pete has helped me let the good overcome perfection. I enjoyed my time in class with the shock of the new!
I'm counting the days until I can make it back for another class, but in the meantime content like this, plans, and videos really go a long way. I'd absolutely buy a premium video series and plans for the Temple chair.
Great, encouraging post. I literally drafted an article this morning about how working on a chair is paralyzing to me because things aren't 90 degrees, picking straight grain for legs is a tricky new task, etc.
The world of chairs is very different. No real straight or square place to start or reference to. In a way sort of functional sculpture. But the challenge is worth it. And can be addictive.
Having a great instructor to lead you through this process is a gift. You can muddle through and learn some on your own, albeit slowly. Or you can put up with a teacher who is only teaching because they have to.
Learning from Pete is an amazing experience. The pace is good, atmosphere laid back and not threatening. And he is a wealth of knowledge on everything from grinding and using drill bits to explaining complex layouts and drilling angles.
Mostly you get the feeling he wants to be teaching you. I know he has to pay bills like we all do, and teaching is part of that. And he’d probably rather be creating a new design. Still, he seems to enjoy sharing the process with others. Experiencing the joy of their success and “ah-ha” moments. And the experience level of the students is truly all over the place. Pete seems to deliver what each student needs.
I began my career in education as a shop teacher before going into administration. I’ve made a lot of furniture and other things over the years. I believe the classes I’ve taken with Pete are perhaps the most enjoyable, if not challenging and rewarding woodworking experiences I’ve had
Thanks for the comment, great to hear from you
Day One was brilliant! So good to be back in the classroom with you and Karen! Already, I think our group is already bonding. On to Day Two!
Perfectionism getting in the way of the good has been my life-long struggle. Reared by an engineer, who only saw the world as binary choices, makes the middle gray areas of life so wonderful. My chair making experiences with Pete has helped me let the good overcome perfection. I enjoyed my time in class with the shock of the new!
What’s very interesting is the back crest of the temple chair looks a lot like your new Travisher design
Any chair plans in the works?
Hopefully this year, plans and a video
I'm counting the days until I can make it back for another class, but in the meantime content like this, plans, and videos really go a long way. I'd absolutely buy a premium video series and plans for the Temple chair.
Great conversation and new friendships makes the imperfections so much more tolerable.
Great, encouraging post. I literally drafted an article this morning about how working on a chair is paralyzing to me because things aren't 90 degrees, picking straight grain for legs is a tricky new task, etc.