I have been teaching woodturning since 1995. I began my career as a teacher with Woodcraft, teaching a class on wood pens for the store in Bensalem PA (now defunct). In 1999 I started teaching in my own shop. Since then, many people from all over the United States and Canada have traveled to my shop for the classes I offer. Numerous people have come from as far away as Washington, Texas, Florida, Maine, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, etc. So what kind of classes do I teach?
First off, I teach small classes. Part of my philosophy of teaching is individual attention. I will be glad to set something up with you on a one on one basis. I have three lathes and I will take three students. Now, if there is a group of you larger than three and you all want to come together, we can work something out. But for the most part, I prefer to keep class size to three or less.
I teach what people want to learn. In other words, you can customize your class to learn what you want to learn. We can even change things once you arrive if that is what you decide. I am known for my bowls, but I also teach classes on hollow forms, spindle work, or just about anything to do with woodturning with the exception of segmented work.
If I specialize in anything, it is in beginning turners. Many people have come to my shop having never held a tool in their hand before, but wanting to learn. Many are beginners who want to increase their technical ability. Still more are intermediate who want to refine or explore a technique or process new to them. Whatever your level of turning, if you are interested in learning more, please contact me and we can discuss your interests. If I don't think there is anything I have for you, I am not hesitant to say so. I don't want to promise people things I cannot deliver.
If you are not familiar with me or my teaching techniques, I would strongly recommend that you consider buying one of my videos. First of all, it is a sale for me, and that is how I make my living! But in all seriousness, people tell me that my video is just like I am in real life, so you can get a little taste of what it is like to spend a day or three in the shop with me. And, if I get on your nerves, it is easy enough to turn me off. In addition, for the bowl classes, and even for some of the others, the videos give you a framework of how I do things, the terminology I use, and my way of explaining things.
Perhaps you have seen me at one of the many demonstrations I have done. That is also an indicator of how I teach. But if you don't want to spend the money on a video, and if you have never seen me in person, but still want to get an idea of my teaching ability, don't ask me, ask someone else. Go to virtually any woodturning forum on the internet and ask if coming to see me is worth the trouble. Someone will be along to answer your question. And no, I don't pay them to do it!
If you have more questions for me, or would like to set up a class, please email me at bill@wonderfulwood.com.