I want to find a wood workshop that would allow me and my brother-in-law to come in and have a day to cut up some wood and build furniture/tables/stools under their guidance as a Christmas present.

He has an entire shop but I think lacks the guidance so I wanted to take him somewhere where he can create something and maybe take those skills back home.

Do you guys know of such a place around the Triad area??

11/27/2007 12:39:44 PM

no idea on what to search for and the only thing i can think of is the guys that sell stuff like this at the flea market here in Raleigh over at the fair grounds

what up callip?

11/27/2007 12:49:33 PM

u may try the craft shop here at state

they have memberships that are CHEAP for what tools they have to work with

you cant even rent some of them for as cheap as the membership

just search NC State for crafts

11/27/2007 1:30:46 PM

^The Craft Center was in the basement of Thompson Theatre though. With that building closed for renovations, did it move somewhere, or are operations suspended?

11/27/2007 2:27:07 PM

The Crafts Center is closed for remodeling. The woodshop has temporarily been moved but I believe you can only use it if you're taking a class with them and I'm sure it's too late to do that.

However, I would still recommend signing your brother-in-law up for a class next semester if they're offering classes. I used to work there and the classes are really good and George Thomas (the guy who runs the woodshop) is a great guy and knows what he's talking about, as well as the other instructors.

If your brother really doesn't know what he's doing I would start with the Intro to woodworking course (He may have to). A lot of the people who take that class come back for another wood working class or at least to work on their own stuff. They also offer some carving classes.

http://www.fis.ncsu.edu/crafts/about/index.html

To be honest, if he doesn't know what he's doing he's probably not going to learn enough about cabinetry, furniture making, nor the equipment in a day that it's going to make a difference. So I would recommend a class.

If he's interested, they also do bowl turning there and they offer a weekend workshop for that. You can learn enough about bowl turning in a weekend to get started (assuming he has access to a lathe so he can continue to practice). Turning is a craft that's fairly easy to get started in but difficult to master. You can progress quickly to the point that you're turning out decent stuff but there is always more to learn. And it's kind of like the pottery wheel in that there is some instant gratification. Where as furniture making is more of a process and most of the gratification comes when the project is completed.

You may want to contact George Thomas (his number should be in the directory) to see what classes they're be offering next semester or if there is anything you could get him into this semester.

Sorry I couldn't offer something more immediate, but I honestly think a class would be a lot better if he's serious about it and would be an awesome gift. And the prices at the Crafts Center are very reasonable.

[Edited on November 27, 2007 at 2:30 PM. Reason : .]

11/27/2007 2:28:34 PM

Haha, GUNZZZZ.... what up man? Hope all is well with ya...

Wow, thanks for all the good responses... I will look into that, absolutely. If anyone else thinks of something please feel free to add to it, thanks again!

11/27/2007 2:55:54 PM

furniture related...

anyone know of a place you can take furniture to be stripped? i've got some furniture to refinish, but stripping it is a pain (tedious). i feel like i've heard of places that are capable of dipping full pieces.

11/30/2007 11:12:25 AM

^ There used to be a place that did dipping just before I-540 crosses Capital Blvd (between what used to be the golf course & Gresham's Lake Rd.). [Note: This was just before Triangle Town & 540 began to exist...]

11/30/2007 12:37:24 PM

Home Depot and such sometimes have classes offered...other than that, what specifically are you wanting to make?

11/30/2007 3:54:35 PM

nothing in paticular.. just wanting to make something

11/30/2007 4:35:59 PM

If you're willing to drive to the triasngle- I work part time for a woodworker in wake forest who builds custom furniture and who offers weekend classes on all sorts of general woodworking from handcarving bowls, to really fine furniture. he also does one on one classes at very reasonable prices. pm me for more info.

12/5/2007 12:30:04 AM