Carleton Woodworking School Testimonials
Recommendations from our students:
****************************
|
"Kim is a great teacher. He shows you the right way to operate woodworking machines so that you develop confidence and skill. It's important to learn how to operate all machines safely. Have you ever watched a woodworking program on television? You'll notice that most of these programs do not teach you how to set up the machines so that you can cut parts accurately. Kim shows you how to set up a machine to perform a particular operation and then changes the settings so that you're forced to set up the machine on your own. I think this is a good way of gaining hands-on experience with woodworking." |
Larry Kellogg
Manhattan, New York
****************************
"From start to finish Kim's tutelage was incredible. I called Kim and explained a walnut table I wanted to build. He figured out the price of the wood and together we were off to the specialty lumberyard to hand pick each board. When we got back to his shop, Kim and I sat down at his computer and he showed me plans he had already laid out in CAD. Together we made a few modifications, came up with a cut list and began to mill the lumber. Throughout the process Kim reminded me of the lessons I had learned in middle school shop, while teaching me new lessons about tools, wood, and craftsmanship. By the third day at the shop my own walnut table was complete, and more brilliant then I expected. The only thing left to do was carry this 200-lb. behemoth up my apartment stairs - Kim was glad to help. Every day I pass by the table and can't wait to get back to Carleton Woodworking."
Matt Factor
Brooklyn, NY
****************************
"A few months ago, I took my first woodworking class with Kim Carleton Graves. We discussed my end goals as a woodworker over a phone conversation. I told Kim that I eventually hoped to build a living room full of bookcases and a complete kitchen. We agreed that his basic bookcase class would be an ideal place to start, with its emphasis on working with large sheet goods, essential for kitchens and bookcases.
We started with a conversation on my understanding of the plans he sent me in advance to study. Once he was comfortable that I could read the plans, we began our discussion on sheet goods. This included selecting, moving, and laying out parts, as well as cutting these 100-pound giant sheets. We took a lot of time discussing cutting. Kim explained the difficulties of cutting veneered plywood with tear-out and square cuts and how you would do it on several different machines, including his cabinet saw, a circular saw with a precision guide, and finally with the gigantic Martin sliding table saw. With this approach, I saw how you solve the problems in the ideal case with the most modern professional equipment, giving me a goal to strive towards in my home shop.
Once the boards were cut, we started the assembly processes. This is perhaps where Kim's talent as a natural teacher really showed itself. He got me to feel how the work is supposed to be done. He helped me find my physical relationship to the equipment (how to position and move my body) to perform the exacting actions required to make the joinery. He adjusted his pace well, moving on quickly with what I understood and slowing down when I had difficulty. He even helped me fix one of my accidents (a hole made by a screw I accidentally blew through the case), staying an extra hour after class was scheduled to end, to glue up and clamp the case.
When we were on breaks, Kim was very helpful in discussing ways for me to set up a small shop with limited space on my limited budget. He also answered questions I had about the work we had finished, as well as tips on small modifications to change the design of the piece.
Overall, I am mostly excited about that fact that I have found a teacher I know I can go back to whenever I want to learn new woodworking techniques. Essentially, I have found a true woodworking mentor to guide me on the path to becoming a woodworker myself."
J. S.
New Jersey
****************************
Hi Kim, I wanted to take some time to tell you how much I enjoyed your weekend class! It was outstanding. My wife and friends can't stop taliking about the table I created with my own two hands.
Your class couldn't have been more informative. Not only did I walk away with knowledge, but also the skill and ability to build something on my own. Your detailed plans and tutelage were and are invaluable.
I can't wait to sign up for your other classes to continue with my new found passion.
Ed Woll
New York
Last updated 08/25/05