Who can help out a beginner from Cleveland??

[Courtney]

I have found my passion in the last 2 years and it started with refinishing. I'm decent, but I would really like to start into building rather than re-building. I'm looking for suggestions as to learning how to build household pieces (entertainment centers, pie safes, etc.) and then advancing into having my own woodworking business.

Unfortunately, I live in a Amish area, so the Amish have quite a handle on the fine furniture market. And they aren't too willing to share their secrets with me.

I have some starter tools, but I'm really looking for a hands-on approach rather than the book/library start.

Any suggestions??

[Weez]

First welcome to the sight. Yes the Amish are fine craftsman, and women, but that should not stop you from learning. Check out and see if there is a club or a guild in the area. Pennsylvaina is also rich in Amish culture but they also have some great clubs and guilds. I did some checking at one of the other sights and also found a school near
Cleveland, http://www.conoverworkshops.com/ even if you don't attend any of the classes most folks are more than willing to get you headed in the right direction.

Don't disregaurd books, they are great way to begin to learn the termanolgy, methods of work and tools. And keep checking back to this site, it has been slow latley (lot of shop time these days, christmas rush) but it is also a good source of information.

Weez