Guild of Oregon Woodworkers - Guild Education How To

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Guild Education How To

HOW TO

GET STARTED LEARNING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE: We get it. You are a new member and you just want to come into the shop and make something! As you know from our website, there is a process but there are things you can do quickly to help you get started and learn along the way.

1) Intro to Guild Safety: Register as soon as possible for this class. First, register for the first class where there are openings. Then, go back to filled classes and register for the wait list for each class. You might be able to get in sooner should someone cancel their registration.
2) Learn the Website: The website is the vehicle through which you can obtain the most information about the Guild and also register for various events. Take the time to peruse the website and learn what is on it. It will definitely help you in the long run.
3) Special Interest Groups: There are groups that focus on particular subjects and attending their monthly gatherings are at no additional cost. See Special Interest Groups (SIGs) for more information.
4) Check out the Library: We have an outstanding library which is located in the Studio. You can find out what books we have in the library by going to Guild Library.
5) Join a Community Project Team: There are three community project teams that you can join once you have completed the Intro to Guild Safety class. You can participate in these even while waiting to get your Core Tool Certification. These are Project Build and Toy Build which meet weekly and Community Build as projects arise.
5) Classes: There are some classes that only have the prerequisite of having completed the Intro To Guild Safety Class. Look for these on the Guild Education Calendar and register.
6) Core Tool Certification: Sign up for the classes you need for certification. These are Introduction to Safety, Getting Started (for beginner and basic learners), and Core Tools. For more detail, see Guild Safety Program.

REGISTER TO TAKE CLASSES: The class offerings are publicized in many ways, including regular emails to members, newsletters, and calendar postings. If you become aware of a class that appeals to you, go to the Education Calendar on the website to find the class and click on it. The posting calendar posting provides details about the class and the pre-requisites. If you qualify and there are openings, proceed with the registration instructions and payment via PayPal. If there are no openings, you may register for the WAIT LIST - which applies only to that specific class. If an opening arises, you will be notified via email and automatically registered.

You must be a member to be eligible to take classes and have completed any pre-requisites.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an experienced woodworker to take classes? No. The Guild offers classes from very basic woodworking to advanced woodworker. No matter what stage you are at in your woodworking, you will find classes that will make you a better woodworker.

Due I have to have an extensive set of tools to be able to take classes? No, especially those classes that are at the basic level. If you take a class, the description will include the tools that you have to bring personally. The rest of what you will need is supplied by the Guild.

Are most of the Guild members professionals? No. The vast majority of members are basic and intermediate woodworkers. You will feel at home in the Guild regardless of experience level.

Can my child be a member of the Guild with me? Children ages 10-18 are Youth members and can take the Introduction to Guild Safety Class. They may use the bench room as long as a parent or legal guardian is with them at the time. They may not take Getting Started or Core Tools and will not be allowed in the machine room.

How do I become a volunteer in the Education Program: It is easy. Just email your interest in volunteering to the Education Director at education.chair@guildoforegonwoodworkers.org. This will get you where you need to be to begin your own exciting volunteer experience.

Will I learn things in classes that I can apply to my own shop? Absolutely. Our safety classes teach you not only safety in the Guild facilities but also provide you with the information to make your own shop safer. What you learn in woodworking knowledge, skills and abilities will make you a much better woodworker when you use your own shop.

Do I have to have my own shop in order to take classes? The Guild has two excellent facilities within which to do woodworking. You do not have to have your own shop. There is a combination bench room and shop in the facility that allows members to come in on their own to work on projects. These sessions are provided at a low hourly rate and each is supervised by an experienced member who serves a volunteer Shop Attendant. Most of the classes are offered in the Studio. The Studio is a separate space that is used primarily for education but will also include some other education-related opportunities for hands-on woodworking.

Are Guild classes expensive? The Guild does its very best to keep educational offerings reasonably priced. Some offerings (like Special Interest Groups) are free. Many classes are less that $100. The more difficult a class is and the longer the class is, the more expensive it becomes. Many of the classes are offered at a package rate calculated at roughly $20/hour plus materials.

Are there any opportunities to get financial assistance through the Guild? Yes. The Guild routinely has limited scholarship funds available to members to assist in the cost of taking classes. More information is available at Scholarships.

Where is the Guild located? It is located at 7634 SW 34th Avenue, Portland, OR 97219. It is in the Multnomah Village neighborhood of SW Portland.

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