Decades ago, when I decided that I wanted to work with wood, about the only ways to learn the required skills were reading books and practicing.
Today we are fortunate that there are several ways to learn the craft. A person who wishes to learn woodworking has access to hundreds of woodworking books, woodworking schools, The Woodworkers Club, seminars and classes, videos, and the Internet.
Woodworking books, if well written and illustrated, are a valuable learning tool. There are books available for all skill levels, areas of woodworking interest, as well as books that are devoted to particular tools or projects. These books can be studied and used as reference books.
Woodworking schools have sprung up all over the world. Their curriculum varies from full-time year round classes to weekend or weeklong classes. A person's learning rate is only governed by the amount of time and resources they can devote.
At The Woodworkers Club, for a monthly fee, a person has access to a fully equipped shop, professional instructors, a retail store that is stocked with quality tools, project supplies, and lumber. People interested in woodworking can have access to their dream workshop without the investment such a shop would require. As people gain skills and enhance their love of woodworking, many of them equip their own workshops. Others are quite happy with The Woodworkers Club workshop and never invest another dime in tools. Another advantage of The Woodworkers Club is the camaraderie that club members develop.
A few woodworking retailers, such as Woodcraft, offer woodworking classes and seminars each month. These classes are taught by experienced, knowledgeable instructors, are reasonably priced, and have project hardware, lumber, and finishing materials available for the students. These woodworking stores are also a valuable learning asset because they are staffed with experienced woodworkers who are willing and anxious to answer any questions you may have.
