Training for furniture finishers?

[markharrison]

I was looking for training courses in furniture finishing (feeling somewhat inspired by recent modest successes). I had a look at NSW TAFE and there is nothing! Nada!! Bupkiss!!! Bugger all!!!!

How does anybody get trained in the furniture finishing, restoring and related arts in this country?

[Shane Watson]

Some TAFEs do offer courses but not many. Problem is getting teachers that now what they are teaching.

I got trained by a master finisher and it took 3yrs (I got one year off for good behaviour, thanks Qld Training & Apprenticeships!!)

Honestly the best place to learn is hands on. If you can't sit a course then get some books (Neils aka Ubeaut Publishing (http://www.ubeaut.com.au/publish.html) is probably the best place to start, actually it is the best place to start!)
Then get some gear and give it a go and practice practice practice.....

[markharrison]

Shane,

I've bought Neil's book and while it is very good, even Neil himself says that it is best used with instruction. That's what put the crazy notion in my head :-)

I will look at other books. Jeff Jewitt is well regarded by others so I might have a look at them for a start. Do you have any other favourites?

[Richardwoodhead]

As a coincidence, ordered Neils book yesterday......As a side comment, spent years doing TAFE nightschool woodworking courses. All about dressing, cutting and gluing. When I finally retired to my workshop the biggest surprise I got was how important (and difficult) a good finishing job could be. After working long and hard to get a nice piece of furniture, I was shocked at how quickly a bad finishing job "ruined" it. It's been the hardest thing to master (for me). But I'm getting there. I wish someone could have walked me through all the lessons I've had to learn by trial and LOTS of errors. It's easy (and correct) to say "practice", but if someone knows the pitfalls and could pass on some knowledge, that would sure make it easier. Each time I screwed up, I'd spend hours / days finding out why it went wrong. Discover the reason. And be wiser. Finishing doesn't seem a teaching priority. But if someone with finishing wisdom could be teaching it - it sure would help.

[Shane Watson]

I wish someone could have walked me through all the lessons I've had to learn by trial and LOTS of errors. It's easy (and correct) to say "practice", but if someone knows the pitfalls and could pass on some knowledge, that would sure make it easier. Each time I screwed up, I'd spend hours / days finding out why it went wrong. Discover the reason. And be wiser. .

Would have been quicker to post your questions here then. :eek:
Theres a wealth of knowledge on this board, just ask and ye shell recieve, or alternatively search the archieves......

[echnidna]

Holmesglen Tafe in Vic (used to anyway) run a variety of courses.

[Richardwoodhead]

Shane, yes I agree. That's why I'm now a forum addict. I've learned a lot. I was having nightmares (real ones) with my spray finishes until suggestions from this forum helped me sort out what I was doing wrong (just about everything!). But having learned so much, if someone needed hands on training help - I'd be happy to do it. And hopefully they could avoid some of the mistakes I made. I know Major had a demo in Brisbane. If anyone in the Margaret River area needs some hands on lessons, contact me.

[rsser]

Do you have a Council of Adult Education up there?

Ours offers restoration/finishing courses from time to time. I also notice the odd French polisher shop window advertising teaching.

[markharrison]

Ern,

That is a thought! I hadn't thought of pinging the local finishers to see if they teach. Had a look on the Yellowpages and -- somewhat surprisingly -- there are a couple of polishers reasonably close. Given I live on the Northern Beaches in Sydney that is quite remarkable.

Mind you I don't know what work they do yet though.