Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking

"I took Andrew Hunter’s class “Build a Japanese Inspired Blanket Chest by Hand”. After sharing his philosophy on woodworking, Andrew guided us in 6 days through the process of making a blanket chest with hand tools, preferably Japanese. While impressing on us the utmost importance of lay-out lines, he would also talk about Chinese and Japanese woodworking traditions and tools, his area of expertise and knowledge. The wide range of skills participants brought to the class led to a wide range of demands on our teacher. He stayed organized, focused, calm and enthusiastic about everyone’s work from beginning to end. And although he helped some of us catch up to the class at various points in the process, he made sure that each of us went through all the different steps involved at least once. All of us went home with a finished blanket chest. The class was outstanding!"

"Very well run woodworking school and amazing instructors! I learned a great deal, not only from the instructors, but from the students, too. Heading back to my second class tomorrow! Very excited!! Update: Heading back for my sixth class tomorrow!"

"I took the weekend course, "Build an Arts & Crafts Inspired Bookshelf with Mike Pekovich" at the CVSW. The course took place over two separate weekends for a total of 4 days (9:30-5pm). Mike Pekovich taught the course, and he is a fantastic, patient, modest, and extremely knowledgeable instructor. He's also the Editor-in-Chief of Fine Woodworking Magazine, and his passion for the craft is very apparent. The owner of CVSW, Bob Van Dyke, even though he wasn't officially teaching the course, took the time to show me some finer points of technique when it came to sawing dovetails. The CVSW facilities are very well-stocked in terms of tools, in case you forget anything at home, or don't own a particular tool. It's also a very enjoyable experience to meet fellow woodworkers taking the course, many of whom come from various places around the country. I've attached some photos showing the nearly-completed, dry-fitted bookshelf, as well as the finished results. During the course, I learned the basics of how to cut dovetails, mortise & tenons, do some chip-carving, use a cabinet scraper, chisels, and even a bit on finishing as well. Before taking this class, I had never attempted any type of joinery besides pocket-holes. Mike and Bob also saved my bookshelf from the scrap heap, right towards the end of class when I made a silly blunder during the glue-up. I could go on about how great the courses are here but all-in-all, if you have the good fortune and opportunity to take a course at CVSW, don't hesitate to do so. You'll learn more in a few hours at CVSW than you would in a few days or weeks on your own. I'll be watching the course calendar and hope to return many times in the future."

"I took a week course to build an amazing workbench and Bob was a fantastic instructor, since then I try to take one or two courses annually and they are always informative"

"Great experience. Bob Van Dyke's NO NONSENSE style of teaching woodworking is exactly what I was hoping for when I signed up for the 5 week intensive. So many excellent skill building exercises with good lecturing and demonstrative instruction. I feel like I owe him more money for what I've got out of it. Highly recommend this school. Guest instructors include Pekovich and Neptune.. premier period furniture makers. Amazing."