Traveling Academy

shydragon · Post by **shydragon** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:27 pm

Paul,

I was thinking about registering for the one coming up at the end of May in the Portland area. I noticed it was for three days. Is each session a full day?

I was wondering if you have ever been to one, and what to expect? Early registration is pretty cheap I thought.

dusty · Post by **dusty** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:43 pm

If you are thinking about attending a TA, sign up during the early registration - as you pointed out, it is a lot cheaper.

If you later find that you cannot attend, let Shopsmith know. ---- Shopsmith does not bill you until you sign in at the TA session.

If you do not sign in, I believe you will not be charged. Call Customer Service to make sure.

I very much recommend that you attend all three sessions, even if you have been to them before. I have gone four times, to all three days; I will go again every time they are in my area. Other than being in the shop making saw dust, I doubt there are many better ways to spend an 8 hour day.

Easier to say now that I am retired.

shydragon · Post by **shydragon** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:44 pm

Well, I went ahead and signed up for the Traveling Academy. It is on a Wed., Thur., & Fri. I have lots of vacation time, so it should be fun.

fjimp · Post by **fjimp** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:45 pm

I have attended all three days of the traveling academy. Yes they each are all day sessions. Each session is different and each builds upon the prior day/session. Value is so great it is impossible to equate to dollars. Attend and you will be thrilled at all you can learn about your shopsmith. Jim

rkh2 · Post by **rkh2** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 7:57 pm

Pat

Seeing that you still have TA's in your part of the country, I highly recommend registering for all 3 days. Especially if you can get in on a early registration price. The classes are 8 hours each day with about an hour break for lunch. Day 1 usually goes over maint and alignment and such and day 2 deals with many of the add on tools. Day 3 is learning how to turn starting with spindles first then making a bowl. Make sure to get all the hands on you are offered. I have been to many TA's when they were in our area and every time I went I learned something. I have see a few folks just stay in the background and not really wanting to get their hands on the tool. The more you use your tools, the more comfortable you will feel with them. Everyone was a newby at one time. Make sure to take a notebook also, as there is always a book of information shared out by the instructor. I believe Rick Davis is the only TA instructor presently and even though I never personaly had him, by his DVD on Maint & Alignment, he knows what he is talking about and did an excellent job on that DVD which is available from SS. Hope this helps you in your decision. Enjoy and make lots of sawdust.

shydragon · Post by **shydragon** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:06 pm

Yes, I went a head and signed up for the three day event. It was only $167.00. I thought that was pretty cheap. And I definately need the classes.

The good thing, it is only a month away. Should be a lot of fun. Are we required to bring anything, or is everything provided?

paulmcohen · Post by **paulmcohen** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:08 pm

shydragon wrote:Paul,

I was thinking about registering for the one coming up at the end of May in the Portland area. I noticed it was for three days. Is each session a full day?

I was wondering if you have ever been to one, and what to expect? Early registration is pretty cheap I thought.

They run 8:30 to 4:30, I am signed up just for the wood turning one on Friday. I have taken the others many years ago before I was really into using the machine.

shydragon · Post by **shydragon** » Mon Apr 28, 2008 8:11 pm

I just noticed something. My name now has "Silver Member" next to it. I just joined this forum a week ago. That is telling me, I'm spending way to much time in this forum, lol.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:40 am

I'm hoping to clear my calender for the July session in Bakersfield. A good 90 minutes from my house (hope gas doesn't go much higher). I went to all three sessions after purchasing my SS. But I have yet to use the lathe. Want a refresher before I try my hand at turning. The original course was very worthwhile, it definitely increased my confidence in my ability on the SS.

kalynzoo · Post by **kalynzoo** » Tue Apr 29, 2008 1:40 am

I'm hoping to clear my calender for the July session in Bakersfield. A good 90 minutes from my house (hope gas doesn't go much higher). I went to all three sessions after purchasing my SS. But I have yet to use the lathe. Want a refresher before I try my hand at turning. The original course was very worthwhile, it definitely increased my confidence in my ability on the SS.