1.  How do I find The Woodworker Academy?

Alameda, CA: Alameda is a large island directly east across the Bay from San Francisco and next to Oakland. Alameda is 5 miles from the Oakland airport and 18 miles from the San Francisco airport.  The Woodworker Academy is located within the Japan Woodworker store at 1731 Clement Avenue, Alameda, CA.

You now need to park on Clement Ave. and enter the academy through the Japan Woodworker store door. Driving Directions: To drive to the Woodworker Academy from Northbound I-880, exit 23rd Avenue and get over to your far left lane and make a U-Turn, and then cross back over the freeway westward on 23rd Avenue. Cross over the Park Street Bridge and turn right at the 2nd traffic light (Clement Avenue). From Southbound I-880 exit 23rd Avenue. Follow the frontage road until it merges with 23rd Avenue and cross the Park Street Bridge. Turn right at the 2nd traffic light (Clement Avenue) and travel 7/10 mile to The Japan Woodworker store on the right. Other public transportation options include: The bus and or BART.

2.   What is the Jumpstart teaching method?  

The Jumpstart Method is about building a comprehensive foundation for precise power tool and hand tool woodworking. All class curriculum is coordinated with the same SAFETY FIRST APPROACH and work habit protocol. The professional quality projects made are "learning vehicles" to expose the woodworker to as many different techniques as possible. All are demonstrated shortly before being performed by students. This enables the instructor to give TIPS for getting the best results and for working in the safest manor possible. At first, the instructor demonstrates machine set-ups. Then students are expected to team with others and perform most of the required set-ups after a discussion with the instructor.

Classes are scheduled in 1-5 day sessions and usually over weekends. This method prepares folks to attend any woodworking workshop or open shop situation with an approach to working safely and accomplish their objectives. This proven method works well.

3.  How does our curriculum differ from that of other schools?

Rather than helping woodworkers make a particular project or providing workshops with skillful, published guest instructors, the WWA provides entry level woodworkers with a well rounded education of hand and power tool techniques, safety practices and a proven method of being more efficient.

Its comprehensive curriculum is coordinated from class to class within a proven approach for maximum safety consciousness and successful woodworking. Taking courses at the WWA first, prepares beginners for their hobby, as well as enhanced participation in other schools or open shop opportunities.

The WWA offers twenty different one to five day hands-on classes. Most are project oriented and designed for folks to complete their work. Students all make similar projects but are encouraged to stylize their projects differently. By utilizing jigs, fixtures, templates and clever machine set-ups, production techniques are practiced in every class for teaching how to make multiples and limited production runs.

The workshop has industrial and hobby type tools of many different brands. It is possible to have a hands-on tool comparison experience- a tremendous savings in future tool purchase decisions. All are properly aligned, have sharp cutters and are equipped with both original safety guards and shop made guards and jigs. Often times four or more of the same tool set-up is made. There is rarely a line of folks waiting for a tool.

4.  Do I have to take the Prerequisite courses even if I am an experienced woodworker?

There are several courses offered without prerequisites. TIP: Try one of these to learn if the Woodworker Academy can help you become a more precise woodworker.

Some folks are concerned about repetition of information they have already learned, but prerequisites courses can fill the voids of a self taught woodworker in a more formal educational format. Prerequisite classes teach the techniques used in the more advanced courses. There isn’t time in courses to repeat prerequisites basics such as how to true and square lumber accurately.

Due to huge risks and liabilities I strictly enforce all of my policies-especially course prerequisites? We have over 600 enrollments/year, many of whom claim to be experienced. This experience isn’t always helpful for taking our style of curriculum.  None of our classes are of an open shop format where everyone works alone. Instead there is a protocol of working in teams of usually 2 or 3 people for making machine set-ups and power tool techniques. The framework for this is established in JumpStart I and practiced in every class thereafter. When folks do not follow this format, they may become dangerous to themselves, others, the tools of the shop and my business. Future hands on participation is denied to repeat offenders of dangerous acts.

I (Jerry) need to get to know participants, their work habits, experience and willingness to work safely. I remind experienced woodworkers that they wouldn’t allow anyone to work in their shops on their tools just because someone says they are experienced.   I don’t as well.  For folks who don’t have time to take a prerequisite, the only option to bypass a prerequisite to qualify for class is private lesson. It takes about a four-hour private lesson to cover the material and practice the techniques to bypass certain classes. After the private lesson, I will determine if you will be able to bypass the prerequisite class.  Some class prerequisites cannot be by passed with private lessons.  Please also see question number 5.

5.  Why do I need to take Jumpstart I?

Jumpstart I is the perquisite class for most classes. Due to the comprehensive nature of most classes and the necessity of curriculum coordination between classes as well as the need for maximum safety practices in a classroom setting with ten people working together, prerequisite requirements are essential. For those experienced woodworkers seeking specific information and hands-on participation but not prerequisite courses, I'd suggest the PRIVATE LESSON format.  There are several classes that do not require prerequisite classes

All of the following information is established in Jumpstart I so time isn’t wasted repeating this in the other 19 courses offered at the Woodworker Academy.

Besides the information described under the Jumpstart I course description, you will learn how to successfully navigate around the classroom, shop, Japan Woodworker store, and parking areas.  Learn where to enter and exit the building, classroom, office and workshop.  Discover where to find tools, supplies, washrooms and when to take breaks and attend demonstrations. 

Taking woodworking classes is a social event of meeting and interacting with others while continuing your education.   At times you will be teaming with others for performing machine set ups, techniques or complex glue ups. You will be expected to be helpful to others (if requested) and watch for everyone’s safety.

There is a shop performance protocol practiced everyday such as not being tardy for class, yelling "noise" before turning on loud machines, rotating teams through machines, turning or not turning on dust collection, putting tools away, and shop clean up. 

Unlike private lessons, there is a limit to what an instructor can or cannot do for you, such as individual consultations on subjects other than the class content or private critiques, explanations, and supervision for everything new that you do.  Time before and after class is valuable to the instructor for class preparation.  Instructors’ personal tools and work benches are off limits to students, but all the rest of the shop, tools, and clamps are for students use.   Practice all of these things first in this class to prevent misunderstandings in the rest of the classes.

6.  What is it like taking a class - Hours/full day?

All courses are comprehensive and intensive, but all are encouraged to work at a pace and in a manner that suits their nature. The pace of the class is determined by the fastest workers. Class starts promptly at 9:30 am, breaks for a one-hour lunch at 1:30pm and ends at 6:30 pm. All are expected to attend the entire class. Important Note: Missing safety lectures and portions of class will jeopardize future hands opportunities.

7. Where do I start?

JUMPSTART I is the recommended entry path for woodworking education at the Woodworker Academy. It is the prerequisite course for most of the other classes. 

Beginners should start with JUMPSTART I as well as any first timers to the Woodworker Academy. Get familiar with the workshop, classroom and their care. Learn the shop rules and what is expected of you as a student of this school. Learn about personal safety gear and shop safety. Practice the mandatory SAFETY FIRST approach to woodworking. Learn how to make and use push sticks, hold downs, feather boards, saw guards, sleds, after market tool enhancements, about the danger zones of all power tools of the shop and about adhesives and several finishing techniques. Discover the rest of the courses offered here and the best strategy to take them. Learn if woodworking is the hobby you want to pursue as well as the costs in $ to buy tools and set up a shop as well as the cost of education and the time to develop skills.

 Experienced woodworkers need to start with JUMPSTART I for all of the above reasons, plus the guarantee of increased precision and additional challenges. Wood technology lectures help you understand wood movement and stress, grain choices, joinery efficiency, and appropriate work piece and tool feed directions. Voids from being self taught can be filled in a more formal educational format.  

8.    How do I enroll in a class?

It is best to enroll by phone so that we can immediately check our enrollment book and tell you if there are openings in a class. You can also enroll by using the last page of the brochure which you can also print out from our website, Note: You will not know if there is space available in a class until we receive it and are able to call you back. ONLY A FULL COURSE FEE AND MATERIALS FEE PAYMENT RESERVES A PLACE IN A CLASS.

Included in all course fees is a NONREFUNDABLE and NONTRANSFERABLE $35 REGISTRATION FEE. Partial payments and incomplete reservations are not accepted. All applications are processed in the order received. Due to insufficient enrollment (usually determined 7days prior) or instructor illness, we reserve the right to cancel classes or reschedule without penalties to students or The Woodworker Academy. All payments are promptly refunded. Gift certificates are non-refundable. Registration and cancellation policies for private lessons are the same as for any class or workshop. Early registration is encouraged as many classes are only offered once or twice a year. Full payment will be collected at least 45 days before the start of class and or sooner if the class is full. 

TIP: ENROLL TODAY! Defer with caution--class offerings change from year to year and have been reduced in number by 25%.  Allow several months to get into some classes or private lessons.

9.  What do I need to bring?

Bring a lunch if you choose not to dine at the various Alameda restaurants. There is a microwave and refrigerator available. Also bring any of your own tools that you would like to use for the featured techniques and projects (i.e. hand cut dovetails class—chisels, mallets, saws, marking squares, gauges, and sharpening stones etc). If you already have an adjustable square, 6 & 12 inch ruler, and tape measure bring them. We sell the finest disposable and reusable safety gear available or bring your own. Always bring your eye, ear, and respirator safety gear, shop apron, pencil & pen.

Woodworkers must be protective of their health with effective, comfortable, and compatible components of safety equipment. NIOSH (National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health) approved eye protection is required for all power tool classes. Look for Z87 on your glasses, goggles, or face shields. Eyeglasses alone are not adequate. Hearing protection and respirator protection is highly recommended, but optional. For Jumpstart I only, you will be given one pair of disposable ear plugs, finishing gloves and a respirator. Dress in layers as the shop temperature varies during the day. Please leave your loose clothing & jewelry at home. Wear comfortable safe foot gear for a cement floor.

10. What are the shop and classroom like?

The classroom is 400 sq. feet and equipped with new workbenches and vices. There are three different heights from which to choose. There is a large assortment of clamps and hand tools for everyone to share. There is a refrigerator and microwave available for student use.

The workshop is 850 sq. feet and is equipped with 5 table saws, 5 jointers, 5 thickness planers, 10 router tables, 8 drill presses, 8 band saws etc. All the tools are not used at once, but multiple set ups are nearly always provided. The Academy is also in the same building as the Japan Woodworker Tool Store.

11. What size are classes?

Most classes are limited to 10 people. There are a few which have twelve, but in this case volunteers are encouraged to help as teaching assistants.

12. How comprehensive are courses?

Because most folks attending the WWA have full time jobs and busy lives, all courses are extremely comprehensive. It is humanly impossible to remember every detail without taking notes. Repetition is coordinated between classes, so the most important details are heard and practiced often. After exposure to techniques, much of the skill development occurs by practicing at home or by repeating classes. All courses are designed for most folks to finish their projects.

13. Do I need to attend the entire class?

If you need class time to deal with personal matters, will be late for class, have to leave early or miss a day, it is better to enroll when you can commit to the entire class.

Students who miss portions of the classes can expect to not complete their projects in class.

There is no make up time available to catch up before, during or after class. If you decline hands on opportunities by missing a portion(s) of class, you are always invited to audit the remainder of the class with no hands-on experience and with no refund. Missing the initial safety discussions will jeopardize your hands-on participation.

14. What is our cancellation/refund policy?

Registration: ONLY A FULL COURSE FEE AND MATERIALS FEE PAYMENT RESERVES A PLACE IN A CLASS. Included in all course fees is a NONREFUNDABLE and NONTRANSFERABLE $35 REGISTRATION FEE. Partial payments and incomplete reservations are not accepted. All applications are processed in the order received. Due to insufficient enrollment (usually determined 7days prior) or instructor illness, we reserve the right to cancel classes or reschedule without penalties to students or The Woodworker Academy. All payments are promptly refunded. Gift certificates are non refundable. Registration and cancellation policies for private lessons are the same as for any class or workshop. Early registration is encouraged as many classes are only offered once or twice a year. Full payment will be collected at least 45 days before the start of class and or sooner if the class is full.

Cancellation and Refunds: Refund requests for cancellation will be processed after the start of a class. The $35 nonrefundable registration fee is subtracted from the course fee prior to determining a refund.

1. 100 % REFUND--If canceling 45 days prior

2. 75% REFUND--If canceling 31-44 days prior

3. 50% REFUND--If canceling 15-30 days prior

4. 25% REFUND--If canceling 7-14 days prior

5. 0% REFUND---If canceling 1-6 days prior, day of class or a no--show.

Reregistration: Anyone who cancels a class may register again by submitting a full course payment minus the refund total.

15. Can I work in the shop after taking classes - OPEN SHOP?

Special note: There are no open shop opportunities offered at the WWA but its curriculum specializes in training woodworkers to maximize their time and experience at open shops anywhere.

Beginners are at a disadvantage in open shops, especially in hearing and seeing repetitive safety practices. They require the most information and demonstration but can’t get them because instructors are usually busy helping others with the special needs of their individual projects.

By taking all of the Woodworker Academy classes, most entry-level folks are prepared to attend any woodworking workshop or open shop situation with an approach to work safely and accomplish their objectives. This proven method works well.

16. Why should I get on the waiting list for a class that is full?

Whether offered only once/year or whether the class is just popular, many classes are fully booked months in advance. There can be many last minute enrollment opportunities-especially if you can attend on one-day notice. Some folks have made themselves available the day of class and gotten in.

17. Are private lessons best for me?

If our class schedule is incompatible with your calendar or if you have very specific needs, private instruction with Jerry Konicek may be perfect for you. Work at your own pace. Get only the information you want. Save time and money by working more efficiently and effectively. Known for his BAILOUT successes, Jerry can also help complete any half finished projects. Jerry will travel to your shop or tutor in The Woodworker Academy.