West WoodWorks heirloom, fine-crafted furniture and cabinets

West WoodWorks School of Woodworking exists to provide individuals interested in woodworking with a means to:

- provide assistance in all phases of designing, constructing and finishing a wood project.

Dan West is a third-generation cabinetmaker with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts/Technology, a Master of Science degree in Education and New York State teaching certification. He taught high school woodworking for ten years and Multi-Occupational Experience (including woodworking) at Otsego Area Occupational Center for five years.

He then worked under National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), New York State Department of Labor and Cornell University grant programs doing safety and health programs in 13 northeastern states. In these programs he wrote articles for a number of national magazines, wrote a monthly column in an agricultural newspaper and published several professional papers.

Dan created and taught a safety and health course at SUNY Cobleskill for five semesters and was a speaker at many conferences, seminars and institutions.

Five years ago Dan started West WoodWorks, making custom furniture and cabinetry. Clients include individuals, churches, a college and the Farmers Museum, both its retail outlet and historic buildings.

West WoodWorks is currently expanding its Educational Services segment, which offers woodworking classes, tutoring, mentoring and consultation through its West Woodworks School of Woodworking division.

"For a woodworker with my marginal skills, Dan West's classes have been real 'confidence builders'. I find myself thinking, 'so that's how they do it! I can do that too'." Ted C.

Speaking of the value of the woodworking class, one student taking home his completed project commented “I got a lot more from you than you got from me.”

The woodworking courses, held in a dedicated teaching shop, will address general subjects such as planning, various woods, hand tools, power tools, machines, joinery, fasteners and finishes used in constructing fine wood projects.

Much of the class will be individual instruction geared to each student’s needs, requests and ability level; however everyone will be required to participate in the tool use and safety aspects.

Each participant will construct a project and will be responsible for purchasing all materials for it.

Before the class starts you can call or e-mail Dan through his web site to discuss project ideas and get help obtaining lumber and hardware for your project, if needed.

A simple project can be completed during the class, or an advanced project can be finished with additional work outside of class. (Some examples of Dan's students' work are featured below. For more examples, visit WestWoodWorksInfo.com)

“I’ve always wanted to try my hand at woodworking and Dan has given me the perfect introduction. He’s a very knowledgeable and supportive teacher and seems to have every tool you could ever hope to work with. I’ve just finished my first project and can’t wait to start on the next!” -Peg T., Oneonta

“This class has become the highlight of my week. I told my wife ‘don’t mess with my Wednesdays’” -Peter A., Cooperstown

“After a stressful day at work I can come here and forget about work and relax while I work with the wood.” -Peter J., Cooperstown

"I have attended woodworking classes conducted by West WoodWorks during the past fall and winter. It has been a truly enjoyable and worthwhile use of my time. The classes have been both instructional and practical and I have even been able to use the information to help customers where I work - that's really neat! I plan to continue to attend future classes and would recommend them to others." Charles C.

During Dan’s classes I have learned a tremendous amount of woodworking skills. Dan is an excellent teacher with strong interpersonal skills, motivating techniques and commitment to teaching his students. Dan’s woodworking skills never failed to amaze me. Dan’s woodworking knowledge and his ability to impart them to his students put him on par with some of the finest instructors I have had in 24 years as an Army officer and 20 years as a Distribution Operations Executive. -Joe B., Schoharie

20-Hour Woodworking Class (prices subject to change)
$500.00 plus tax for individual instruction
$300.00 plus tax (each) for class of two
$250.00 plus tax (each) for class of three (maximum)
- payable at or before first day of class

You watched them make it on television.
You looked them over in the stores.
You read about them in magazines.
You bought the tools and wood for your wife's bookcase.
You realize you don't know how to begin.
Now what do you do?

Want to learn woodwork from an experienced professional?
What that router you received for Christmas can do?
How to eliminate snipes when planing?
How to make dovetail joints?
And how to build that bookcase you have been promising your wife?

Dan can help with individual, customized training at your home or shop to help you be able to say "I made this myself!"

One time consultation or long-term mentoring to help answer questions, tune-up and set-up your equipment or give you technical assistance.

"I don't know what I would have done without Dan's ingenuity and expertise in working with my woodworking hobby." Robert O.