Anyone Take a Class from Tom Turgeon?

[Clo-z-nuff]

I'm thinking of taking one of his classes and just looking for some feedback.  He sure travels around a lot!

[Grey Taylor]

I spoke with an employee of a Woodcraft store where he held a class who took it. She had nothing but good to say about it but I suspect her opinion may have been biased.
Personally, it's pretty expensive. For the cost of a couple books and some hand tools you can do that same thing by yourself. The learning curve is obviously larger as you won't have him standing over you but you can come out with just as nice a bow.
I guess it comes down to the time you have and the money you want to spend.

Guy

[rainman]

I think if you can take a class with other people it is worth the money.  You can watch 4 to 5 bows get tillered in a weekend with someone showing you what to look for, as opposed doing you first bow and only seeing 1 bow come to shape with no experience or help at your shoulder.

[J.F. Miller]

I've never taken a class with him, but I don't think the money he is asking is unreasonable if it were personal, one on one instruction. consider that there might be 6 or 8 or more other people in the class besides you, and what you are really getting for your money; a pre-made bow blank, the use of some tools, and some degree of instruction from a self-proclaimed "master bowyer". I have always wondered what the criteria is for officially becoming a master bowyer. anybody know? is there a test or something?

interestingly, a couple of months ago I was meeting with a potential customer to look at an interior painting job and while I was walking through their house I saw a bamboo backed osage bow with no finish on it laying in the family room. not the sort of thing I see everyday in my line of work, so I couldn't help myself but to inquire. this fellow had taken the class with Tom at a Woodcraft store in Columbus a couple of weeks prior. he apparently enjoyed himself, but I was rather surprised with what he had to show for his investment. the bow blank he started with was not what I would consider good, beyond the fact that it had been worked over by a complete novice. it was too narrow and the low quality bamboo was tapered very poorly. I didn't have the nerve to tell him what he really had, but instead invited him to my shop to make another bow.

[Grey Taylor]

There is no standard for calling oneself a "master" bowyer that I am aware of.
Groups like the American Bladesmith Society have standards for Journeyman Smith or Master Smith, but that's only in their group. I doubt anyone could take you to court if you just said you were a Master Knife Maker. Ditto for making bows. If Overnight Prints will put it on your new business cards, then you're set to go.
Now I'm not saying that Turgeon doesn't know what he's doing. But I feel the balance of his fame is from good marketing and because the Woodcraft stores picked him up as a traveling instructor. That there is a sweet deal for an independant bowyer trying to sell his stuff.

Look at the class this way - you come out of the class with a finished bamboo backed bow. If you'd bought it finished from a bowyer you would have payed close to the same price. This way you got to have a hand in making it and you can tell your buddies that you made it. However, good chance you will not have learned enough to make another one all on your own. The focus of the class is not to teach you how to make wood bows, but to have you make a wood bow.

Guy

[DVSHUNTER]

I don't see the price being that expensive. Having said that you can get the same results without spending that kind of money. There is more helpful hints here from people willing to share their knowledge than you need. I'm sure there are plenty of people out there that would be willing to teach you for free, not to mention events like MOJAM, the Tennessee Classic, OJAM, and one similar in WA too I believe.  I don't charge for my lessons and I know of others that don't to. I get my fee from.sharing an art that I'm passing on.  Whatever you decide, have fun and pass it on.

[Sal]

From this day forth, I am a Master Bowyer, there, I just declared it so.      

Sal
Master Bowyer

[Clo-z-nuff]

Ok...I get it.  No need to flame the guy if
You don't know him.  If anyone has taken his class let me know.  I've never made a bow before and am just looking to learn. It's a little overwhelming with sites like this to know where to even begin...too much great information!

Thanks!

[Eric Krewson]

If you watch all the selfbow building videos on Utube you will probably learn what you need to get started. Everyone has a slightly different approach to get to the same finished result.

[Fritz]

I'm just a newbie, but I bought and read all of the trad bowyer's bibles and Dean's book "Hunting the osage bow". Spent a ton of time trolling around here and primitive bowyer site. Have made two hickory bows so far, both far from perfect, but good shooters. I really enjoyed doing the research myself. Tons of information right here. As Eric said ___tube is a great resource, as well. Ranger B has  some great selfbow vids on there.

[vanillabear?]

[Roy from Pa]

I should watch that, maybe I'll learn something:)

[wildcat hunter]

Like Fritz, I read lots of books, watched the tube and asked questions here on Trad Gang". I broke a few and the first few were somewhat crude but I feel confident now about working the staves - I need to make them "pretty" now!

[PrimitiveSniper66]

From what I have read a master bowyer has to make a living for 10 years buy his bows alone with no other income, I have been building bows for over 20 years about 60 bows a year it is a passion for me more than a hobby not ready to turn it into a job yet, might take all of the fun out of it for me, I did'nt have any help building bows when I started would burn 7 out 10 bows in the first run of bows all of those bows where 75#-125# for bear hunting alot has changed since then with age comes wisdom ,read,watch,ask questions and may the magical flight of the arrow always be with you. P.S I do teach people to build bows for free when I have the time, I live in Owatonna Mn .

[Clo-z-nuff]

PrimitiveSniper66, I'm in St. Cloud.  I'd definately be up for a little "training" sometime if you'd be willing.  PM me if you would be willing.  

What kind of bows do you make?

Thanks!

[PrimitiveSniper66]

I make all kinds of all wood bows from recurves to long bows if it shoots arrows I will make it. I am going to start glass bows this winter . I would be more than happy to help you get going on your bow. Curt

[Eric Krewson]

Here is the PBS episode, not much information.

 http://video.wbgu.org/video/1620460591/

[Sal]

The PBS video does not cover tillering.  They skip from glueing to shooting.
 
I'm blaming an ignorant PBS editor who didn't understand the importance of tillering.  I'm sure Mr. Turgenson would have covered it in the lesson.