Thanks to a generous donation from Landon Marx, one of our students, we’ve recently added a high quality video camera and a High Definition L.E.D. Screen to our teaching facility!
This new setup really makes teaching the fine details a breeze. Details are very important when working with hand tools, and now everyone in the class can see a clear, close up view of all the fine points that I am trying to communicate.
The idea of having a live, bench-mounted camera came from Roy Underhill. Our setup is pretty simple – I modified a camera tripod and attached it to a piece of wood so I can move it wherever I need to on the bench. An HD video camera is mounted on the tripod, and I used an HDMI cable to connect the camera to a large screen. The screen is positioned where everyone in the class can see it easily. (The only disadvantage to this setup is that now any mistakes I make are also magnified 100 times!)
We’re excited about this new improvement, and we look forward to you coming back and taking more classes with us.
Thank you again, Landon!
Frank you are too kind.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. Amen
Traditional skills taught in modern times. I think this is a great addition for the school. Mr. Marx was indeed very generous and as a student from time to time I would like to extend my gratitude as well. Our Father provides us with opportunity and capability – it’s what we choose to do with it that makes the difference.
Thank you Landon and Bill for the comments.
Bill, I was originally going to name the post “Hand tool Woodworking gone HD!”
Yes, it really is a blessing to be able to communicate what I am trying too in a much clearer way.
Thanks again!
Frank,
What a great addition. I find the students may learn as much, or more, when they see the master work through an iffy situation. Just so many learning opportunities. Look forward to seeing you soon.
Best as always,
Lee
This is extremely cool — the image is sharp and, importantly, quite large. So the detail of what you’re doing comes through for everyone, even someone whose stool is off an an angle or in the back. I’m so glad I got to see a demo last week and I’m excited about how it will help me understand techniques more clearly at the next class I take. Mr. Marx’s generosity is going to help quite a few people.
The Foundational Joinery Class I took in January was the one of the first to use the HD screen, which was a great help.
I have been a woodworker, cabinetmaker, and woodcarver for many years, but Frank taught me what amazing and rewarding things you can do using only hand tools.
I thoroughly enjoyed my 6 days of hands-on woodworking. I would highly recommend this class to beginners or professionals.
P.S. Frank, I look forward to attending another class in the near future.