Anyone take any classes from Mahoney or Jackofsky?

[Paul Heely]

After my upcoming work trip I'll have enough miles to fly anywhere in the US and plan on taking a woodturning class. I think I've narrowed it down to either Mike Mahoney or Mike Jackofsky. I'm interested in working on my hollow form skills, which I think points me more towards Jackofsky, though Mahoney also does some hollowing along with bowl turning.

Any thoughts on either of these two as instructors? Has anyone actually spent time with either one that is willing to share their experience? Anybody else I should be considering for later this year? My wife and I planning a trip to Vegas next summer, so I plan on spending time withe Clewes while she spends time at the casino. Jordan and Ellsworth are also on my would like to learn from list, but neither of them fits into my schedule for the rest of this year.

Thanks.
Paul

[Dan Hintz]

Neither, but I just came back from taking a 2-day class with Bill Grumbine. I concentrated on hollow forms and did a winged bowl. A very positive experience, and I'll be posting a review with pics in a day or two, once I finish typing it up.

[Bernie Weishapl]

I have attended a couple of demo's by Mike Mahoney and if I ever get to take a class he is at the top of my list. Bill Grumbine is a tight second.

[Reed Gray]

I don't know Mike Jackofsky. Mike Mahoney is more of a bowl turner, but is a super turner. He has turned more bowls than most of us put together. If I wanted hollow form instruction specifically, there are a lot of turners who specialize in it. I would probably make an effort to try Dave Ellsworth.

robo hippy

[Peter Elliott]

Attended a great BILL GRUMBINE Seminar last fall.. Bill is outstanding teacher!

I think a good tip maybe to purchase a video of teacher, most of them have them.. You get a feel for their style in some sense. After watching Mike Mahoney series, I'd like to see him in person. Still Bill Grumbine is at the top!

[David E Keller]

Never taken a class with either, but I doubt you could go wrong. Jackofsky does beautiful pieces that are right up my alley, and I'd jump at the chance. I've got several Mahoney videos that I really like... He seems like a laid back guy with a nice teaching style. If it were me, I'd take 'em both!

[Jim Burr]

I really hope to head to Utah next year and do a 5 day at CSUSA with Mr Nish and Mr Mahoney...what a week that would be!! Can you take turning tools on an airplane?

[Paul Heely]

I'm not sure the TSA would like my 1-3/8" skew chisel, or most of the other tools. If I take my own tools I'll have to check them. Or better yet, buy the new ones I really want when I'm at CSUSA, use them, then ship them home

Paul

[Tony De Masi]

I would agree with any of the above mentioned turners except Ellsworth. Personally I just couldn't put up with his arrogance. And yes, I've seen it first hand.

[Joe Herrmann]

I've taken a 5 day course with Mike Mahoney and we only did hollow forms for one day. If you are really interested in concentrating on hollow forms, I would suggest Jackofsky because that's what he is most known for doing. You'd also get a chance to use his signature tools.

[BILL DONAHUE]

Can't comment on Mahoney or Jackofsky, but have had BIll Grumbine and David Elsworth at club demos and both of them were terrific. Had dinner and a ride on my boat with David Ellsworth and his wife and found him to be a very nice guy who truly wanted to help other turners. Not the slightest hint of arrogance as stated in a previous reply.

To add still another name to those you may consider I'd suggest Charles Watson who teaches at the Campbell School in North Carolina. He has a couple of hollowing form classes coming up in early 2012. I've taken three courses at Campbell and they were all well worth it.

[Grant Wilkinson]

Paul: I can't help on either of the Mikes, but since you asked about other possibilities, I'll add my vote for Grumbine. I've taken two 2-day sessions with Bill one on one. The more recent of the two was spent on hollow forms, vases and winged bowls. I came away with some nice pieces, a lot more skill doing them than I went in with, and some great memories of the fun that I had with Bill. If you've seen Bill's videos, that's Bill. You get no nonsense excellent instruction, lunch with Bill and his wife, and a lot of laughs thrown in. It's 14 hours there and back for me, and I'll do it again when the finances permit.

[Dan Hintz]

Paul: I can't help on either of the Mikes, but since you asked about other possibilities, I'll add my vote for Grumbine. I've taken two 2-day sessions with Bill one on one. The more recent of the two was spent on hollow forms, vases and winged bowls. I came away with some nice pieces, a lot more skill doing them than I went in with, and some great memories of the fun that I had with Bill. If you've seen Bill's videos, that's Bill. You get no nonsense excellent instruction, lunch with Bill and his wife, and a lot of laughs thrown in. It's 14 hours there and back for me, and I'll do it again when the finances permit.

Sounds like my two days... if you ever decide to go back and don't mind sharing the space, I'd be happy to join you. He's only about 3 hours from me...

[Brian Weaver]

As far as tools on an plane, our club recently had Trent Bosch come give a 4 day class. He travels with his tools in a tool box that he checks in. I purchased a couple of his handles and I asked if he put any lead shot in them. He stated that he doesn't as they would wonder why he was checking in a pipe bomb!