Class Info

Course Overview

Weekend classes at Windy Ridge begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning and end at about 4:30 Sunday afternoon. The schedule looks something like this:

The classes are a mix of demonstrations, hands-on activities, and question and answer sessions. Generally, each class is designed around a specific project (or group of projects) with a few added techniques thrown in for good measure. Class structure is very informal, with a lot of back and forth between Ken and his students. Bad jokes and puns are to be expected. Please come ready to ask lots of questions so as to make your Windy Ridge Experience that much more of a dialogue.

The student to teacher ration is kept low (4:1, max) to allow plenty of opportunity for learning and interaction. Each student is given their own bench space and is provided with all the tools necessary for the class. You should bring your own personal safety gear (eye and hearing protection).

Our courses are intensive and comprehensive, dictating a tight schedule. We ask all students to be prompt-please plan to arrive approximately 15 minutes early on the first day of class.

Registration

There are three ways to register for Windy Ridge Classes:

Online: Send us an email indicating which classes you’d like to register for, and we’ll be in touch

By mail: Send your name and contact information to:
Windy Ridge Woodworks
6751 Hollenbach Rd
New Tripoli, PA 18066
Be sure to indicate what class you are registering for.
Make checks payable to: Kenneth Burton

By phone: Call us at 610 767-4515
Upon enrollment all students will be sent a Welcome Package containing your receipt, required forms, directions to the school, things to bring, and course-specific information. If you have any additional questions about schedules, lodging, or anything else, please do not hesitate to give us a call.

Payment:
A $50 deposit is required to hold your place in a Windy Ridge Class. The balance is due at least two weeks prior to the start date.

Facilities

The workshops run in the Windy Ridge studio, a 950 square foot straw bale building that sits adjacent to Ken’s home. The studio is heated and air conditioned. Restroom facilities are available in the house across the drive.
Upon arrival, each student will be assigned to a separate bench, which they can call their own for the duration of the class. Materials and tools are provided, although students are expected to provide their own personal safety gear (eye and hearing protection).

Stationary Tools* include:

*Access to various tools varies depending on the class

What to Bring

* Don’t rush out to buy these things, but bring them if you have them. The Windy Ridge tool crib has everything you’ll need. It’s just that most people feel more comfortable using their own tools if they have them.

Policies

Class Size:

For Windy Ridge classes, class size is limited to four students. If there is not enough space in a class you’d like to take, please email so you can be placed on a waiting list.

Each Windy Ridge class requires a minimum of two students to run. If the minimum enrollment is not met two weeks prior the class starting date, the class will be cancelled. Windy Ridge also reserves the right to cancel classes due to inclement weather or other circumstances beyond our control. In the event a class is canceled, you will receive a full refund.

Cancellations:

If you cancel your enrollment at least two weeks prior to the class start date, we will refund all payments, less your deposit. No refunds will be given for cancellations after the two-week deadline unless we can fill your space from the waiting list. If we cannot fill your space, we will issue you a certificate for the balance of your payment (less the deposit) good towards another Windy Ridge class.

Age:

Windy Ridge Classes are designed for students age 18 and older.

Pets:

Please leave your pets at home, leaving you free to concentrate on your class.

Smoking:

Smoking is not permitted on Windy Ridge property.

Safety

Windy Ridge takes your safety seriously. Our classes are designed to teach safe and effective techniques and to develop cautious work habits. Woodworking, however, has certain inherent dangers. Ultimately, your safety is your own responsibility. Please do not perform any of the techniques you learn until you are certain they are right for you. If you are unsure of anything, please ask for help before putting yourself in jeopardy. With this in mind, Windy Ridge appreciates your compliance with the following safety rules:

An instructor must be present at all times when power tools are in use.

Students and instructors must wear safety glasses or goggles at all times when operating power tools. No exceptions! Prescription eyeglasses are acceptable though Windy Ridge encourages students to wear goggles over them.

Students are strongly encouraged to wear hearing protection when working with or around power tools.

Safety guards must be used on all power tools whenever possible.

Loose clothing should not be worn around power tools.

Long hair must be tied back and preferably tucked into clothing.

Gloves must not be worn when operating power tools.

When in doubt about how to use a tool or do anything in the shop, ASK! That’s what we’re here for.

All in all, please use the safest possible method for achieving the desired outcome.

These rules will be reviewed before each class, and specific safety issues dealt with as part of the class curriculum. Prior to the start of class, each student will be asked to sign documents acknowledging the risks involved with working with wood.

These measures are enforced to ensure that you and your fellow students have a safe environment in which to learn. Please be mindful and aware of safety whenever you are working with wood.
Thank you