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The Handson Woodworker
Contribunting writer, Leah Morgan
Jay Helland has been teaching the art of woodworking for over 17 years. His first two were spent at Fort Osage High School, and the last 15 were at Lee’s Summit High School. Because of this passion, Jay has launched a ‘concept business’ that will be catering to those who share his passion and those who wish to learn. His business will be called The Hands-On Woodworker (HOW).
A concept business is one that is in the works, but is not yet ready for business. In order to find out what his ptential market for this project would be, Jay and his business partner Bob Burns are asking anyone with a passion for wood working, or the desire to learn this craft, to go to their web site and fill out an interest survey. By learning all that they can about the potential market for their business, they can move forward to finding a location in the Lee’s Summit area.
Jay says, “It’s everyone’s dream to turn their hobby or passion into our job. If you can accomplish that, it’s a neat way to live your life.”
Jay envisions a large shop with state of the art industrial grade equipment for his members. Not only will the shop provide the space for large and small projects alike, it will be a place for those who love woodworking to share their passion.
Not only will the shop offer classes for those wishing to learn, but also space for both novice and seasoned woodworkers to hone their craft. His main demographic will be retirees. The concept of the business will be membership based. Members will be able to pay monthly for access to the shop and equipment, or hourly, depending on their needs. Jay detail some of the course they would like to offer.
“We will offer courses in how to tune and use hand planes, cutting hand-cut dovetails, turning pens and pencils, segmented bowl making, basic spindle turning, woodworking joinery, intarsia, and basic design principles. Some of the classes will be project oriented, others will be process oriented, and some will be related to specific elements associated with furniture and cabinetmaking.”
All members will be required to participate in a training course to use all of the equipment. As Jay says, “Safety is paramount.”
If you have an interest in woodworking, please visit Jay’s web site and complete the survey. Once they have enough responses, they will be able to move forward with their plans, and bring this unique business to the Lee’s Summit area. The survey can be completed at www.thehandsonwoodworker.com or call Jay at 816-525-7193.
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