• Home
  • Blog
    • Audio Podcast Archive
    • Joinery
    • News & Ramblings
    • Projects
    • Q & A
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools
  • Videos
  • Online Classes
    • Foundations of Traditional Woodworking
RegisterLogin
Bob Rozaieski Fine Woodworking
  • Home
  • Blog
    • Audio Podcast Archive
    • Joinery
    • News & Ramblings
    • Projects
    • Q & A
    • Shop Tips
    • Tools
  • Videos
  • Online Classes
    • Foundations of Traditional Woodworking

News & Ramblings

Hand Saw Foundations is Now “Pay What You Can”

  • Posted by Bob Rozaieski
  • Categories News & Ramblings, Projects
  • Date August 25, 2021
  • Comments 7 comments
Hand Saw Foundations Hancock Shaker Bench

I have just changed the format of my Hand Saw Foundations course from a fixed price to Pay What You Can. In essence, it is now completely free to enroll in the course, with the added option on the course page to offer a donation of any amount, if you are able and so inclined.

Hancock Shaker Bench
The final project of the course is this beautiful Shaker bench which was inspired by an original in the collection of the Hancock Shaker Village. This bench can basically be built with little more than layout tools and hand saws and I show you step-by-step how to build it as part of the course.

There is no obligation to donate in order to take the course. I realize that not everyone is in a position to do so. However, the course reflects about six months of work for me in planning, organizing, building, filming, editing, producing, uploading, hosting – you get the point. My hope is that by changing the course from a fixed price to donation based, more people can benefit from the months of work that I put into it and the hours of information that resulted from all of that work.

Perhaps a bit selfishly, using donations to track the usefulness, desirability, and perceived value of courses like this will also provide me with some feedback on my efforts. I had originally planned for Foundations of Traditional Woodworking to be a six course series. The return on my efforts for Hand Saw Foundations, though, was just short of abysmal in a fixed price format (the sales of the course did not break double digits – not even enough to cover the cost of the video hosting subscription). It was a bit disappointing after all of the work I had put into the project.

I do blame myself, of course. The performance of this first course is almost certainly due to my pitiful salesmanship and reluctance to “advertise”, and not the quality of the content itself. The reality is that I’m just not very good at promoting myself – it turns my stomach to do so. However, before I put in the years of effort that it will take to complete the six course series, I want to make sure that the time I will need to put in will be worth it. I’m hoping that making the courses donation based will add the additional value and allow me to reach more people. While deep down I know that my efforts are not wasted if I can help just one new woodworker, it’s hard to justify spending months to years on a project for it to only be seen by a handful of people.

So if you have been on the fence about enrolling in the Hand Saw Foundations course because of the cost, that barrier has now been removed. You can now sign up and take the course free of charge on the Hand Saw Foundations course page. If you are able and inclined to make a donation, I thank you in advance. If not, that’s OK too. I hope you find the course helpful to you all the same.

Share this:

  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)

Tag:Classes

author avatar
Bob Rozaieski

I'm a passionate woodworking enthusiast of over 30 years, with an interest in the methods of pre-industrial joiners and cabinetmakers. I'm a furniture maker, teacher, and author, and I share my thoughts and experiences with the goal of educating and inspiring others who are pursuing the craft of traditional woodworking. In addition to writing about and teaching traditional woodworking, I also build commission pieces for customers, and speak at woodworking shows and seminars.

Previous post

Making Kitchen Cabinets - The Pull Out Shelf
August 25, 2021

Next post

Shop Update, New Classes
January 5, 2022

    7 Comments

  1. John Morrison
    August 25, 2021
    Reply

    Class was spectacular – taught me to saw – for which i am forever grateful.
    Bob: I’d be very happy to pass a couple hundred $$ your way if that could help get the Hand Plane Foundations course out the door (Paypal or whatever you like). Cheers Bob

    • Bob Rozaieski
      August 25, 2021
      Reply

      Thank you for the amazingly generous offer, but no need. If the hand plane course happens, it will be set up differently.

      • John Morrison
        August 26, 2021
        Reply

        You’re more than welcome Bob. Offer still stands if you change your mind. Thanks

  2. John Morrison
    August 25, 2021
    Reply

    I’d also add that the bench I made from this course is gorgeous – as good as in Bob’s photo – though no doubt not as good when 6 inches away! THis design is very elegant and you will come to appreciate the quality of this design as you go through this course.
    I made mine with one 8ft long 1″x 10″ squared 4 sides piece of pine from a “big box store” – fits in the back of a small car – and a Ryoba saw (fastest and easiest way to get a quality saw). Skip the curves if you want: need a coping saw and sandpaper for cleanup after coping saw.
    Finish is boiled linseed oil – just need a place to put stool for drying if doing this in a cold/damp climate or wait for next warm spell – it does tend to give off odour for a week or so, which your spouse may complain about (mine did! But now she appreciates it).

    Quality of the course and all of Bob’s stuff is top notch – quality craftsmanship + quality teaching. And if you doubt online learning – don’t. It is no different than in person. Its all about whether or not the instructor has put thought and care into their planning of their instruction and Bob has done this in spades.

    If you don’t need this course – point other beginners at this – they’ll thank you and we’ll keep support going for Bob’s work. Thanks

  3. Kate@VanhaTaloSuomi
    August 26, 2021
    Reply

    Hello Bob,
    I only recently discovered and followed your blog, so I was unfamiliar with what you had put out prior to my follow. I recently signed up for an online woodworking course because I was truly interested in learning the fundamentals of woodworking and furthering my interest and skills.
    Your decision to offer your online course on a donation basis should open the door to an audience of enthusiasts – Good Luck!
    I happen to be one of those enthusiasts, and began viewing the video segments to determine if this course is truly for me. I got to Demystifying Saw tooth Geometry, Lesson 2.4 when all the video content ceased. There seems to be a glitch – I thought you should know.
    The ability to generate interest and awareness of your course would be extremely enhanced if and when you decide to promote through advertising.
    I personally do not own a workshop, or have a work space (yet) or know anyone who does woodworking, I’m simply a middle-aged lady living in a foreign country looking to enjoy a craft which has always impressed and excited me.
    Best of Luck!

    • Bob Rozaieski
      August 26, 2021
      Reply

      Thank you Kate! I hope you enjoy all of your classes!

      I looked at the videos and they all seem to work on my end, so it is possible that the glitch was only temporary, or possibly on your end. Please try again and see if you are able to view now. Thanks!

  4. vuddha
    October 30, 2021
    Reply

    Hello Bob,

    I recently discovered your podcast (i think it was via a Worth the Effort video). I’m thoroughly enjoying them and am almost through listening to the entire series (Episode 8 seems to be missing, btw).

    Because of your podcast, i discovered your blog and I’m really enjoying your written form of teaching woodworking. You clearly have a skill for it.

    I’ve been a YouTube subscriber for a while and seen some of your videos in the past, but to be honest, i haven’t really appreciated them until now. So I’m also working my way through your videos. I hope you will continue to make more.

    I’m really looking forward to your handsaw class.

    Thanks so much for your work. I really appreciate your teaching and passion for sharing knowledge. I’ll definitely be contributing some money towards the handsaw course, and all future courses.

    Thanks again!

Leave a Reply to John Morrison Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe!Get Notified Whenever We Publish New Content

Would you like to receive notifications when new content is added to the site? Just enter your email address below and click "Subscribe" to get on the notification list. Don't worry, we'll never share your email with anyone. It'll be our little secret!

Search

Categories

  • Audio
  • Joinery
  • News & Ramblings
  • Projects
  • Q & A
  • Shop Tips
  • Tools
  • Videos

Popular Classes

English Workbench

English Workbench

Free
Hand Saw Foundations

Hand Saw Foundations

Free
Porringer Top Tea Table

Porringer Top Tea Table

Free

About

  • About
  • Testimonials

Links

  • RSS Feed
  • YouTube

Information

  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy Policy

Support

  • Contact

Copyright © 2015-2022 Bob Rozaieski Fine Woodworking

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Login with your site account

Prove your humanity


Lost your password?

Not a member yet? Register now

Register a new account

Are you a member? Login now

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.