Vermont Instruments

The shop is the heart of the school. Ours is simple and flexible. It is not a production shop, but one that crafts one-of-a-kind instruments. Each of us has his or her own bench and tools, and easy access to the stationary tools and the few specialized tools that we use to do our work. We emphasize and rely on the skillful care, use, and sharpening of the common hand tools and small routers to keep ourselves flexible and ready for new work. We present a method of working that seeks to maximize innovation and distinction, not production runs. The one or two-person version of this shop fits easily into a garage, large bedroom, or basement. The finishing methods are non-toxic, and non-aromatic, and can be used without respirators, spray-equipment, or buffing wheels. We would like graduates to be able to continue their own creative work as soon as possible without the need for a large investment in expensive tools and equipment, or building lots of jigs. The shop is open everyday from 8am to 10pm. The typical day will begin with a lecture/demonstration, and Q&A about the day's tasks, followed by everyone completing those tasks on their own instruments under supervision. We follow a strict schedule to get us finished and strung-up on time.