Woodshop Mike – Connecting the SOLIDWORKS Community of Students, Designers and Makers

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At SOLIDWORKS, we always talk about our community made up of designers, engineers and manufacturers that create fantastic products everyday.  Our community is made up of educators that inspire students at all grade levels. We also have talented makers that share with us their amazing designs in wood, furniture, fashion and more.

Last month, my colleague, Sarah Kouyoumdjian was at SkillsUSA National Competition. SkillsUSA is the #1 workforce development organization for students. They empower students to become skilled professionals, career-ready leaders and responsible community members that SOLIDWORKS has supported for 20 years.

At SkillsUSA Competition, Mike Poorman, long time SOLIDWORKS user and creator of Woodshop Mike introduced himself to our EDU team. After a few interviews, I am fortunate to connect the SOLIDWORKS community to Mike.

After college, Mike was hired by a company that used SOLIDWORKS.  He learned on his own and expanded his knowledge across a variety of industries.  But Mike had a dream. He decided to make his own path that would take him in two related directions. Mike is the content creator behind Woodshop Mike. 

Woodshop Mike is an information rich blog of all things woodworking with a vision to provide readers with an honest and transparent source for Shop Projects, Furniture, Home DIY, and Tool Reviews.  Mike and his wife, Kathleen, direct readers to gain from their experiences and be inspired by their energetic approach that’s safety driven, light-hearted, and succinct.

Kathleen is a home school teacher and many projects come from teaching kids and updating their home. SOLIDWORKS is an integral part of the build plans and instructions – all for free on their site.

Mike’s passion for guitar making is evident in his company, MPGuitarCompany.  When Mike couldn’t find a guitar that fit what he wanted back in high school, he decided to learn how to build one instead. Mike apprenticed with a luthier for 2 years, learning the tricks of the trade first-hand from a master. Since then, he’s built numerous guitars for clients and showcases them on the wall in his office.

If you love DIY wood projects as much as I do, subscribe to Woodshop Mike to learn great tips and ideas. I learned a great deal from Mike when it comes to using SOLIDWORKS configurations in managing different steps along the guitar making process.

Students use SOLIDWORKS in school.  But for home school learning, parents with a learning plan, can get SOLIDWORKS Student software here.

For makers and DIY’ers, try out SOLIDWORKS for Makers here. This is the same software used by our commercial clients – just for your own use.

Students, Mike didn’t make the varsity soccer team in high school, but he took that experience and followed his dream to become a master woodworker and custom guitar creator. Now Mike gives back to thousands in our SOLIDWORKS community. You will be hearing more about Woodshop Mike!

Design well, Marie

 

Marie Planchard

Marie Planchard

Senior Director, Early Engagement, 3DEXPERIENCE Works at Dassault Systemes
Marie Planchard is an education and engineering advocate. As Senior Director of Education & Early Engagement, SOLIDWORKS, she is responsible for global development of content and social outreach across all levels of learning.
Marie Planchard

@marieplanchard1