Krenov School awards scholarship

Benjamin Lindorfer of Inglenook, Calif., is the most recent recipient of a Krenov Foundation scholarship to the Krenov School in Fort Bragg, funded by Woodcraft Supply.

Lindorfer, who worked in residential contracting after high school, sought professional training after working on a few cabinetry projects. He enrolled at the school last summer and built an entry table, desk and small bowls in his first semester.

“The Krenov School offered me the opportunity to better myself as a craftsperson, not only in joinery, but in how I approach woodworking. I was surprised and elated to receive the Woodcraft scholarship from the Krenov Foundation,” says Lindorfer.

“My former boss, David Lorber, was inspirational in my desire to pursue formal training with hand tools. On one of the last jobs of my employment with him, David arrived with his well-maintained and well-used hand tools, to rehabilitate mortise locks, wood sash windows, and built-in cabinets from the 1920’s. Using these tools, he was more proficient and had far superior results than what I have seen done with a router and jig. I wanted to cultivate in myself what I saw in him – the knowledge, confidence, and care so often lacking in residential construction today.”

Since 2014, the Krenov Foundation has awarded scholarships to students attending the school, founded in 1981 as part of Mendocino College by the late James Krenov. The school offers an intense fine woodworking and cabinetmaking program that focuses on teaching students to learn to use hand tools, design, and make projects on their own.

“Congratulations from Woodcraft to Ben Lindorfer as he pursues excellence in his fine woodworking skills,” company president and CEO Jack Bigger said in a statement. “It is encouraging to know that the Krenov staff offers a welcoming environment for learning this historic craft that is still relevant today.”

Lindorfer plans to pursue woodworking as a career.

“While in this program, I have had a chance to borrow and try many tools from classmates, and from the school. I am putting some of the scholarship money towards upgrading and expanding my tools. l would love to one day be self-employed. I like the prospect of working directly with a client to create a piece of furniture they will cherish. Right now, I am excited getting to know the woodworking community in Fort Bragg. There are many craftspeople on the Mendocino Coast I would be delighted to work for. I believe that the Krenov Program is preparing me for a future in woodworking,” he says.

For more, visit thekrenovfoundation.org and woodcraft.com.  

This article was originally published in the February 2023 issue.