[Reuben Hoff III]

I noticed that next year I have to take a recertifacation class for Avonite. I was curious if this is common for all other solid Surface manufactures. In that then I was wondering if it would be better to go to their advanced class or go to ISSF’s class? Did not know who might have been to or sent people to both.

Reuben

[Shane Barker]

Reuben,

I did my last Avonite recert class a few years ago. It was pretty painless and it was free as compared to the ISSFA class, however you would probably get more from the ISSFA class. Corian did a recert about four years ago for us and none of the other manufacturers have ever done any. I think it is good to further your education as much as you can but it can get pretty pricy when you have to fly somewhere and pay hundreds of dollars to take a class. I have heard good things about the Avonite advanced class but I have never taken it.

Shane

[Norm Walters]

I went to the ITEC class at ISSFA and recently inquired about fabricating Avonite. The Avonite rep (Chris) told me that I need to take one of their classes to fabricate the polyesters.

[Sid Baldwin]

It was tough finding the time, not to mention the lost work during the week it took, but the Avonite class was worth it. They feed you really well at lunch, really well and will pick you up at your motel if you don’t want to rent a car. Very nice facility, cnc on site, large shop with plent of benches and you get to tour the factory where they make the poly’s. Well worth your time if you intend to use the polyesters. After they trained me, the recerts were taken care of by my distributor.

[Andy Graves]

Try the Avonite class because of the use of their Polyester materials. Plus the plant tour would be great. I think it is much cheaper also.

[Christopher Hyatt]

Reuben,

The Avonite factory certification is a great class and I am sure you would benefit greatly from it. It takes place at the factory in Belen, NM and covers 3 days of hands on training. It is one of the most comprehensive programs in the industry. You will actually make a vanity top that will get shipped back for your own use. The current cost for the class is $400. They have a great rate at an airport (ABQ) hotel and they do handle the daily transporation to the class (about 35 minutes away). So you are out airfare, hotel, class cost, and time away. They have a casino close by so you may even win all that back if you are lucky.

The classes take place monthly except for December, I don’t have next years schedule yet but just contact me if you have questions or more information.

The other option is attending a 1 day course in conjuction with your local distributor. While it is not hands on and is much shorter it will get you the certification that you need. We (Tech Products) have these classes 2-3 times a year in Florida. The cost for this class is usually around $100 for the day.

Take care,

Chris Hyatt

[Andy Graves]

Thanks for the info Chris. The list of classes is HERE.

I have also added the class schedule from Pinske-Edge. Tom Pinske puts on a class every month and he also has a full line of tools that can be purchased at the class for 10% off.

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