The Early Years

I started my woodworking journey back in high school 40 years ago. Back when schools offered different shops for electives. You had a choice of Auto Shop, Metal Shop and of course, Wood Shop. For me it was an obvious choice. I always had an interest in creating things, and loved being outdoors. Especially out amongst the trees and forest. I was lucky enough to have a great shop teacher who inspired and encouraged me to always be creative. It was then that I went from making the standard projects like a step stool, or a gavel, to designing and building tables or other large pieces. In my senior year, for the final you needed to design and build a larger piece. That was a double drop leaf tea cart made from solid Mahogany, which is still in the family today.

After High School

It was during this time that I knew that I wanted to continue my woodworking interest. Now out of school, I needed to start to build my shop on a very limited budget. I again was lucky enough to have a friend whos’ father also enjoyed woodworking and was upgrading his shop. He had a complete line of Shopsmith machines and offered to sell them to me at a price that was below my budget. I jumped at the chance and suddenly had a shop of my own. I could now design and create pieces for friends and family. I used these machines until they gave up the ghost. First was the planer, and then the heart of the shop, the table saw. Which, on a Shopsmith was also the lathe, sander and bandsaw. It had served me well and made hundreds of different items. From small pens and bottle stoppers all the way up to a larger Redwood arched bridge that spanned a Koi Pond. Once again I was in need of some good woodworking tools. I went out and bought a Delta 10” Unisaw. This was a big upgrade in both cutting surface and power. It opened the door to working with larger stock and even bigger designs and capabilities. I still have that very saw today as well as the tiny 4” Shopsmith jointer.

Woodworking: Combining Craftsmanship and Creativity

Woodworking is an age-old craft that continues to captivate individuals with its charm, allowing them to create functional and artistic pieces from a simple piece of wood. It embodies a unique blend of craftsmanship, creativity, and skill, appealing to both amateurs and seasoned professionals. When I design my pieces I let the wood be the true designer. I am merely the one who helps to highlight and unlock the natural beauty from within the wood. I like the wood to tell the story, to spark a memory of a special time or event. Wood has that special ability to bring warmth to any room or location. It invites touch, invokes a calmness and can hold a loving endearment that lasts for centuries.

A World of Possibilities

Woodworking offers limitless possibilities for those who dare to explore its vast realm. From functional furniture pieces such as chairs, tables, and cabinets to decorative items like intricate carved panels and ornamental boxes, woodworking merges utility with aesthetic appeal. Custom-made woodworking projects can enhance any space, adding a touch of elegance and uniqueness. Do you have a special piece of wood from a family farm, or homestead? Are you looking to have something made from it but can’t decide where to turn? Let’s get together and see what the possibilities are and create a heirloom piece that can remain in the family for generations to come.

The Joy of Creation

For me, woodworking is not merely a means to an end; it is a journey of self-expression and personal fulfillment. As a woodworker, I work with my clients to hear their vision and bring that idea to life. It is then when a profound sense of accomplishment washes over me. It is in these moments that we witness the transformation of raw materials into objects of beauty, functionality, and valuable lasting memories.