From Childhood Fascination to Small Business: My Journey

Early Life and Inspiration

My childhood was characterized by a connection to nature, which would later fuel my passion for woodworking and craftsmanship. Growing up, my family embarked on an annual camping vacation that served as a canvas for creativity and connection with the environment. These trips were often filled with adventure and exploration. It was not uncommon for my father to start carving around the campfire. At some point I acquired a simple pocket knife would start whittling as well.

At home, my father exemplified the versatility of a jack of all trades. His ability to tackle various home improvement tasks—whether it was finish carpentry, cabinet making, electrical, or plumbing—left a lasting impression on me. I was frequently the little helper on these projects and it reinforced the belief that your ability to learn new skills is only limited by your desire or need. This is where I first started to get exposed to the beauty of Oak, Maple, and Cherry.

The Spark of Creation: Teenage Ventures in Woodworking

During my teenage years, I was fortunate to have several opportunities to work on small projects that reinforced my curiosity and enjoyment of crafting something out of wood. One of the first things I made was a wood train. This might have been in wood shop or perhaps the Boy Scouts, I don't remember at this point. I remember I chose to do something different and use a "good" wood, Cherry, as an accent to the pine.

The big leap into the creative mindset was when my parents let me enroll in an adult continuing education woodcarving class. We were given a rough blank of a rooster that we hand carved over the next several weeks. Seeing the shape and details evolve using nothing but my imagination was so rewarding. The final steps was determining what base colors to use and ultimately the "ageing" effect.

The final eye opening experience was a part time job that I got at a veneer supplier. I would work in the warehouse creating sample packs, performing inventory, and unpacking deliveries. It was here that I first learned about all the exotic woods from around the world as well as the world of Marquetry. Oh the possibilities!

Building a Home: The Fixer-Upper Years

Fast forward many, many, many years and I'm now married and own a fixer-upper house. The initial excitement of owning a house quickly evolved into a robust learning experience filled with challenges. Our home needed extensive renovations, requiring both creativity and a willingness to learn new skills.

As I navigated the world of home improvement, I found that my basic skills in finished carpentry were only the beginning. Each task presented a new challenge, be it installing shelves, creating storage solutions, or even tackling the intricate work of molding. The paramount lesson during these years was that mistakes were an integral part of the process. Whether I miscalculated measurements or chose inappropriate materials, every error provided an opportunity to learn and grow. This trial-and-error approach resulted in a rewarding evolution in my crafting abilities.

During this time I took some attempts at furniture making. At this time the only power tools I had were a job site table saw, jig saw, benchtop drill press, and a benchtop planer. The first big project that pushed my well out of my comfort zone was building a crib for my second child. Of course I didn't hold back and chose to make it out of Maple. That is a recurring theme to how I approach new projects, jump right in and use high quality materials even though I'd probably be better off learning with cheaper materials. A few years later, I took on the challenge of constructing a murphy bed for our third child who had now grown out of the previously mentioned crib. These projects are a perfect example of making due with what you have. It undoubtedly took me longer make the crib and murphy bed due to the tools available to me but there is an immense sense of pride and satisfaction that comes out of making something personal for loved ones.

A New Chapter: Discovering the Shopsmith

Jumping forward several more years I had the good fortune to acquire a Shopsmith. A co-worker at the time had a family member looking to offload an old Shopsmith that had been sitting unused in a barn for several years. I had never heard of this tool. After doing some research I jumped at the chance to get it.

The restoration process was an intricate endeavor that required patience and ingenuity. I spent countless hours dismantling the machine, cleaning its components, and researching its unique mechanics online. Each step of the restoration revealed new challenges, each requiring creative problem-solving and a deeper understanding of the machine's capabilities. With persistence, I finally coaxed the Shopsmith back to life, and the moment it roared to life was exhilarating.

Why was this acquisition a game changer? The versatility of the Shopsmith is perfectly suited for my small shop. In one tool I have a table saw, circular saw, belt sander, disc sander, jointer, drill press, bandsaw and lathe. With this revitalized tool, my woodworking capabilities expanded. This journey has been transformative, as each project undertaken with the Shopsmith has become a chapter in my life, portraying my evolution as a craftsman. Reflecting on these experiences, it is evident that my relationship with woodworking has matured, marking a continuous journey of exploration. Up to this point the vast majority of what I make has been used as gifts to friends and family. Starting this year I'm looking to change that.