I grew up around a variety of tools ranging from mechanic's tools (Great Uncle) to basic woodworking (Father and Grandfather). They had me using tools as soon as I was big enough to pick up whatever it was. Nobody was building furniture by a long shot, just simple carpentry and such. But it was good exposure to different stuff. My Grandfather had a complete darkroom and he taught me to print and develop photos.
It wasn't until ninth grade that I had any formal training. Wood shop was offered and I jumped at it. While I had been around tools all my life, it was nothing like what we had in the school shop. I made some basic stuff like a table lamp and a speaker enclosure. We also did one turned project; I made a nut bowl from walnut. That was the only year shop was offered, but I enjoyed it while it lasted.
After that, I didn't do much of anything until I was out on my own, married and doing maintenance around the house. Even then, it was just basic carpentry -- never thought about building furniture. Actually, I suppose I thought making 'real furniture' was way beyond my capabilities.
When kids came along, I built some of the typical things. Rocking horses, little stools, etc. I had started acquiring more tools, but nothing major. When my Father died in 1984, I inherited all of his tools, which included a ShopSmith, an RAS and a truckload of other items. With better tools, I began to try more advanced pieces, but time was limited due to job responsibilities and three children at home.
I didn't really start doing anything worthwhile until about 1998 when we moved to Florida. I bought my first real tablesaw -- a Craftsman contractor saw that I used until a little over a year ago when I replaced it with a Jet cabinet saw. I think it was 2000 when I built what I'd call my first piece of real furniture, a cherry and walnut cabinet my wife wanted as an end table. After proving to myself I actually could design and build some fairly nice pieces, I studied drawings and read a lot on design and construction procedures.
There were some patient woodworking co-workers at the technology company where I worked who would spend time with me at lunch and on breaks feeding me knowledge. Many times, I'd bounce design questions off of them -- they were very helpful. Then, September 11, 2001 hit all of us.
I went through the end of 2001 and half of 2002 unable to find a suitable position in my field. The time off gave me a lot of opportunity for more self-teaching on woodworking projects. Not having any luck finding work, I started looking at openings in cabinet shops. Most of the shop positions were entry-level -- sweeping floors, etc. I finally saw a posting for a job paying what I felt was a lot more reasonable than entry-level (still, it was less than a third what I had been earning). I got the job.
Going from working by myself in my garage to working around 45 professionals was nerve-wracking. The first day, I was handed a cutlist and shown the basics on and Altendorf slider (I quickly fell in love with that machine!). From June, 2002 until April, 2004 I worked in two cabinet shops and became one of the best producers. In fact, after less than five months at the first shop, the job of lead builder on master suite furniture for a yacht fell in my lap -- we got the job done.
For the past year, I've honed my skills even more. Deciding to officially 'retire' last year at age 60 was a bit unnerving, but LOML and I had things pretty well setup anyway, so I took the plunge. I've made an effort to meet more of the advanced woodworkers in the area to draw on their knowledge. Networking with these folks and joining a woodworking club has been a great help in deciding what types of projects to pursue for potential sale.
I still haven't sold anything I've built, but so far it hasn't mattered. My wife still works full time and probably will for a few more years -- she'd go crazy for sure being around me all the time! I'm sure sales of some pieces will some in time. My main effort now is building a portfolio and completing more 'commissions' for LOML.
Well, thanks for your time. Let's go build something now!!!
[SIGPIC][/SIGPIC] Bill Arnold
NRA Life Member
Member of Mensa
Live every day like it's your last, but don't forget to stop and smell the roses.