Practical Woodworking

For those who have taken a class with me or sought my opinion on various woodworking techniques, you likely know that I have strong opinions. Some might even label me a bit of a woodworking snob. I used to worry about this reputation, but after teaching over a hundred individuals how to navigate woodworking, I’ve realized that my perspective is exactly what they are paying for—my honest opinion. They can choose to embrace it or disregard it.

So, where does this viewpoint come from? I have spent the last 25 years learning woodworking from professionals who make a living building furniture. As one of my mentors once said, “I earn my income by producing furniture, not by sharpening tools or experimenting with gimmicky techniques. Therefore, I strive to minimize the time spent on those activities and focus on methods that make efficient use of my time.”

I enjoy watching many woodworkers on YouTube, and I do learn from a variety of content creators. However, I feel that many of them excel as content creators rather than as true woodworking educators. They often produce videos that attract clicks, showcasing new tools or measuring gadgets. New woodworkers should be cautious about the allure of these gadgets and quick-fix processes.

Woodworking has a rich history, and while advancements are made every day, not all of them are beneficial. This is why it’s essential to grasp the fundamentals of woodworking and understand the intent behind each process, allowing you to evaluate whether a new tool or technique is genuinely worthwhile.

Alton Brown, from his show Good Eats, famously criticized “uni-taskers”—tools designed for a single purpose. While there are times when such tools can be useful, more often than not, they take up space and are used only once a year for tasks that other tools can perform just as well. They may look appealing and be fun to purchase (trust me, I’ve indulged in my fair share), but these days, I prioritize practicality over impressiveness. That said, I’m open to trying something new if it truly addresses a problem for me. For instance, integrating a CO2 laser into my woodworking has proven to be a valuable addition, solving many issues in my process. (But that’s a story for another time.)

In my classes, I often describe myself as practical, lazy, or even cheap—whatever label you choose. What truly matters to me is mastering the fundamentals and discovering techniques that I can execute repeatedly and with ease. This approach not only enhances my skills as a woodworker but also allows me to share my insights, even if I come across as opinionated or curmudgeonly.