I want to “Thank You” for selecting me to be a Featured Member out of the 2000+ members. 

I’ve been working with tools since I was 15, but never took a serious interest in woodworking until it became a necessity. I guess it all started around 1998 when woodworking became a necessity to build a few things around the house and to do some repairs.  So, I suppose I got started just like everyone else. 

Little did I know that when I first started not only did I enjoy it but would come to find out that I was quite good at it.  From there…I was hooked!!  Over the next several years I developed my flatwork skills and increased my tool collection and only considered turning to accent my projects like spindles, finial, etc.  After all, a lathe was just another tool I didn’t already have. 

About 3 years ago, I bought a Grizzly lathe.  I didn’t turn very much just a few odds ‘n ends here and there.  Until, our very own Chuck Beland sent me some DVDs and got me hooked on turning.  I started with turning pens and within two months I was making 15 pen & pencil sets and a dozen bottle stoppers for Christmas gifts – I officially entered “the vortex”. 

The following spring and summer, I wanted to turn as much as possible to hone my skills which meant I acquired more tools.  Eventually in the fall, I upgraded my lathe to a Jet 1642. 

I honestly know this forum has helped me become a better turner.  I have no formal training, I’m self-taught.  I enjoy learning at my own pace with a few books, DVDs and the help from this forum.   

I still consider myself a beginner.  I’ll try anything once.   I also like to try to integrate my flatwork skills into my turnings when I can. 

This year I am improving my skills and building up my inventory and I hope to have a website up and running in 2011.  None of this would be possible without the love and support of my fiancée Laurie (who will be attending the Wood Show on her birthday).

I could go on and on about how much I enjoy working with wood.  With each piece having it’s own unique color, aroma, texture and so on…I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon!

Thanks for taking the time to enter my corner of the vortex (do vortices have corners?)