Many of you have been with us since our 2006 beginnings. You’ve seen me evolve from a fresh-faced youth to a salt & pepper father of one (and one on the way) with a few more stress lines in his face than before. You’ve seen me move my shop no less than three times and you gave me your full support when I authored my first book nearly two years ago. We’ve been through a lot together! I’m sure you’ve also seen how the videos have changed over time. The original long-form detailed videos have become the stuff of The Wood Whisperer Guild and the free site gets much faster-paced project videos at a lower rate than in the past. While I’m doing my best to remedy the obvious LACK of video content on the free site (only so much I can do at this point), I am in complete control over the quality and composition of the videos I DO have time to release. Which brings me to the primary point of this long-winded post: I’m excited about the next project!

I have some spare time before the next Guild project in May and I’m trying to get some honey-do items off my list. Nicole and I have been without bathroom mirrors for a few months now and it’s time to design, build, and install two custom mirrors. I guess a mirror frame might not be all that exciting but what I’m particularly stoked about is my confident return to detailed videography. Over the last few years, the trend in online woodworking videos has moved toward pandering to the lowest common denominator in hopes of higher numbers and viral sharing. To clarify, I don’t mean “lowest common denominator” in a derogatory sense. I mean it quite literally as the largest group of people who might have an interest in watching a project go together. Much respect to the folks that enjoy that work and succeed at it, but if I’m being honest with myself, it’s just not the kind of content I want to produce.

So while the free site videos will always feature a faster pace and a little more aggressive editing than Guild videos, I will no longer give in to the temptation to simply run the video at 10x speed and call it done. I won’t be skipping important details because I think I’ll lose viewers. Instead, I’m going to show my bathroom and how I decided on the sizing of the mirror. I’ll show how I make the templates and sketch out the full-scale drawing. And then we’ll actually make the thing and install it. Will it be a 10 minute video or a 30 minute video? Who knows! It’s done when it’s done and it will take as long as it takes.

I don’t really read YouTube comments anymore so I won’t be there to hear people yell at me because the video is too long or because I talk too much or any other such drivel. In the mean time, I hope the folks who have come to expect high quality and detailed instruction will be happy with what I continue to produce here at TheWoodWhisperer.com. Those people are my primary audience and those are the people I hope to please with my content, even if it means accepting lower overall numbers and less exposure for my work. If non-woodworkers, armchair woodworkers, DIY’ers, makers, weekend warriors, or anyone else who discovers us on the internet happens to find the information useful or entertaining, then that’s just gravy. As always, all are welcome!

As one of the first online woodworking video producers, I’ve been part of this ever-growing and evolving online woodworking community for nearly a decade. As I watch shows come and go, it becomes something of a challenge to know which trends to follow and which ones to buck. I have been soul-searching and flip-flopping on this issue for a couple years now and it has become crystal clear to me that this is where I want to be and this is the kind of content that’s in my heart and mind. It’s really a matter of coming to terms with my place in this ecosystem and not being distracted or swept into the prevailing current. But I must tell you as a video producer with a mind for marketing, it’s no small feat to ignore the trends that would guarantee me more viewers and ultimately more money. But I’m in this for the long haul and I want to be a part of your woodworking journey for years to come. The only way I know to do that is to show you everything I know while providing opportunities for us to learn from one another.

So I hope this post puts a smile on your face and you’re looking forward to this return to old form. There will still be plenty of room for classic TWW nonsense too but we’ll no longer skimp on the important details that help make you a better informed woodworker. Let’s get it on!

The post Let’s Slow Down, Shall We? appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.

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Every few weeks, the idea that woodworking is a dying art form is discussed in a blog post, podcast, or forum. I think most people would disagree with that statement today, and I would tend to as well. But what about woodturning? Although it may not be as popular as general woodworking, turning appears to be growing in popularity and seems to be more appealing to a younger generation.

I recently met a young wood turner, Jake Guy, who is producing and selling absolutely stunning work made by hand on a lathe.  When I found out he is 14, I was absolutely blown away! I wanted to learn more about how he got his start in wood turning, so I decided to interview him.

Motivation and support are two key ingredients to success, and when you add talent and dedication it’s obvious why Jake has become a very proficient wood turner in only 2 years. Jake covers the motivation, talent, and dedication parts himself, and his parents provide the necessary support to allow him to excel. Jake’s parents, Theresa and David, have helped pave the way by supporting his interests and passing on a little business knowledge as well, and Jake’s determination and craftsmanship fuel the fire.

This interview is proof positive that age has nothing to do with being passionate about your craft, or the ability to give great tips and advice!I hope you enjoy learning more about Jake and his his work, I think you’ll find this interview to be very interesting and insightful.  His interview skills are excellent! 

Enjoy the interview…

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How and when did you get started in woodworking/turning?

I have been doing this exciting hobby since I was 12. I found that I was interested when I was at a book sale. I picked up a book titled Turning Pens by Barry Gross. I pondered a moment, wondering if I could actually make something like this. I came home to research all was involved, expenses, etc. I was so fascinated that I asked my dad about getting a lathe. He eventually said yes, and I saved my money and bought one.

What do you enjoy most about woodturning?

I enjoy being able to take an unpretentious block of wood, turn it on my lathe, finish it with patience, and admire the color and grain of the finished product. It’s nice when other people can see the artistry and uniqueness represented in the piece and appreciate it as well!

What types of projects do you like to to make the most?

I primarily like turning pens, single-barreled pens, to be precise. But I also enjoy making the occasional bowl.

What tips would you give beginners who are just starting out?

Making mistakes is one of the biggest parts to turning when you’re just starting. As one of my woodturning friends, Richard Pulaski, said, “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not doing much”. Finding a local woodturning group can be extremely helpful. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I am doing today if it wasn’t for them.

What part of turning do you find the most challenging?

On larger projects such as bowls, I find sanding to be the most difficult. On smaller projects like pens, it is preparing the blank, cutting, drilling, and glueing, because I find it the most time-consuming part of the process. And because I am really anxious to get it on the lathe and turn it.

Where do you get inspiration or design ideas for your work?

I get most of my inspiration from an amazing friend Dennis Ford. He has taught me a lot about woodturning. He has inspired me to try all sorts of shapes on a bowl such as a hollow form bowl, which I just turned a week ago. I also enjoy seeing what woodturners all over the world are creating through their photos on social media.

How long have you been selling your work, and how did you get started selling your work?

A year ago I started selling pens to friends and family that wanted to support my new venture. After I became more proficient, I started selling online. This past fall and during the holidays, I began selling my work at a local festival and a couple of different craft shows.

Do you have any tips for people who are thinking about selling their work?

Focus on making the best product possible, and keep investing until you have the money to upgrade your equipment to make better products.

If you want to sell online, good photography is a very crucial part. Most people will judge the product by how it looks in a well-lit and composed photo.

Also, having a well-designed website is another huge part of online sales. Having a clean, easy-to-navigate site goes a long way to getting the sales you desire. Advertising online can sometimes be difficult, and that’s where social media really plays a starring role. Having a Facebook page for your business is a great idea.

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I really enjoyed getting to know Jake through this interview, and I hope you did too. This is the next generation of woodturning, and it would appear that the craft is alive and well!  I personally believe that as long as we all share the passion we have for our craft, it will never die out. In fact, it will only improve!

If you would like to learn more about Jake and see more of his excellent work, head on over to his website or find him on Facebook. I want to thank Jake, Theresa and David for taking the time to do this interview with me.

The post Is Wood Turning A Dying Art Form? Not According to Jake! appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.

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Every few weeks, the idea that woodworking is a dying art form is discussed in a blog post, podcast, or forum. I think most people would disagree with that statement today, and I would tend to as well. But what about woodturning? Although it may not be as popular as general woodworking, turning appears to be growing in popularity and seems to be more appealing to a younger generation.

I recently met a young wood turner, Jake Guy, who is producing and selling absolutely stunning work made by hand on a lathe.  When I found out he is 14, I was absolutely blown away! I wanted to learn more about how he got his start in wood turning, so I decided to interview him.

Motivation and support are two key ingredients to success, and when you add talent and dedication it’s obvious why Jake has become a very proficient wood turner in only 2 years. Jake covers the motivation, talent, and dedication parts himself, and his parents provide the necessary support to allow him to excel. Jake’s parents, Theresa and David, have helped pave the way by supporting his interests and passing on a little business knowledge as well, and Jake’s determination and craftsmanship fuel the fire.

This interview is proof positive that age has nothing to do with being passionate about your craft, or the ability to give great tips and advice!I hope you enjoy learning more about Jake and his his work, I think you’ll find this interview to be very interesting and insightful.  His interview skills are excellent! 

Enjoy the interview…

---

How and when did you get started in woodworking/turning?

I have been doing this exciting hobby since I was 12. I found that I was interested when I was at a book sale. I picked up a book titled Turning Pens by Barry Gross. I pondered a moment, wondering if I could actually make something like this. I came home to research all was involved, expenses, etc. I was so fascinated that I asked my dad about getting a lathe. He eventually said yes, and I saved my money and bought one.

What do you enjoy most about woodturning?

I enjoy being able to take an unpretentious block of wood, turn it on my lathe, finish it with patience, and admire the color and grain of the finished product. It’s nice when other people can see the artistry and uniqueness represented in the piece and appreciate it as well!

What types of projects do you like to to make the most?

I primarily like turning pens, single-barreled pens, to be precise. But I also enjoy making the occasional bowl.

What tips would you give beginners who are just starting out?

Making mistakes is one of the biggest parts to turning when you’re just starting. As one of my woodturning friends, Richard Pulaski, said, “If you’re not making mistakes, you’re not doing much”. Finding a local woodturning group can be extremely helpful. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I am doing today if it wasn’t for them.

What part of turning do you find the most challenging?

On larger projects such as bowls, I find sanding to be the most difficult. On smaller projects like pens, it is preparing the blank, cutting, drilling, and glueing, because I find it the most time-consuming part of the process. And because I am really anxious to get it on the lathe and turn it.

Where do you get inspiration or design ideas for your work?

I get most of my inspiration from an amazing friend Dennis Ford. He has taught me a lot about woodturning. He has inspired me to try all sorts of shapes on a bowl such as a hollow form bowl, which I just turned a week ago. I also enjoy seeing what woodturners all over the world are creating through their photos on social media.

How long have you been selling your work, and how did you get started selling your work?

A year ago I started selling pens to friends and family that wanted to support my new venture. After I became more proficient, I started selling online. This past fall and during the holidays, I began selling my work at a local festival and a couple of different craft shows.

Do you have any tips for people who are thinking about selling their work?

Focus on making the best product possible, and keep investing until you have the money to upgrade your equipment to make better products.

If you want to sell online, good photography is a very crucial part. Most people will judge the product by how it looks in a well-lit and composed photo.

Also, having a well-designed website is another huge part of online sales. Having a clean, easy-to-navigate site goes a long way to getting the sales you desire. Advertising online can sometimes be difficult, and that’s where social media really plays a starring role. Having a Facebook page for your business is a great idea.

---

I really enjoyed getting to know Jake through this interview, and I hope you did too. This is the next generation of woodturning, and it would appear that the craft is alive and well!  I personally believe that as long as we all share the passion we have for our craft, it will never die out. In fact, it will only improve!

If you would like to learn more about Jake and see more of his excellent work, head on over to his website or find him on Facebook. I want to thank Jake, Theresa and David for taking the time to do this interview with me.

The post Is Wood Turning A Dying Art Form? Not According to Jake! appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.

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