What exactly does a woodwright do?
Woodwright is an interesting word, in that it may not be possible! “Wright” means maker, so a wheelwright made wheels, a shipwright made ships, a cartwright made carts, but how do you make wood — trees do that! Still woodwright is a name for someone who makes things out of wood, not someone who makes wood.
How long have you been working with wood?
I have been working wood since I was very young. I still have a little woodworking plane (a wood smoothing tool) that I bought when I was 12.
When and why did you first become interested in woodworking?
I have always enjoyed working with wood, and the library had lots of wonderful books for kids on how to make things. It was the most fun to read and then work. It was like making imagination come true.
I understand you prefer using traditional hand tools instead of many of the modern day power tools. Why?
I think the old hand tools are better for the planet. They are powered by the food that I eat. Since plants grow in the sun, it makes my work solar powered.
Do you have a favorite toy or wooden item that you like to make? What is it and why is it your favorite?
I like making new things all the time, but when I teach, I get to see other people make things for the first time, and then it is just as new and exciting for me. So, my favorites are always the next, new thing.
What does it take to become a woodworker?
It takes practice! Good tools help, good teachers help, but the way to be a woodworker is to work wood. Start making things and keep going!
What is a typical day like in your workshop?
Every day is different, but the end of theday must always be cleaning up. The shavings of wood left at the end of the day can catch fire very easily and can be very dangerous and destructive. Always clean up and get ready for the next day.
What are some challenges many woodworkers face?
Getting good wood is always the biggest challenge. With good wood that lends itself to the thing that you want to make, you can make anything. If the wood is not well suited to your needs (too many knots, not strong enough), then it is 
very hard.
What do you love most about woodworking?
I like the way working with wood is so much fun for everyone. I think every person has great woodworkers in their family heritage, and they reconnect with that every time they make something new. Everyone enjoys it, and I like that!
Do you have any interesting woodrelated facts you can share with our readers?
You can take a piece of wood from the red oak tree, stick one end in water, blow on the other end and make bubbles come up! The wood is porous — so don’t build boats with red oak!
What is your favorite thing to do when you are not working with wood?
I like to read and watch nature. I live in an old mill that needs a lot of repair, however, so I am almost always working with wood. It’s a good thing that I enjoy it.
