The Rhythm of a Woodworker’s Life
As the first rays of sun poke through the windows of my workshop, I can’t help but feel a jolt of excitement. This is the moment I’ve been waiting for – the start of another day as a furniture craftsman. It’s a life filled with the rhythmic hum of machines, the earthy scent of freshly sanded wood, and the satisfaction of turning raw materials into stunning, functional pieces.
But my day doesn’t begin in the workshop. No, it starts much earlier, with a quiet moment of reflection. Around 5:30 a.m., my alarm clock gently rouses me from sleep. I make a beeline for my Bible, eager to spend a few minutes in prayer and contemplation. This sacred time is crucial in centering me, as I ask for guidance and inspiration to carry me through the day ahead.
Once I’ve nourished my soul, it’s time to nourish my body. My family and I gather around the kitchen table for a hearty breakfast, often a steaming bowl of oatmeal topped with fresh fruit. It’s a ritual we cherish, a chance to connect before the busyness of the day takes over. As my kids scurry off to school, I can’t help but steal a few extra moments with them, savoring the laughter and energy they bring to my life.
Unfinished Furniture is more than just a business to me – it’s a way of life, a passion that has been ingrained in me since childhood. And at precisely 8 a.m., I step into my workshop, ready to immerse myself in the art of woodworking.
The Ebb and Flow of the Workday
Now, the real magic begins. I start my day by tackling the administrative tasks that are the necessary evil of running a one-man shop. Emails to write, designs to sketch, materials to source – it’s a delicate dance of balancing the creative and the practical.
But just as I’m starting to feel a tinge of monotony creeping in, I get to dive into the heart of my craft. Ah, the bench work! This is where the real fun begins, as I lose myself in the rhythmic motions of sawing, sanding, and shaping the wood. The steady drone of machines and the satisfying thunk of a well-placed chisel never fail to energize me.
As the morning gives way to afternoon, I find myself getting a bit peckish. Time for a quick lunch break – a simple sandwich, usually ham and cheese, that I can scarf down in the comfort of my own home. But I don’t linger too long; there’s work to be done, and the clock is ticking. Back in the workshop, I’m laser-focused, determined to make the most of every last minute.
The sound of a sanding block caressing the surface of a piece of cherry never fails to soothe my soul. As I run my hands over the smooth, silky wood, I can almost feel the history of the tree it once was. Each knot, each grain, each imperfection – they all tell a story, and it’s my job to bring that story to life in the form of beautiful, functional furniture.
Balancing Work and Family
As the sun begins to dip below the horizon, signaling the end of the workday, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction wash over me. Sure, there are days when the challenges feel overwhelming, when the deadlines loom large and the creative well seems to have run dry. But in those moments, I remind myself of the incredible privilege I have to do what I love for a living.
And when the workshop tools are put away and the sawdust has settled, it’s time for the best part of my day: family time. I race home, eager to greet my kids and hear about their adventures. We might kick a soccer ball around, build ramps for my son’s electric motorcycle, or simply curl up on the couch and watch the latest episode of Dude Perfect. It’s in these moments that I truly come alive, surrounded by the laughter and energy of the people I cherish most.
As the evening winds down and the kids are tucked into bed, my wife and I have the chance to reconnect. We’ll crack open a cold beer or a glass of wine, and talk about our day – the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It’s a sacred ritual that grounds me, reminding me that while my work is a crucial part of my life, it’s not the only part.
The Pieces That Hold My Heart
When it comes to my favorite pieces of furniture, I find myself drawn to the ones that have a personal connection. There’s the crib I built for my daughter, now nearly nine years old, that has seen its fair share of wear and tear from little hands and teeth. It’s a testament to the durability and timelessness of my craft, a piece that has cradled all three of my children and will hopefully one day rock my grandchildren to sleep.
But there are also the commissioned works that have left a lasting impression. Like the time I had the honor of building a cannon carriage for the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Standing in my workshop, surrounded by the towering wooden structure and the intricate details of the cannon itself, I couldn’t help but feel a deep sense of pride and responsibility. It was a project that allowed me to not only showcase my skills, but also contribute to the preservation of an iconic piece of history.
And then there’s the dresser – a labor of love that took countless hours of meticulous craftsmanship. Each dovetailed joint, each perfectly sanded surface, was a testament to my dedication and attention to detail. When the client received the piece, the look of pure joy on their face made every bead of sweat worth it.
These are the moments that fuel my passion, that remind me why I chose this path. It’s not just about creating beautiful furniture; it’s about leaving a lasting legacy, of weaving my own story into the pieces that will be cherished for generations to come.
Embracing the Challenges, Celebrating the Triumphs
As a furniture craftsman, I’m no stranger to the challenges that come with the territory. Sourcing the perfect materials, navigating the ever-changing trends, and maintaining the delicate balance between work and family – it’s all part of the daily grind. But for me, it’s never been about taking the easy route. I thrive on the thrill of problem-solving, of finding creative solutions to seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
And when I’m able to overcome those hurdles, the sense of accomplishment is unparalleled. Whether it’s perfecting a new joinery technique, discovering a hidden gem of a lumber supplier, or simply delivering a piece that exceeds a client’s expectations, each triumph is a testament to the power of passion and perseverance.
As I reflect on my journey as a furniture craftsman, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of gratitude. This isn’t just a job – it’s a way of life, a calling that has allowed me to combine my love of woodworking with my desire to create something tangible and meaningful. And as I step back into my workshop, the familiar hum of the machines and the comforting scent of freshly sanded wood, I know that there’s nowhere else I’d rather be.
Andy Rawls, a master furniture maker and member of the MuskOx Herd, once said that his most important goal is “longevity” – to build furniture that will last a lifetime and more. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with me, for in every piece I create, I’m not just building a chair or a table – I’m leaving a piece of myself behind, a legacy that will endure long after I’m gone.
So as the sun sets on another day in the life of a furniture craftsman, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what tomorrow will bring. The challenges may be great, but the rewards are even greater. And in the end, isn’t that what it’s all about?
