I fell in love with woodworking in high school wood shop in the early 1969. Between 1974 and 1990 I built a few pieces of furniture for our home using nothing more than a circular saw, hand held electric drill and a random orbit sander. Each of these pieces is still in use today and as solid as the day I made them. I got my first table saw in 2001 and built a set of night stands using reclaimed doors, jambs and trim. I started turning simple stick pens in 2004 and became passionate about turning very soon after. I upgraded to kit pens in 2005, bowls, vessels, etc. in 2006 and kitless pens in 2007. I began casting my own polyester resin blanks in 2006. My preference is segmented work because it conserves more wood. I also enjoy using mixed media in my turnings and often make my own micarta. I have done some scroll sawing and hope to do more in the future. I recently added freehand router carving to my skill set and have begun using that with turning and have ideas for more along that line. I strive to continue to improve my craft and learn new skills and techniques and I enjoy sharing what I have learned with others.
I’m a retired educator from the Department of Defense (DoD). I am a certified teacher and certified DoD Master Instructor. Married for over 43 years with five grown children, 15 grandchildren and one great grandchild (soon to be two).
V/r,
Billy