Here's My Workshop!
By John Gainey
Click on any picture to see a larger version.
I started my woodworking career by serving an apprenticeship on the Cardiff Docks in South Wales from 1955-1960. While there I served as a carpenter and joiner, using only hand tools. In 1970 I built a garden workshop where my only machine was a lathe. I began as a self-taught woodworker and I made spinning wheels, welsh dressers, and dining room tables and chairs.
I continued my woodworking career making Victorian and Edwardian pine furniture, but retired in 2005 at age 65. Nowadays, I make furniture for my family and friends mostly using hand tools. I have occasionally treated myself to a few machines, namely a bandsaw, sliding mitre saw, bench saw, bench sander, and a pillar drill, though I still have an extensive use of hand tools. I like using hardwoods, but I find pine a very attractive wood that I try to use sometimes.
I have learned a lot from my fellow woodworkers out there and I commend you all for your enthusiasm for the trade. There is no finer occupation than being able to work with wood.
My favorite project is the Wine Table because it is one of my most practical pieces of furniture and it is also a very attractive piece that encompassed a variety of woodworking skills including turning, joinery, and furniture making.
Below are photos of my Drum Chess Table that I recently made in my workshop.
And more pieces I have made are below.
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, featuring many of the
shops that we have featured in previous editions of Wood News.
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