I got into woodworking as a child when a neighbor taught me to build stick and tissue model airplanes. The material is fragile, the joinery intricate, and the airworthiness of a model is dependent on proper design to not just fly, but to combine low weight with high strength. Later, my high school shop teacher taught me over a three year period how to formalize my designs with a t-square, triangle, and a basic knowledge of construction techniques using power and hand tools. Thank you Captain Jerry Dehlinger (USAF) and Ralph Schultz for taking time to help out a curious kid.

I used these skills throughout my adult life to design and build items for personal use and as a side income to my "day" job. I have been a police officer for over 37 years and woodworking is fun and therapeutic.

In 2016 my wife, Sherry, and I started our own business, Hill Country Woodworks of Texas and we have enjoyed a modest success. I define success as making enough income to replace the tools I break. I will retire one day and I hope our business remains successful into my retirement.

We build anything from small gift items to dining room tables, sofa tables, and practically anything that the typical customer can't find in a big furniture store. We use a combination of hand and power tools, but hand tools are in heavy use in our 24 x 24 shop in the backyard of our home in Nacogdoches, Texas. We are seeing a revival in local hand-made and custom items and hope to be a part of these exciting times.

Below are pictures of my recent Cherry Dining Table project. The table is 15'3" long, has four leaves, and collapses down to 10'. The table is supported by two sets of 500 pound drawer slides and six legs turned from 16 quarter wood. Using the 500lb slides turned out great. The table can be extended and collapsed using one hand unlike traditional slides where the two or more people often tug and strain to get the table apart or closed. The top rests on a birch ply framework and the remainder of the table is solid wood. Breadboard ends throughout and the legs and skirt are draw-bored. It was a challenge to make as the 16' table filled my 24' wide shop but great fun and the results were worth it.

After delivery and set-up I received a text message from the folks I built it for that read, "My beautiful family seated at my beautiful table."






More of my projects are below:

If you have any questions you can email Jim at hillcountrywoodworks.hunttexas@gmail.com.You can also visit his Facebook page at @HillCountryWoodworkingTexas