Timeline Photos

FOR SALE A collection of Anitiques magazines. Issue 1 from 1922-summer 2010. Missing from 1922 are the following: Mar/Apr/May, Jul/Aug/Sept, Nov/Dec. A total of 1055 issues. Excellent cross reference source for furniture makers. They sell for $8.00 each from an internet source. I will take $950 or best reasonable offer.

Photos from John LaGattuta, Furniture Maker's post

For sale Onsrud inverted router 110 volt single phase model 2003 serial number 20845 $1195.00 OBO excellent condition

Over 30 years ago, after multiple attempts, I finally gained admission into the prestigious Cabinet and Furniture making program at North Bennett Street School. I worked the grave yard shift as a maintenance mechanic at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, then back to Brigham and Women's Hospital to be an overnight on call lab tech. The lack of sleep was difficult, but I kept my eye on the prize. I finished the program in the allotted time and even managed to make an extra piece of each of the required elements. As an idealistic 26 year old, I thought that I was fulfilling my destiny. Upon graduation, I secured a job for a prominent NYC antique dealer to help establish a line of reproductions based on the finest examples of American Federal Furniture. That job brought me to Connecticut where I met my future wife. Within 2 years we were married and one year into the marriage I decided to go it alone and "live the dream". With a few thousand dollars of used equipment and a lease in an old leaky and drafty industrial building I started my business. However, I was never alone. My wife, Lynn, supported me 100%. I hit the ground running and grew the business quickly with the steadily improving economy. Sixty hour weeks were the norm. Next came the purchase of a derelict commercial building and an SBA loan to renovate it. It was a 6000 SF dream shop with all the amenities. Times were good and bad, fluctuating with the cyclical nature of the economy and it's effects on discretionary spending. I always remained optimistic, even after the terrible events of 9/11. I managed to continue to grow the business following that horrific event. The work over the years ranged from hospitality, ecclesiastical, commercial and large residential projects. Even a simple coffee table for the neighbors was taken on with gusto. Accolades and magazine photos and spreads came in and only helped to bolster an already growing clientele base. This brings me to today and why I am posting this. I am at a crossroads in both my personal and business life. The last 6 years have been very trying on me, the business and my marriage of nearly 25 years. My supportive wife has decided to go her own way. This leaves me with a major decision regarding my business. Since the economic crash of 2008 my business contracted precipitously. I have not been able to make enough money to support myself without the aid of a working spouse. I always joke that the best tool a woodworker can have is a working spouse. It is more truth than comedy. The towel is ready at hand and may be thrown in at anytime. I have no work signed on or in progress for the first time since opening the shop 24 years ago. It's disheartening at best and maybe a bit liberating. There are many factors that I can attribute to this, too numerous to mention here. I have been very fortunate over the years to have the support of a spouse and family. The physical anguish from a severely arthritic hip only made the stresses and difficulties surrounding my life much worse. This last summer I bit the bullet and had a total hip replacement. For the first time in my adult life I am essentially pain free physically. The pain of making the decision to move on runs much deeper and will continue for a long time.

'Heart, mind, hands': Woodworking sees spike in popularity thanks to people’s desire to be makers

Amy Schumer’s Boyfriend Has the Ideal Boyfriend Profession

http://nymag.com/thecut/2016/01/amy-schumer-new-boyfriend-furniture-maker.html I especially like the last paragraph. Worth reading to the end.

Timeline Photos

WPatrickEdwards: Where Have All The Antiques Gone?

http://wpatrickedwards.blogspot.com/2015/12/where-have-all-antiques-gone.html This captures my sentiments perfectly. 30 years into this business and i haven't seen it this bad. My business survived recessions and 9/11. This trend may very well be my downfall. One quote sums it all up: "Today's youngsters, who are much more socially conscious, will wake up to the appeal of buying something that exists already and is handcrafted from high-quality wood, rather than something that requires a new tree to be cut down and may have been manufactured in poor working conditions." And I would add, that having a piece made from sustainable native hardwoods from an artisan like myself is much more appealing to socially and environmentally conscious consumers of today. i just can't seem to connect with them.