The Very Afternoon I Became a Woodworker

In 1963 I was eight years old, in the second grade, and had a new friend named, Billy McManus. In those days, you played outside in an area defined by how far you wanted to walk, or ride your bike….no fear, no parental guidance. Most of our days were passed in this way, but on one rainy day when we were stuck in his house, I received a cosmic gift that truly changed my life. Somehow, we wound up in his basement where I beheld, to my utter amazement, a simple work bench, under a peg board wall, covered with tools, and in the corner, a pile of boards. Luckily, there were no pesky parents around to stop us from using these razor sharp tools to ruin this valuable lumber, misplace everything, and make a colossal mess.With an eight year old’s unlimited imagination and confidence I decided to make a guitar that very afternoon. The Beatles had just made their first appearance on the Ed Sullivan show and every one I knew wanted to grow their hair long and play the guitar. I selected a piece of clear pine, grabbed a draw knife and started in. I’ll never forget the joy of making those wood shavings. Billy was in big trouble when his dad got home. I never did finish that guitar, but I never stopped building. The true gift I received that day was the gift of starting.

My mission, when teaching people with little to no experience, is to pass along the gift of beginning.  I meet so many people who tell me they wish they had had the opportunity to learn woodworking. It’s never too late (or early) to get started.

Looking forward to working with you,

Tony