As a woodworker, I think I need to begin by starting to talk about something that is very near and dear to my heart. Wood. I’ve spent many hours studying wood as a material. It has many uses throughout history.
I thoroughly enjoy using my hands and take great pride in creating something that will last generations. I also enjoy meeting other people who take similar pride in what they do. But to what end? What steps are being taken to conserve the vast acreage of trees that provide shelter and food to other forms of life, and will allow future generations of craftsmen to take pride in their work? Many exotic woods that do not grow quickly, or won’t grow at all again due to over forestation, are being torn down because of their unique grain patterns. I try very hard to incorporate local hardwoods in all of my pieces, most of these trees can be obtained from local portable saw mills.
I would highly recommend all of you to read Fine Woodworking magazine’s October 2007 edition. A great article, written by Mario Rodriguez, discusses obtaining very unusual trees at VERY reasonable prices. These trees are often times already cut down in advance for being in troublesome spots. Also, if you have a tree that you need taken down, be sure to look in your local yellow pages for a portable saw mill in your area. It will save you money to sell your lumber to a saw mill rather than pay a landscaper to take the wood away. Plus, you will be helping your local business out and create a stronger local economy in the process. Just because the tree is in your way today doesn’t mean it can’t make a beautiful piece tomorrow, and give someone the satisfaction of enjoying an age old craft.