That’s right it’s Leap Day, that anxiously awaited holiday which arrive but once each four years.
With the formalities aside, it’s on to the shop inspection of Joe Hanson, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Lumberjock.
I’m sure some cleaning up was done it anticipation of our visit, but this shop is surgically clean. And organized like a tray of instruments.
So much better than the usual “Where the heck did I lay that (insert name of missing tool) down.”
I asked Joe for a little background – “A little about me. Grew up as a cowboy on the family homestead in South Dakota – our Christmas tree was a tumble weed with cattle ear tags as ornaments – for real.
I am a small animal veterinary surgeon in Denver CO. I first got into woodworking 5 years ago. I am self taught with the help of the great publications out there and drawing on my high school shop classes. I guess the attention to detail I’ve learned with surgery helps when I work in my shop. One thing for sure wood is more forgiving than flesh lol. Hense my signature—Wood doesn’t bleed! I find I am challenged more by woodworking than medicine and may be making a career switch. I still have tons to learn, I guess I’m a professional student.
I learned of Lumberjocks thru The Wood Whisperer Marc Spagnuolo’s website. WWW.Thewoodwhisperer.com I am looking forward to learning how to blog – something they failed to teach you in Vet school. But.. if your pet needs major surgery—Gown Me Up! :-)”
His shop space is 1800 square feet, occupying the basement of the family home, and it is truly inviting, with great storage and lighting. I particularly liked the countertop, which practically screams “Steel City Granite Tool Upgrade Looming”.
Deb and I both had questions about Joe’s HVLP turbine set-up. Maybe we can prevail upon him for a review write-up.
Deb overcame her twin dislikes The Table Saw and the Router for a closer look at Joe’s shared fence set-up.
Safety points awarded for having the push stick/saw-aid readily at hand.
With the hard work done, it’s time for a cup of Leap Day tea and the final tally. Joe, your shop is a winner. Thanks for the invitation to visit. It was a joy to see such a well organized shop. Now go make some sawdust!
Here is your shop visit certificate.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
22 comments so far
Karson
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34396 posts in 2598 days
#1 posted 1936 days ago
Great shop, Thanks Doc and Deb and Doug. The three D’s.
-- I've been blessed with a father who liked to tinker in wood, and a wife who lets me tinker in wood. Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †
scottb
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3648 posts in 2524 days
#2 posted 1936 days ago
and it looks nicer (or cleaner) than some kitchens too!
-- I am always doing what I cannot do yet, in order to learn how to do it. - Van Gogh -- http://blanchardcreative.etsy.com -- http://snbcreative.wordpress.com/
Grumpy
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17955 posts in 2049 days
#3 posted 1936 days ago
That is one Mickey Mouse shop. Very clean and organised. Great review 3D’s.
-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python
cajunpen
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13089 posts in 2263 days
#4 posted 1936 days ago
Doc do you do woodworking or surgery in that shop? That is the best organized and cleanest wood shop that I’ve ever had the pleasure of viewing. And 1800 sq. ft. Wow, makes my 220 sq. ft. shop feel like working in a matchbox (which it is).
-- Bill - "Suit yourself and let the rest be pleased." http://www.cajunpen.com/
MsDebbieP
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18335 posts in 2358 days
#5 posted 1936 days ago
Yah, I did the “white glove test” on the floor …. spotless!
I was embarrassed to go into my kitchen after this tour.
The Christmas tree story is a first for me! Of course, we want pictures! Do you have any, Doc?
Great shop tour, Thanks.. and that router/table saw table… very impressive. (Still not going to use those tools, but I can be impressed by them!)
Congrats on the pass
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
Scott Bryan
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27253 posts in 2019 days
#6 posted 1936 days ago
Thanks Deb, Doug and Joe for the shop tour. I agree that this one is a showcase. Just for curiosity I looked at the workshop post pictures and the shop looks identical. It appeared to be spotless in the original post as well. This reflects the pride that is put into the shop and it shows especially with the saw station and the countertops.
Very nice shop.
-- Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful- Joshua Marine
Douglas Bordner
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3907 posts in 2261 days
#7 posted 1936 days ago
Although I have no doubt Joe keeps his shop that clean from force of habit as well as out of respect for the wife’s allowance of the entire basement, Scott – I cannot tell a lie. Those are the original shop photos with Deb photoshopped in after the fact. Saves so much on jet fuel and such.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
Peter Oxley
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1424 posts in 2072 days
#8 posted 1936 days ago
I always enjoy the shop tours. This was a fun tour and a great looking shop!
-- http://www.peteroxley.com -- http://north40studios.etsy.com --
motthunter
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2129 posts in 1996 days
#9 posted 1936 days ago
that was fun. Looks great
-- making sawdust....
Dick, & Barb Cain
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8682 posts in 2497 days
#10 posted 1936 days ago
What a nice, & tidy looking shop. I sure wish I could keep mine as nice.
Thanks for the tour Debbie, & Doug!
-- -** You are never to old to set another goal or to dream a new dream ****************** Dick, & Barb Cain, Hibbing, MN. http://www.woodcarvingillustrated.com/gallery/member.php?uid=3627&protype=1
Dadoo
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1763 posts in 2188 days
#11 posted 1936 days ago
Nice tour Doc! Gives you a sense of inner pride having your shop toured and passed! Congrats!
-- Bob Vila would be so proud of you!
Bill
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2579 posts in 2359 days
#12 posted 1936 days ago
The shop is cleaner than some restaurants. Nicely done.
-- Bill, Turlock California, http://www.brookswoodworks.com
teenagewoodworker
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2727 posts in 1966 days
#13 posted 1936 days ago
nice tour. i love the table saw set up. it makes that craftsman look like a cabinet saw and probably function like one too.
Douglas Bordner
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3907 posts in 2261 days
#14 posted 1935 days ago
Well, that puts February’s shop visit behind us. Now is the time to solicit volunteers for March’s visit and the months beyond. Send me a PM if you’re game for the virtual visit and a crack at internet shop fame. For you newer jocks, you can research the beginning of Debbie’s transmogrification from Life Guide and occasional woodworker to MsDebbieP, Director General of Inspections – beginning here.
-- "Bordnerizing" perfectly good lumber for over a decade.
MsDebbieP
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18335 posts in 2358 days
#15 posted 1935 days ago
I got a little scared there, Douglas.. I didn’t know I had a transmogrification… I guess it didn’t hurt or maybe I’m still numb from the experience! lol
It has indeed been an honour (and educational) to be the Director GENERAL (cool.. I think I got a promotion) of Inspections.
-- ~ Debbie, Canada (http://www.execulink.com/~yohan)
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