bubbs's Workshop

My basement workshop is 29’x23’. Since the rest of the basement is formally finished, I need to keep the dust down. The dust collectors do most of the work, but I usually hold a field day at the end of each day, vacuum the whole place and all the equipment. As a result, my photos may look like I don’t do much work, but trust me, that is definitely NOT the case. I wish I could make sawdust without worry, but I don’t have that option.

Over the years, I’ve been able to adapt my shop to my needs and it’s become very functional. I’ve made many hundreds of projects, and I love the feel, the smell and the texture of wood. My favorites to work with are cherry, white oak, walnut and maple. Here in Colorado, all of those species are quite expensive, so I’m always on the lookout for a good deal. I have no hesitation to approach a demolition job and ask if I can take some of the wood. What I’m able to get usually needs a lot of prep, but it saves me a lot of money. My neighbor is a woodworker, too, and whenever he visits his family in Missouri, he usually comes back with a load of walnut or cherry and he gives me a good deal on the rough stock, FAR better price than I can get at our local lumber outlets, and usually far better quality.

My new shop-mate is our 6-month-old cat, Phoebe. She climbs on the poles or sits on top of the tool cabinets and watches all the goings-on. She’s never gotten in the way, and the sounds and smells don’t seem to bother her at all. We’re building quite a working relationship.

Like most woodworkers, I’ve learned some important lessons through a few close calls over the years, as a result of being in a hurry or trying to cut corners. But I’ve learned to respect the equipment and the advise of others. Safety is a real priority with me.

As the son of a General Contractor, I still enjoy remodeling projects and help my kids and my friends whenever I’m asked. I always have a good time…even if it involves drywall :-(

Okay, enough. In the words of Spock: “Live long and saw.”

-- Cats, beer and wood...perfect.