Front Porch Rockers - Introduction

I thought that I would write this blog as encouragement for those of us who are not MASTERS of the craft. I started woodworking in the winter of 2003. My only background in the craft was watching New Yankee Workshop since its inception and dreaming of being able to DO THAT SOMEDAY. Well the SOMEDAY finally came when I was offered a very nice retirement package form Verizon Telephone for whom I had toiled for Thirty-three (33) years in Southern California.

We, my darling wife of 37 years at the time and I, bought 14 acres in Mid Missouri with a one-year-old home and a 30’ X 30’ pole barn. The barn was used as a horse barn. I converted half to a woodworking shop and half to store farm equipment.

I don’t know if I will ever be as proficient as most of the Craftsmen on this site, but I will enjoy every step I take to attain the lofty status. I think getting there is far more enjoyable than being there. I get so excited with each new skill that I learn.

I started with a circular saw, jig saw, ¼ horse router, and a cheap Stanley block plane. With those tools I built the cedar bench in my projects. I believe that the woodworker builds the project not the tools. But I have gotten more power tools since. I have a hybrid table saw, planer, bench jointer, drill press, band saw, router table with dedicated router, dust collection system, and many clamps.

Ok, the title is Front Porch Rockers, so get to it Bill. I take several woodworking magazines and choose projects from them that introduces a new skill for me. I hope to chronicle the building of the rockers to encourage the members at my skill level or less to not be discouraged but to step forward each day with a new skill or techique.

The rockers are from WOOD magazine issue #183 May 2008. Hopefully pictures and explanations will follow.

-- Bill - If I knew GRANDKIDS were so much fun I would have had them first.