The Daughter of a Woodworker – My First Woodworking Experience

My daughter wrote this article for my website and I thought I would share it with you all!

Written By: Bonnie Bartay

Some of my favorite memories as a young kid are spending time with my dad in his workshop. From a very young age, I remember playing in his shop while he worked. As an adult, I have helped my father with his construction business and now with Chris Mobley Designs. I do all of the paperwork part and even draw out plans but he does the real magic. I have never actually done any sort of woodworking myself though. After Chris wrote the article about Intarsia and Segmentation Woodworking for Beginners, I decided that I would like to give it a try. I could never hope to be half as good as my father is at this art, but it looks fun.

I took my time and did my research, but I went against my father’s advice, and made my own pattern for my first project. Of course, he was there to help me out, so I felt confident that if I got in over my head he would be there.

There are a few things that I learned from this project.

1) Woodworking is not as easy as my father makes it look. He makes cuts with the saw so effortlessly. This is not the case for me.

2) The scroll saw is not scary. Once I realized the mechanics of it and realized that it was unlikely that I would get hurt, I was much more at ease.

3) I must relax a bit more. The whole time I was cutting out the design, I was so tense that my shoulders are sore. Guiding the wood with your fingertips instead of your whole hand on the scroll saw helps with relaxing.

4) I absolutely love the smell of cedar wood when it is being cut. I have always been a big fan of cedar. In fact, I think it is my favorite wood. I like the look and the smell, but when it is being cut, it is just that much better.

5) Even though the design I picked out is fairly simplistic, a beginner’s pattern should be used for your first project.

It is not completely finished yet, but I have really enjoyed working on this project. I have learned a lot and I have spent some great time with my father. I do not think this will be my last woodworking project, but I think that I need to stick with the business aspect of Chris Mobley Designs and leave the real work up to my father.

www.cmobleydesigns.com

-- Chris Mobley - www.cmobleydesigns.com