The banjo pictured is truly a work of superior craftsmanship! How do you make your banjo rims? Are they turned on a lathe? If so, what lathe setup do you use?

I’m afraid I don’t have a web site or blog. I’m a graphic designer by trade, and woodworking is my hobby. (one of my hobbies) My last name can be found inlaid on the peghead of the banjo. But I appreciate Marc’s policy of not broadcasting personal contact information on the web. We all get too much junk mail as it is. :->

I’ve made a number of instruments for my own use, and have sold them only to buy materials to make new and better ones. The banjo pictured is number 7. I’m currently working on a classical guitar. Maybe I’ll submit it for “project of the week” when it’s finished. I like Jim’s comment about finding solutions using the tools you have to work with. Some of the finest craftsmanship ever seen was done centuries ago with the simplest of tools. Expensive equipment can certainly save time, but doesn’t necessarily insure quality. Anyone can produce quality work if you take your time, work slowly and methodically, and do your best to avoid errors. Impatience is the enemy. The beautiful thing about woodworking as a hobby, is that you’re not on a time clock. It’s a labor of love, and not money. Better to turn out one quality project than a hundred indifferent ones. I like to think that the things I build will be valued and enjoyed now and long after I’m gone. What more can a woodworker ask?

Dan

Every time I make a post like this, I contact the person who made the submission to let them know and to remind them to monitor the comments in case someone has a question. If you look at some of the other posts, you’ll see that the person usually comes in to answer them.

In general, I only post the information that is given to me.

And a 17′ cabin cruiser is impressive, small shop or large.

It would be a very good thing to know more than a person’s first name. Who is Dan? Does he have a blog of his own, or another we presence? If we wanted to contact him about some of his gorgeous work, how can we? etc., etc.

It’s great seeing these neat postings, but they’re sort of hangin’ loose in space with no supporting context.

Dan, Those banjos are BEAUTIFUL!!!! Where can we see more of your fine work?