Most Influential Woodworkers

March 12, 2007 | Filed Under Blog 

If you frequent some of the forums in my links list, you’ve probably come across a recent post about influential woodworkers. Everyone submitted their Top 5 and Garret over at ToolCrib.com tallied the votes and compiled a list. He also included some very interesting links on each woodworker. You can check it out here:

Most Influential Woodworkers

Garrett asked what my top 5 were and honestly I only have 4. I am one of the new generation of woodworkers who learned more from reading and watching videos than I did from someone showing me in person, and my list reflects that.

I would say first is my step-father. Growing up in New Jersey, he had some simple tools and taught me the ins and outs of driving nails, sawing, and doing basic framing. He wasn’t really a fine woodworker. But if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t have had the solid “handy man” foundation that allowed me to progress as a woodworker.

Number two would have to be the one and only David Marks. I learned more from watching Woodworks than anything else. And when I had the opportunity to apprentice with him, I fit right into his shop since I already knew many of his tricks and techniques. He’s an incredible woodworker and I feel lucky to even know the guy, let alone learn from him.

Number three would be his Normness, Norm Abram. No matter how many brads he uses, I still love the guy. There is just something comforting about the New Yankee Workshop. I love having it on in the shop while I work. And I probably have learned more from his show than I realize.

And finally number four is a guy who didnt make the list. Its George Frank. He is an “old world” finisher with a lot of experience and great stories. He has a book called “Adventures in Wood Finishing” where he tells numerous finishing stories that will not only entertain, but also provide valuable lessons. I learned a lot from reading his stuff and I highly recommend you pick up some of his material.

So that’s it for me. Check out the big list over at ToolCrib’s Blog.Its a fun read.

Comments

8 Responses to “Most Influential Woodworkers”

  1. Rob on March 12th, 2007 3:31 pm

    Hi Mark! I really enjoy your podcast and watch it weekly. I am concerned about Dust Control. I wear the Shop tunes like the ones you wear for ear protection and safety glasses for the eyes. It seems that the dust collection for most handheld equipmentand chop saws is just not adequate enough to do the job. Festool is the exception as the dust collection attachments are exceptional. My question is my Jet cabinet saw. I have limited space in my temporary one car garage shop so space is key. I am looking at the smaller Trashcan mounted dust collectors like the JET DC650ts, it mounts directly to a galvanized trash can and is relatively low profile with a canister filter. I plan to move to a larger shop this summer but want to tackle this problem now. I also would like a suggestion on dust masks. I see the one that you used on the show and wonder who makes it. The flip-down welder-type masks I find a hassle and do not feel safe sanding with a basic dust mask as this in my career and would like to live long enough to retire. ps, I wear glasses so fogging and a good seal is an issue. Keep up the good work!!!-Rob K.

  2. Chris on March 12th, 2007 5:20 pm

    …Well, I’m new to woodworking. Just picked up my first table saw and have my first project all lined up. A while ago I asked my best friend if there’s any good forums, websites, or online documentation that he knows of so I have some sort of base from which to build on.

    He pointed me to this site in all it’s glory!

    I guess what I’m trying to say is that I have definitely found my first “most influential” woodworker, and I definitely have to thank you for all the information you’ve provided - as well as the upcoming information.

    (insert a tear and a sniffle here)….

    You make learnin’ fun!!!

    Cheers!
    Chris.

  3. Bitty on March 13th, 2007 7:01 am

    Hey Rob, for a respirator that won’t fog up your glasses, I’d highly recommend the 3M 7500 mask. It’s extremely comfortable, inexpensive, and the exhaust is ported out the front. I forget I have it on after a couple minutes.

    Oh, and to be on topic, for me it’s been my grandfather, Nahm, David Marks, and now Marc. And the Woodnet forums.

  4. thewoodwhisperer on March 13th, 2007 8:07 am

    Hey Rob. It seems like that smaller trash can unit would work just fine for single tool application. When I had a smaller dust collector, I found it a bit easier to have a unit on wheels simply because I could move it around from tool to tool. So keep that in mind.

    And for a respirator, Bitty’s advice is perfect. The 3M 7500 is the exact respirator I use. Should be perfect for someone with glasses.

    Good luck!

  5. Ethan on March 13th, 2007 9:39 pm

    Mark,

    I met your #2 just this past weekend (or maybe you didn’t see my “What I did this weekend…” blog entry on LJ?)! What an awesome experience that was.

    He is just as nice and “regular” a guy as he seems on TV. It was a true honor to meet him and get to spend four hours with him, learning about the trade.

    I can’t imagine getting to spend two years apprenticing under him. You’re a lucky guy.

    Oh, this next weekend I get to meet another great one - Frank Klausz. Actually, I just got a call tonight inviting me to be one of the “greeters” from the local guild and eat dinner with him on Friday night.

    How awesome is that?

    (I’m thinking I should start a photo album of me in my LJ shirt with woodworking greats!)

    Ethan

  6. thewoodwhisperer on July 12th, 2007 9:50 pm

    Very cool Ethan. Just for clarification, I didnt spend two years with David. Wish I did though. :)

  7. Bobby Stanley on July 14th, 2008 2:40 pm

    I would say that I have been influenced the most by my Dad, Norm, Tom Silva, Roy Underhill, and David Marks.
    Bobby Stanley

  8. Bobby Stanley on July 14th, 2008 2:46 pm

    I don’t think Roy Underhill gets enough credit or air time. I enjoy his storytelling and his ability to make something nice out of raw lumber. He reminds me of my dad. We used to straighten nails out of old boards– he still does. I do it every now and again and reflect on my childhood. Roy Underhill is a great woodworker. I live in the Houston area and rarely ever see his program. Thanks to the wood whisperer, I found a link to his website.

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