Another newcomer

**Valkyrie** · 08-31-2012, 06:09 PM

Good Evening Folks,

While I'm new to this site I'm certainly not new to woodworking. I've been involved in the craft for nearly 40 years. My experience ranges from new construction to remodels to my current gig of custom cabinetry and furniture. Even with all the time I've been in the business, I believe there is always more to be learned. I hope to learn from you folks as well as contribute as much as I can.

Over the years I've had the opportunity to train a good number of folks in custom woodworking. As irritating as it sometimes was to see them leave as soon as they were getting good, I came to understand that it was all about paying it forward. Another way of saying that is you reap what you sow. It is good to know that the folks who invested in me are helping me invest in others. It keeps woodworking alive.

Looking forward to some beneficial discussions.

**deepsplinter** · 09-01-2012, 09:11 AM

Welcome to the forum!

Its good to hear from a real woodworker....not a robot or spammer.

**Valkyrie** · 09-01-2012, 11:11 AM

Thanks deep,

It does seem that some of these sites get inundated with spam. Moderating a forum can be difficult at times and pretty time consuming. Unfortunately, loosely moderated boards often end up in chaos between spam posts and out of control members. That has killed a lot of good boards.

**Valkyrie** · 09-02-2012, 02:48 PM

Originally Posted by SawSucker

The forums also get inundated with people that insinuate that people can make a liveing from woodworking.

So when I say I have been making a living as a woodworker for nearly 40 years are you insinuating I'm lying?

Not sure the source of your bitterness, and not sure what you are insinuating but I can tell you a good number of folks make an honest living doing what they love. And I happen to be one of them.

But thanks for that warm welcome to the forum.

**FrankC** · 09-02-2012, 02:56 PM

Welcome, as Dave says good to hear from a real woodworker, hope you stick around.

**Valkyrie** · 09-02-2012, 03:29 PM

Thanks Frank. I like these forums when folks have a genuine interest in helping each other. I had some very competent craftsmen invest in me as I was starting in the business, and I like passing that on to the next generation.

**Valkyrie** · 09-03-2012, 08:05 AM

These days I'm a 1 man shop. I've never been a production shop, I don't like building boxes all day. But I have been able to work with and mentor a number of great artisans over the years. There are several other follks in my area that I collaborate wih when a commission calls for an element I'm not good with. We also help each other out with overflow.

I've seen how helpful you can be. I'll leave it at that.