http://williamstranger.net/
This is first of my series of micro-interviews.
I really like Wiliam Stranger work in the sense, that he uses basic forms, but the material- wood seams to enhance it w lots of ways.
From his website:
William Stranger has been building fine wood furniture in his Pasadena studio since 1987. He balances the creation of striking, functional objects with a respect for the environment that contributes to a sustainable way of life. His work incorporates unusual, responsibly acquired materials and sometimes provocative text in a form that reflects the intersection of nature and culture.
I am self taught. I started doing construction and found I loved working with wood. Much of what I know i learned from reading Fine Woodworking. I spent the first 10 years learning the craft before I realized I was just as interested in designing furniture as building it.
If you could do only 3 joints, what joints would you choose?
Early in my career I was interested in exposed joinery so a lot of my work featured dovetails, box joints and through tenons. My current work is more about the juxtaposition of linear form with organic material. Most of the joinery I use now is loose mortise and tenon, half lap and plate joined miter.
What are top 5 most used power tools/machines in your shop?
A lot of my work starts with flattening locally salvaged slabs. I do this with a 3 hp plunge router in a shop made sled and rail system. I also use the router for joinery and mortising. The table saw is crucial as much of my work involves straight members. I just realized that i can't answer this question with just 5 tools. Early in my career I bought mostly straight lined, surfaced lumber so I could get by without a jointer and planer, but now I can not imagine working without them. Similarly, I made mortise and tenon joints for many years with a router and table saw. Now I can not imagine working without a Festool Domino. I use a random orbit sander and a drill just about every day. I don't use the bandsaw every day but there are certain things I can not do without it. If I had to pick most used five they would be: Table saw; random orbit sander; cordless drill; router; planer.
What is in your opinion most common mistake, made by beginners?
I have no idea what the most common mistake made by beginners is. I would say this though, most mistakes, whether made by beginners or veterans, come from lack of attention. One of the things that I like most about the craft of woodworking is that it requires the full attention of the maker. Also I would say learn about wood movement early on. I made some silly pieces before I figured this out.
What in your opinion is not taught to beginners but is essential to beginners?
I think that it is important for beginners to work towards finding the level of finish that comes naturally to them. For many years I struggled to make work that was beyond my technical expertise. I like my work to have a very refined feel and finish. In order to accomplish this I design pieces and structure my process so that I work to my strengths. I think it is helpful for beginners to explore a wide range of techniques and designs with the idea that they are looking for their natural level and style.
What would be your advice to your younger self starting adventure with woodworking?
Trust your instincts and take good photographs of your work.
If you could recommend only 1 book to aspiring woodworker, what would it be?
I learned a great deal about joinery and process from Tage Frid. I was challenged by James Krenov. The book that really made me want to be a woodworker though, is the Soul of a Tree by George Nakashima. My wife gave me this book on completion of my first cabinet job. I was simultaneously inspired by and intimidated by his work. My philosophy of work and craft has grown out of my appreciation for Nakashima's work. This is a beautiful book.
