There’s a level of fine woodworking that borders on philosophy, as you can glean from some of the masters who work in this field.
“…form is only a beginning. It is the combination of feelings and a function; shapes and things that come to one in connection with the discoveries made as one goes into the wood, that pull it together and give meaning to form.” – James Krenov, James Krenov.com
“Good furniture must convey a feeling of function but also must be appealing to the eye. I never make conversation piece furniture… [and since] I’m not subject to the manufacturing syndrome, I don’t have to change for the sake of change. I just keep on improving.” – Sam Maloof, Maloof on Design
Image source: FS After Hours
Image source: Wiki: Sam Maloof Rocker
Image source: Fine Woodworking.com
Image source: Workbench Design.net
The best source I know of for learning advanced woodworking techniques is Fine Woodworking Magazine. Taunton Press has a DVD set with 36 years of previous articles. What a deal. I’ve read hundreds of Fine Woodworking and Fine Homebuilding Magazines, and had a number of their books.
You might look at Christopher Schwartz’ blog, as well–he’s a hand-powered fine woodworker, a good writer, and a heck of a photographer.
Sadly, Mr. Krenov and Mr. Maloof are no longer with us. Fortunately, they left behind books, furniture, and trained students to communicate their vision of craftsmanship to the rest of us.
Thanks for the update. I’m sure these great men are sadly missed. Krenov, for example, is so popular that it took a while to find a good photo of his cabinetwork. Most images that popped up in the search engine turned out to be “Krenov inspired” cabinets, not authentic pieces by Krenov. It’s like he single-handedly created a new style.
That’s not my bench in the photo. I made mine with recycled 2x4s and plywood.
In terms of “building furniture that will last”, as well as a truly off-grid form of woodworking, I find Peter Follansbee’s blog wonderful to read. He’s the joiner at Plimoth Plantation. http://pfollansbee.wordpress.com/
And, then, of course, there’s Roy Underhill…
Great site. Love those chests.
And yeah, there are lots of great woodworkers out there like Roy Underhill.