Midwest Woodworker

My name is Scott Pointon and I am a hobbyist woodworker born, raised, and currently living in, the Midwest.  This website is a showcase of my passion for woodworking and hopefully a place of inspiration and information to other woodworkers.

Right up front I will say that I am no expert - in fact I would call myself an intermediate-level woodworker at best.  My journey into this hobby is probably a common one.  My father was a do-it-yourselfer who grew up in the Depression, so out of necessity he learned carpentry, plumbing, gardening, auto repair, and was an electrician by trade.  Surprisingly, the one thing that my father was not well versed in was woodworking.  What he did give me though was the desire to build and create.  I love woodworking because it allows each of us to express ourselves through everyday objects that we can touch, sit on, or simply admire.  

I am not what many would call a sophisticated woodworker, and my philosophy of woodworking is very pragmatic.  Though I do love the journey as much as anyone, the reason I work wood is to gain the reward of a quality piece of furniture.  My rural Midwestern roots seem to have instilled in me a taste for simple designs.  Thus, my favorite furniture is in the Arts & Crafts and Shaker styles (my dream is to one day own an old craftsman style bungalow filled with my own furniture).  My woodworking inspiration is drawn from many places, including such giants as Gustav Stickley, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Sam Maloof, as well as the Shakers, the Roycrofters, and some classic Federal Period designs.  I am also an avid fan of the PBS'ers like Norm, Scott Phillips, etc.  

My favorite woods are the oaks, maple, ash, poplar, and walnut and the mortise-and-tenon joint finds its way into a lot of my furniture.  Though I recognize and appreciate fine craftsmanship wherever I see it, I personally do not care for the look of French-polishing or overly ornate furniture.  I feel that the wood itself is where the beauty lies. 

So enjoy the site, work safe, and enjoy this great passion of ours!