Hello readers, my name is Jim Bates. I am a wood carver and furniture builder. I intend to use this blog as a means to make wood working popular and exciting among the masses. I am in my mid twenties and I am a college student and I work full time at Lowe's Home Center. Every week I will bring reviews of articles, books, tools, and much more concerning the craft of wood.

Furthermore, I will also be uploading plans and drawings for simple weekend projects that will be for sale and can be downloaded.

This afternoon during my lunch, I read through the February 2015 issue of Popular Woodworking Magazine. This magazine is a wonderful resource for the hobbyist woodworker that most likely has a bare bones shop with limited supplies and tools. In every issue they send plans with detailed dimensions so the piece can be easily created. In the most recent issue there is a fantastic article on how to build a medieval aumbry. The author of the article, Christopher Schwarz, does a great job of using common tools that most of us have in our collection. The piece he built is classic and beautiful, with patience and hard work anyone can build the aumbry for their home.

In a world of particle board and plastic, many consumers are choosing to purchase products that barely pass for furniture. I know I stand with many of you in recognizing the beauty, and quality of solid and handcrafted pieces.

Thanks for reading and together we can keep fine craftsmanship alive.