Oregon Woodworking

Oregon has a thriving woodworking community with talented woodworkers, musicians, and artisans who create unique, high-quality furniture, instruments, and other wooden items. Here's an overview of the woodworking scene in Oregon:

1. Famous Woodworkers: Some notable woodworkers from or based in Oregon include:

• Sam Maloof: Although Sam Maloof is originally from California, his innovative designs and craftsmanship have had a significant impact on woodworkers across the United States, including Oregon.
• Frank Howarth: A Portland-based woodworker, Frank Howarth is known for his YouTube channel that showcases his woodworking projects, techniques, and tips.
• John Furniss: A blind woodworker from Washington, John Furniss has a workshop in Oregon where he creates beautiful, handcrafted furniture.

1. Music Instrument Makers: Oregon has a vibrant music scene and is home to numerous artisans who create handcrafted musical instruments, such as guitars, ukuleles, violins, and Native American flutes. These artisans often use local wood species and traditional techniques to create unique, high-quality instruments.
   
2. Furniture Styles: Woodworkers in Oregon create furniture in a variety of styles, including modern, rustic, and Arts and Crafts. Some woodworkers focus on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, using reclaimed and locally sourced wood.
   
3. Wood Types and Tree Variations: Some common wood types used in Oregon woodworking include:
   

• Douglas Fir: A plentiful softwood in the Pacific Northwest, Douglas fir is often used for furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects.
• Myrtlewood: A native hardwood found along the Oregon coast, myrtlewood is prized for its unique grain patterns and warm color tones. It is often used for furniture, bowls, and other decorative items.
• Western Red Cedar: Known for its rich color and resistance to decay, Western red cedar is a popular choice for outdoor furniture and structures.
• Oregon White Oak: A durable hardwood, Oregon white oak is used for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.

1. Woodworking Retailers: Oregon woodworkers can find tools, equipment, and materials at retailers such as Rockler Woodworking and Hardware, Woodcraft.com, and other local stores. These stores offer a range of woodworking tools, equipment, and materials, including the Little Wizard and Lumber Wizard metal detectors.
   
2. Common Woodworking Tools: Oregon woodworkers use a variety of tools, including:
   

• Saws (table saws, band saws, circular saws) for cutting wood
• Jointers and planers for creating smooth, flat surfaces
• Routers and router tables for decorative edges and joinery
• Sanders and sanding equipment for smoothing surfaces
• Chisels, hand planes, and carving tools for detailed work
• Clamps and gluing equipment for assembling pieces
• Handheld power tools, such as drills and jigsaws, for versatility and convenience
• Safety equipment, such as goggles, hearing protection, and dust collection systems, to protect woodworkers during their projects

1. Woodworking Shows and Organizations: Oregon hosts various woodworking events, such as the Oregon Woodworking Expo and the Oregon Woodworker's Showcase. The Guild of Oregon Woodworkers is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the craft of woodworking through education, sharing knowledge, and networking among woodworkers.
   
2. Myrtlewood Gallery: Located in Reedsport, Oregon, the Myrtlewood Gallery showcases the work of local woodworkers who create furniture, bowls, and other decorative items using myrtlewood and other native wood species.
   

Oregon's woodworking scene is characterized by its diverse furniture styles, unique wood types, and talented artisans who create beautiful, functional pieces that showcase the state's rich natural resources and artistic heritage.

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