Washington Woodworking Community

Washington state is home to many talented woodworkers, musicians, and artisans who create unique furniture, instruments, and other wooden items. Here is an overview of the woodworking scene in Washington:

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

• Evert Sodergren: A highly regarded mid-century modern furniture designer and craftsman known for his Scandinavian-inspired designs.
• George Nakashima: Originally from Washington, Nakashima was an influential furniture designer and architect whose work has left a lasting impact on the woodworking community.
• John Furniss: A blind woodworker who uses his spatial memory to create beautiful, handcrafted furniture in his workshop in Oregon, originally from Washington.

1. Music Instrument Makers: Washington has a vibrant music scene and is home to numerous artisans who create handcrafted musical instruments, such as guitars, 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 Washington create furniture in various 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 Washington woodworking include:

• Western Red Cedar: Known for its rich color and resistance to decay, Western red cedar is a popular choice for outdoor furniture and structures.
• Douglas Fir: A plentiful softwood in the Pacific Northwest, Douglas fir is often used for furniture, cabinetry, and other woodworking projects.
• Pacific Madrone: A native hardwood with a smooth, reddish bark, Pacific madrone is valued for its unique appearance and is often used for furniture, bowls, and other decorative items.
• Washington White Oak: A durable hardwood used for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry.

1. Woodworking Retailers: Washington 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: Washington woodworkers use various 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: Washington hosts various woodworking events and has several organizations dedicated to promoting the craft of woodworking, such as the Washington Woodworkers Guild, Northwest Woodworkers Association, Port Townsend School of Woodworking, Olympic Peninsula Woodturners, and Ebanista School of Fine Woodworking.

Washington'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.

---