It is a great job that I have, and it is rewarding to be able to convince people who are truly skilled in their field to share their knowledge with our readers. This week, photographer Al Parish and I headed to southern Indiana to shoot photos for an upcoming article
Dale has an impressive body of work, and a great story to go with it. As we turned off the road, we drove through the woods up a long driveway. I was overcome with envy. A wonderful shop and a beautiful house are nestled in the middle of 89 acres woods. Both the shop and house were built by Dale and when we stepped inside the house, we found ourselves surrounded by his work; hardwood floors, impeccable trim and great furniture.
Leaving Al to work, Dale and I walked down the hill to the shop, and Dale told me his story. Hes been working with wood since the 1970s, and on this piece of land for the last 25 years. He built the shop first, and went to work building houses, millwork, cabinets and furniture. He was busy building his house, even when he wasn’t working in the shop. Dale was taught by his father and is a master of his craft.
The shop and house look as though they were always there. Made from recycled materials, the shop has a comfortable feel with hardwood floors and nice equipment, including a SawStop cabinet saw and central dust collection. Our shop at the magazine is nicely equipped, but we suffer with a concrete floor, and nothing much to see outside our windows. The environment you work in makes a difference, when youre comfortable you can concentrate.
Dales article will be published in a few months, and in it he shares his technique for locating multiple through tenons. If youve ever wondered how this can be done effectively and efficiently, Dale will show you how. Dale also teaches classes in this shop, offering a number of projects tailored to developing skills while building nice furniture. He is a skilled craftsman and a great teacher. The class sizes are small and the prices are affordable. Students are encouraged to return home with new skills and finished pieces.
If youre interested in learning how to make Arts & Crafts style furniture, spend some time checking out the Barnard School website, watch the video from the HGTV series Modern Masters, and the gallery of Dales work. Youll see some great examples and find out the details of classes being offered. This is a trip that’s worth it, and you can do it again and again.
Click here to visit the Barnard Woodworking School website.
