Two Visits From Roy Underhill

I spotted a Gramercy holdfast on the show recently. Now I have two things in common with Roy. That and bandaids.

Wow, how cool to be able to have that opportunity to meet such a great mentor face to face.

(Just curious - because I'm starting to get into turning myself - but you don't happen to remember what turning tools Roy recommended, do you?)

I have taken three classes at the Woodwright's School, and can honestly say that they are fantastic. Roy and his fellow instructors are great and entertaining teachers, and I learned a lot during my three days with them. I highly recommend going if you have the opportunity.

The picture at 14th street= a.m.a.z.i.n.g!
Mr. Underhill= my hero!

The tools Roy recommended were all scrapers. The customer had never turned before, had a specific project in mind, and didn't have any means of getting format instruction. I would have recommended regular turning tools, but Roy was right here - scrapers got the customer on the scoreboard fast, and allowed her to accomplish her project with a very small learning curve.

Coincidentally, I have been watching episodes of the Woodwright's Shop online (pbs.org) before work in the morning, before dinner, before bed at night and any free time in between for the past week or so. I think I was originally turned off by the suspenders and the outfit and thought it was just a novelty show at first, but after giving Roy Underhill an honest chance I've been enlightened. Particularly inspiring was his episode on "The Spirit of Woodcraft" in the 2006-2007 season.

I too went from watching "that crazy guy bouncing around in North Carolina" to appreciating the incredible amount of information he packs into a single episode. Now I can't get enough.

Hey Joel, Do you recall what turning tools Roy recommended...I would love to know this as iI am "that guy", like the person that came into your store that day and was lucky enough to get advise from Roy personally. Would really appreciate knowing what tools Roy suggested or recommended to that person. Can you help??

Roy Underhill is who gave me the confidence and inspiration to do "real" woodworking. I've only seen part of one of his shows, as I never have had any patience with TV; I learned from his first book, The Woodwright's Shop, that I checked out from the library.

At the time, I had no money for tools. I started with a beat-up worn out "transition" jack plane, a 1/4 inch Buck Bros chisel that I bought at a junk store, and some sort of hand saw that I don't recall. Before long I was hand-cutting dovetails by eye. I went on to read all of his books and raised my kids while making a living as a custom woodworker, building everything from jewelry boxes to timber frames, cradles to coffins. I also managed to gather together nearly every hand tool I saw pictured in his books.

As time went on I collected my own copies of all of his books, which I treasure. Recently I ordered a new copy of The Woodwright's Shop along with his newest book, The Woodwright's Guide (2008) with excellent, clear line drawings by his daughter Eleanor. If you don't have his books, get them.

Roy, if you read this, know that you made this guy's life a lot fuller and more fun. Thanks.

Michael Astera
Porlamar, Venezuela