When entering the gigantic beautiful doors of the workshop, it’s clear that this is a unique and cool joint. There are tools inside the shop for manipulation of an array of materials. Garry’s interest lies in aesthetic sensibilities more than showing off what nature has already done.

GKB uses paint, metal, glass, plastic, and/or whatever is needed for the job. He uses wood primarily because it’s fast and easy to work in large forms. Before getting into furniture making, Garry had a metal plating business. I think his expertise in metal gives him a leg up on others. One of the first things we learn in making things is material manipulation, and Garry has mastered at least a few mediums. He isn’t restricted.

Along with understanding structural limitations of material, makers should learn about art. “Without being indoctrinated into art theories and principles, how can people make anything and call it art?” Garry is a firm believer that we need to have shops in schools and teach people how to make things using their hands along with teaching what works (i.e., color theory).

However, GKB expressed a strong concern for the changing of society’s interests. He believes it’s next to impossible to make a living making furniture because of cultural expectations. He has an extremely valid point, in that many people don’t care about handcrafted one-of- a-kind furniture. He said it seems as though there will be a resurgence in another 20-30 years of collectors and galleries.

I believe it’s happening already, though.  Where I live in Indianapolis, galleries are popping up all over the place.  People want well-made furnishings that they can see and touch before buying. Garry and I both believe that education about and real-life access to crafted goods are vital to keeping the handmade economy going.

As far as making these days, Garry is making some lamps from time to time and painting. He isn’t making a lot because he said he is collecting his own work. The market for selling has gone ‘BONK.’  “I’m a lucky [s-o-b], though; I’ve got my niche, work in galleries and museums, a wife, kids, and I’ve done a lot of drugs,” Garry explained.

Garry and his wife, Sylvia, live in a lovely home above the shop in Jack London Square in Oakland. It’s an exquisite, gallery-like space that has furniture and art from the likes of Judy McKie, Wendy Maruyama, and many more. Garry is an icon in the Studio Furniture movement that stems from the idea of making completely speculative furniture. It is definitely not an easy road to make a living off of furniture of your own device, considering solely your own stipulations. Hats off to Garry!

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– Ken Johnson
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania

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– Ronald Casteel
Russell, Pennsylvania

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The new Mobile Work Station is constructed with a reinforced angle iron frame for heavy-duty durability, and 5-in. industrial casters will make it easier to roll around. Underneath the raised work surface, two pullout trays allow for fast and convenient access to frequently used tools. For additional versatility, the space underneath the work surface easily fits two Milwaukee Jobsite Organizers as an extra option for accessory and fastener storage. The Work Station’s nine drawers ride on 100 lb. soft close full-extension slides, with a total weight capacity of 1,800 lbs. The center drawer has a moveable divider.

Additional key features include a multi-position tool tray, which can be mounted at different heights on the side of the Work Station for convenient storage of bulk items, a quick-access tool holder for longer tools like screwdrivers and ratchets, and a power tool organizer to keep tools upright. A built-in power strip with six receptacles and USB ports provides easy access to power for corded tools, battery chargers and mobile devices.

Part of a growing line of storage solutions from Milwaukee, the new 52-in. Mobile Work Station (item 48-22-8552) will be available at select retailers this month. It will sell for $599.

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Tim Inman: For a box like this, be sure to finish the inside and the outside. Other than that, it is purely an aesthetic choice. However, whatever you do, do not touch that eagle wing! Don’t even have it in your shop. It is against the law, and possessing it carries huge legal consequences. My father was an accomplished carver of early American experiences. He was a master at carving horses, wagons and buggies. One of his most cherished carvings is an American Indian on horseback. He made everything from the harness to the saddles and the clothing. He collected roadkill birds to get their feathers. The bright red downy feathers from the wings of a red-winged blackbird were used to make the feathery headdress for the Indian carving. At a National Carver’s Show, he was chastened and politely but frankly informed that the carving could be confiscated and he could be fined for having it. Since he had been invited to display this carving and others at the show, somehow things never got to the “jail” part. But he put the carving away, and it was never shown again. Hence my advice: Don’t have anything to do with that eagle wing.

Chris Marshall: With Spanish cedar, you’ve landed on a favorite choice for humidors. The wood has a spicy, pleasant smell, and for that reason it’s almost a shame to finish the inside of the box you’re making. In many ways, this wood has similar working characteristics for me to African mahogany: it’s soft, easy to cut, plane and sand and holds details well. If I were choosing a finish for that keepsake box, I’d probably dye the wood a rich, brown color and then topcoat it with lacquer. Have fun building your project!

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See the Gallery Below:

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“A dog who takes the winter down South is a ‘snow bird dog.’ Duh.” – Mike Miller

“I was very touched by the your writing. As a dog owner myself, I can appreciate the love and labor that went into this project. I hope Leeroy enjoys his new home.” – Moshe Golden

“Rob, you may be happy you made the dog’s apartment so nice.  You may need it. Our dog spent the morning with me in my shop working, too.” – Rick Corbitt

We also heard some reactions (including those placed through discussion directly on the article page) to the latest update on the legal battle between Bosch and SawStop regarding table saws designed with extra safety measures. – Editor

“I thought the SawStop system was a bit complicated and seemed expensive to replace. Bosch’s system looked a lot simpler and, if activated, probably was a lot less expensive to reactivate. Also, in my humble opinion, the mechanisms to activate the system appeared to be totally different. I can’t see where there’s a patent infringement, but I’m a woodworker, not a lawyer.” – Jerry Czarnowski

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