Welcome to my wood shop in Nanaimo B.C. Canada
I have always had an interest in working with wood but didn’t really seize the opportunity until I retired from the working world. Now that I have time on my hands, I have really started to have some fun with wood.
I had some good coaching early on from a turner named Alvin Snow from Ladysmith and the continued help from a friend, John Noble who is the industrial arts teacher at our local high school. Over time I have improved my skills as a woodworker. I have found the Woodturning Design magazine to be quite inspiring and helpful as well. I also had an opportunity to attend a woodturning conference where I was able to watch Richard Raffin in action, a truly exciting experience.
On a trip to New Zealand in 2007, I was able to spend a couple of hours with Rick Taylor at his Kauri Gallery in Dargerville. He was most helpful with ideas on finishing. I even bought some of his tools to bring home.
A few years ago, I met a lady named Shaun Fleming in Maui. Check out her website at In addition to a wonderful chat, she sent me home with some lovely pieces of Koa wood.
Birdhouses are taking up my time at present. It is fun to make them and I enjoy having them around the yard. Check them out !
Lately I have been dabbling with a new scroll saw.

Westcoast Woodworker
Check out my ETSY store at
ETSY.com/westcoastwoodturner