New Chapter

It's October, 2019, and a year has past from my last post.  A lot has happened...  let me catch  everyone up.

First the sad news.   My wish to finish the Carpentry program at WTC was too expensive and had to end 3 quarters short.  Hoping I could dovetail my part-time job as an apprentice with DLH, I quickly realized that was not possible.  They needed someone full-time, and I think they were disappointed I wanted to finish what I started at the school rather than learn from them.  The free tuition I was riding on was only good for two quarters through the Worker Retraining program, and I wasn't finding many scholarships due to the fact that I had already gained a Bachelors Degree.  Rent was going up combined with no work, made living in Seattle no longer economically feasible.  I had to move back to Bellingham.

I did however learn many great things from my teachers at the WTC.  Dave and Katy were excellent instructors and I couldn't have asked for a better example of how to be a great woodworking teacher.

Here some photos of the work I did in the second quarter, focused on remodeling and interior trim.

 Above is a photo of my workstation.  We were learning to cope with coping joints...  bad pun I know but an excellent exercise.  I was really proud with my window trim, especially the miter returns on the stool, all my measurements came out right were I wanted them.  The pre-hung door was a new one for me as well.

 

It would have been nice to finish the program but I feel fortunate to have played a part of the the WTC.  

Winter of 2019 was not an easy one.  I applied to many construction jobs in Whatcom County but none were looking for an apprentice level carpenter in the slow season.  

While I was looking for work, I had to keep my hands busy.  With what little money I had, I paid for a monthly membership to the Bellingham MakerSpace.  For those who don't know what a makerspace is, its a awesome place where people can learn how to use 3d printers, laser cutters and CNC routers.  I was working on an old board game project I had started back in 2011.  

What became an small project to occupy my time waiting for a job to turn up, slowly became my creative obsession.  The prototype of the game is still being refined but I was moderately pleased with what I could achieve with the CNC.

As I became more familiar with the staff and volunteers at the space, I was inspired to try teaching hand tool courses to make projects like small trivets to Shoji lamps.  My intention was to blend old with new.  I wanted to introduce people to learn and appreciate high quality Japanese hand tools, but also learn the benefits of modern building methods with laser cutters and 3d design systems.  It was a great idea that a lot of potential that I wouldn't mind revisiting someday.  Of the 4-5 students I had great time sharing with them why I like woodworking.  However, it didn't bring in much money and I was struggling to get by.  Strongly recommend you check out their site at:

https://bellinghammakerspace.org

After about 3-4 months without full-time work I tried applying to retail gigs again.  One hardware store that was hiring for minimum wage for a stocking position had me go through 5 interviews before turning me down...  lame.  Fortunately, I did get a reasonable offer to work with Lowe's Home Improvement as a Pro Customer Sales Associate.  It wasn't what I really wanted to do, but it got me back on my feet working full-time.  I made a lot of great friends and learned more about  building materials but I had to move on.  

A friend of mine gave me a tip on a company he thought I would work well in.  Through good connections and good timing, I was given an interview with Aiki Homes, a sustainable building company located in Bellingham and building locally.  The interview went well though they wanted to see me at work before making a full commitment.  After working a full shift in soaking rain, still eager to help in any way I could, they were very happy to give me an offer not long after. 

After a month with Aiki Homes, I am very happy to say I made the right choice to sign on with them.  Luke, my lead carpenter is an excellent craftsman and great role model.  I can learn a lot from him.  He and everyone in the company, have been a joy to work with and I can see a future much longer then a month at a time.  I don't think I have ever been able to say that.  Below is an image of the spectacular project we're currently working on.  

You can see more of what they do at:

https://www.aikihomes.com

Before I go I thought I share some pictures of my mom's planter boxes that I built last December.  The garden has really filled in and is looking great.  Thanks for following these posts.  I will continue to share my passion for woodworking.