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.  

2011-2012 Update... Exciting News!

Again its been about a year since my last posting.  And again I have completed few if any projects.  During the winter break I was in a brief fervor of creativity, designing and dimensioning lumber for a new shoji lamp.  The idea was inspired by a good friend of mine whose studying electrical engineering.    He fabricated a standing lamp made with PVC and sewn cloth, where the main appeal was the programed LED lighting system.  These expensive little lights could be set up with a computer chip to give a mesmerizing light show.  My design was focused on using that lighting system while being incased in a Japanese style shoji lamp with a "Fibonacci Twist."  I wanted the kamiko, or lattices, to  divide the screen using the Golden Ratio, a famous sequence used in many classical designs.  Sadly, my creative drive to build something was sidetracked with the Winter quarter demands.  As a result, I have another project put on the back burners.

Late one night, toward the end of my Spring quarter, I was googling "carpentry apprenticeships available in the United States," while procrastinating working on my senior thesis. About every three to four months I do this search just to entertain myself with possible openings with Japanese carpentry companies like Takumi Design, Eastwind Inc., or Joinery Structures. For the past 2 years not much would turn up.  However, this June I was astounded to see on the 5th page of the google search, a link came up titled, "Zen Joinery Apprenticeship."  To my pleasant surprise it was an 8 month program being offered through the San Francisco Zen Center where participants would study under Paul Discoe, founder of Joinery Structures and ordained Zen Buddhist Priest.  Every other Saturday, the class would meet at his Oakland shop to learn everything from design, layout, wood preparation, tool care, cutting of joints, and assembly.  At the end of the program is a two week intensive workshop held to complete an entry gate at the Tassajara Zen Center, with food and lodging accommodated.  The whole Apprenticeship has a tuition cost of $1400 and only 8-10 spaces available.  To me, I instantly see this as an opportunity of a lifetime, just the kind for which I have been waiting for and apply right away.  And after a month of going through an interview of sorts and exchanging emails, I am very proud to say I am a core member of the Zen Joinery Apprenticeship program.   I have committed to spend every other Saturday for the next 8 months in Oakland learning exactly what I want to learn.  I see this as a tremendous opportunity to gain valuable experiences under a master of the trade.  

My first class starts this Saturday with an emphasis on design.  Our homework has been to read several books like Japanese Homes and the Surroundings, Zen Architecture and various books on understanding wood and how it behaves.  Hopefully, I will find the time to give updates on my progress with the apprenticeship.  Stay tuned... there should be more in the next few weeks.