The Heart and Soul of Giles Woodworking in Milford, NH
You know, there’s something about Milford that really pulls you in. It’s a quaint little place, and you can find treasures hiding just about anywhere, like the little workshop called Giles Woodworking. I remember the first time I stumbled across it—it’s tucked away on a side street, and you almost miss it if you’re not paying attention. I was actually on my way to grab a cup of coffee from the local café when this sap-scented air hit my nose and stopped me in my tracks.
So, of course, being the nosy neighbor that I am, I had to check it out.
An Unexpected Journey
Now, I’ve always dabbled a bit in woodworking. Mostly just weekend projects here and there, nothing too serious. But walking into Giles felt different. There was something about the way the wood was stacked, the way the light filtered through the windows, and oh, that smell—like fresh-cut pine mixed with a hint of sawdust. It was inviting, warm, the kind of place where you thought, “Hey, if I mess up, at least I’ll do it surrounded by good vibes.”
Not long after I made this discovery, I decided to try a project that had been bouncing around in my mind—a bookshelf for my kid’s room. Sounds simple enough, right? Yeah, that’s what I thought too, until I realized I’d never really built something so… substantial before. So, armed with enthusiasm and very little foresight, I took a trip back to Giles.
The Tools of the Trade (and My Mistakes)
Giles has a little bit of everything: tools that look like they’ve been used for years and have stories to tell, to the shiny new ones I couldn’t quite afford yet. I remember eyeing this gorgeous circular saw like I was looking at a sports car. You could almost hear it revving in my mind. I finally went for a basic table saw and a miter saw, figuring I could make it work.
I picked out some beautiful oak for the project—nothing beats the rich color and grain of it, and let me tell you, the first cut was pure magic. The way that blade ran through the wood, the sound it made—like a whisper to my soul. But soon enough, that magic turned into panic.
A Fork in the Road… or A Miscalibrated Miter?
This is where I really started sweating. You ever had that feeling where everything just… stops? Yeah, I had one of those moments. After I cut the pieces for the shelves, I realized I had miscalibrated the miter saw. They didn’t fit. I mean, I stood there with my mouth open, staring at these beautiful pieces of wood that were now useless. I almost gave up. I was 30 minutes away from throwing it all in the corner and binge-watching some bad reality show on TV.
But, I took a deep breath. No one grows from throwing things away, right? So, I went back to Giles to ask for some advice. The folks there are just a gem—eventually, they helped me see that mistakes are just part of the journey. A little sanding, a touch of wood glue, and those pieces were back in the game.
It Feels Like a Win Today
After a long night in the garage—lots of coffee and a couple of not-so-pretty words that probably woke the neighbors—I finally finished that bookshelf. I can still picture it: standing proud against the wall, that lovely oak gleaming, books lined up like soldiers. I laughed when it actually worked out. Just standing there, feeling like I had conquered a mountain—it was a rush.
To this day, that bookshelf holds more than just books. It’s filled with memories: bedtime stories, those ridiculous pop-up books from my own childhood, and various pirate tales that have taken residence in my son’s mind.
So, What’s the Takeaway?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned through this whole experience, it’s that woodworking isn’t just about putting pieces together. It’s about the journey—the mistakes, the little victories, and that sense of accomplishment when something you built really starts to feel like home. Giles Woodworking taught me that.
If you’re thinking about diving into your own project, go for it, friend. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Even if it feels daunting at first, just grab some wood, a few tools, and let yourself get lost in the craft. Trust me, those irritating screw-ups can sometimes lead to the most rewarding creations. And who knows, maybe the next treasure people will be talking about is something you built with your own two hands.
