A Journey Through Wood with Matt Kenney Fine Woodworking
So, grab your coffee, or whatever you like to sip on, and let me tell you about my adventures—or misadventures, as I like to call them—in fine woodworking with the great Matt Kenney. Now, I’m no expert, just a small-town guy with a garage full of tools. But, you know, there’s something about the smell of freshly cut wood mixed with a hint of sawdust that makes me feel alive.
The First Cut
It all started when I decided I needed something beautiful—something from the heart. I had been scrapping by with IKEA furniture, and let me tell you, those particle boards don’t do anything for the soul. It was time to build my own solid wood dining table. I had my heart set on walnut, all rich and dark, because it always reminded me of my grandpa’s workshop. I could almost hear his voice: “Hey champ, wood is alive; treat it well.”
Anyway, I watched a bunch of Matt Kenney’s videos. The way he talks about wood—like it has a personality—is inspiring. But let me tell you, watching is a whole lot different from doing. I went out, splurged on some quality walnut, and, man, did that stuff smell good. Rich, earthy notes that made my nose twitch in joy.
But there was a problem. Right out of the gate, I almost chopped my finger off with the table saw. Oh, I can hear my wife now, “You could’ve just bought the damn thing, you know!” But I laughed it off, mostly because I was shaking like a leaf. Always a good moment for reflection when you’re staring down power tools, huh? But I figured, if I take my time, I might just pull this off.
Learning Curve
I remember the first time I tried to join the pieces together. I was all excited, glued up a few boards and, wouldn’t you know it, they weren’t flat at all! There were gaps you could slip a dime through. I felt like I had just walked into the biggest embarrassment of my life. “What was I thinking?” I muttered to myself, sitting there with a cup of cold coffee and a stubborn resolve.
I spent hours researching ways to fix it. Turns out, it’s all about clamping and patience—who knew?! I finally got it right, although I still laugh thinking about the time I realized I had used a cheap clamp I picked up at a garage sale—one where I didn’t even test it! Mind you, it was no great loss; it just ended up being a slapstick moment where that clamp sprang back like a rubber band, and nearly knocked over my coffee cup. You’d think I’d learn my lesson, right?
Anyway, after multiple adjustments, a few curse words, some wise words from my neighbor (who may or may not have had a few brews in him), I finally got the joints looking decent. And it turned out to be one of those “I actually did that!” moments I cherish.
The Finish Line—or Not
So, fast forward a bit, I got everything assembled and it was time for the finish. Oh boy, here’s where I really stumbled. I thought, “How hard can it be?” I grabbed some finish that I got on sale from the local store—big mistake. It turned out cloudy, like my thoughts after a few too many late nights. Unless it was meant to give that “shabby chic” look, I was downright disappointed. The glossy sheen I was aiming for looked more like a teenager’s first attempt at makeup.
It was at this point I nearly threw in the towel. I remember sitting at my dining room table, staring at what I thought was absolute failure. But just like Matt always emphasizes, every piece of wood has its story. So, I gathered my bearings, scrubbed off that horrendous finish, and decided to get some real quality stuff. I ended up going with a matte oil, and let me tell you, the difference was unreal. The walnut came alive—flattering grain patterns emerged, and my heart skipped a beat.
A Lesson for Next Time
Once it was all said and done, I stood back, mouth slightly agape. My wife walked in, and her eyes lit up, “Is that… ours?” With a bit of a chuckle, I replied, “Well, unless someone else wants to buy an asymmetrical masterpiece, I reckon it is!”
If I had one takeaway from this whole experience, it’s that every misstep is simply part of the journey. And hey, if you’re thinking about diving into woodworking or whatever hobby plucks at your heartstrings, just go for it. Sure, you might slice a finger or lose a few hours figuring out finishes (hello, cloudy coats), but every little bump along the way is part of your story. So, grab that wood and those tools, let your soul pour out, and most importantly, have fun with it! Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the furniture you create; it’s about the person you become while making it.
