Reviving a lost passion: a Journey with Dad’s Toolbox

My father’s workshop was his sanctuary, a place where tools and materials coexisted harmoniously. From hand tools to electric ones, from wood scraps to paints and oils, everything had its designated spot in his meticulously organized space. His innate knack for practicality meant he could repair, build, or repurpose anything with ease. Growing up surrounded by his craftsmanship, I inherited his passion for working with my hands, and it’s a joy to see my own workshop expanding into a similar haven.

Despite my love for refurbishing furniture, a desire lingered to create something from scratch. The process of rescuing old pieces ignited a curiosity about the transformation of wood into furniture. Years ago, I dipped my toes into woodworking through beginner-level workshops, where I carved pieces under the guidance of skilled artisans. The tactile experience of working with wood left an indelible impression, and when the opportunity arose to build my own piece, I eagerly embraced it.

Before delving into the project, I invested in quality tools—a legacy from my father’s teachings. Recognizing the value of exceptional tools, I opted for a Festool dust extractor, which revolutionized my workspace. Buoyed by this upgrade, I enrolled in a woodworking course with Kurswerkstatt Freiburg, immersing myself in two days of hands-on learning under the guidance of Kai. Despite the language barrier, I found myself conversing effortlessly in German, propelled by my excitement for the craft. Kai’s expertise and the meticulous organization by Wolf-Christian Hartwieg made the experience immensely rewarding.

Back at home, I meticulously finished my creation, sanding away imperfections and applying Scandic-Oil for Furniture by Oli Natura to achieve a protective yet raw wood finish. The end result exceeded my expectations, prompting me to ponder future woodworking endeavors.

While refurbishing remains my primary focus, the experience of carpentry has opened new doors of creativity. As I envision a future workshop filled with light and every tool imaginable, I’m grateful for the chance to explore woodworking in a whole new light.