Pursuing the craft

Where is the next generation of woodworkers coming from? Some of them may already be out there.

We talk a lot about finding qualified, skilled woodworking employees, as well as topics like how industrial arts education – particularly woodshop, of course – is disappearing from schools. After all, if kids don’t learn woodworking, there won’t be adult woodworkers.

With that in mind, it’s a fantastic thrill to see a young person pursuing the craft on his own. Evan Schaffner is a 14-year-old in Herndon, Pa., who has jumped into woodworking in an astounding way: he’s started his own business, Schaffner Timber Crafts, specializing in made-to-order slab and live-edge furniture.

He comes by it naturally. His dad, grandfather, and great-grandfather all did woodworking, and he was attracted to the woodshop early in life. His parents actively encouraged him, secured a small-business loan to cover startup and supplies, and helped establish his Facebook business page. With the site live only since the beginning of July, he already has nearly 200 followers and has begun taking orders.

Not only is his fledgling business showing signs of success, he’s also successfully juggling the work life with school life – he’s at the top of his class, active in athletics, and is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. For now, his business goals are modest: He’d like to make enough money to buy a truck (when he’s old enough to drive, of course), and maybe a portable sawmill.

As for the future, it’s always possible that he’ll find a new interest and apply his obvious talents in a different pursuit. But if he stays the course with his growing woodworking skills, he’ll have a head start in the wood business that many young people today don’t. I wish him well.