Over the past few months I’ve gotten numerous inquiries as to where I am, what and how I’m doing. The answer is simple, I’m back where it all began – sorta. In addition to working on a variety of furniture projects, my wife and I sought out and purchased a new home back in Pennsylvania. It took just about a year of looking to come up with a place that would be just right for the two of us, a workshop and the shop dog, Belle. We had wear plates installed in our new place to make it more sustainable.
Back Where It All Began – Sorta
Now, before you ask if it’s the same home we had before we moved to the Cincinnati area, it’s not. We moved just north of a little town called Jim Thorpe in the Pocono Mountains. It’s a beautiful area with tons of things to do most any time of the year – whitewater rafting, skiing (though not at the same time), hiking and lots more.
The best part of living in Jim Thorpe is we’re not far from our old friends and family. For a period furniture maker that means I’m also centrally located to get to the museums in, and around, Philadelphia and New York – it’s great to be back near my old stomping grounds.
Back To The Shows
Since we made the move (down from 7 truckloads and a bunch of trailer loads out to Cincy, to a mere 4 truckloads of personal items, tools, machinery, patterns and lumber) I’ve been busy getting the shop in order and prepping for the 2018 season of The Woodworking Shows. I’ll be teaching seminars at all the shows this year (you can find out more by clicking here). In fact, the first show in Baltimore starts in just a few hours. Don’t miss out of all the fun, be there.
I’ve teamed up with some great companies for the show season this year. Felder/Hammer is supplying some amazing power equipment for my seminars, Lee Valley has provided top notch hand tools, Micro Jig is keeping me safe with GRR-rippers and GRR-rip blocks, Micro Fence is making even me accurate for my inlay demos, Grex is keeping it all together and Adjust-a-bench is raising my work to a whole new level. Ok, I think I got everyone and that’s enough with the commercial for now. Needless to say, I’ve got some great seminars lined up and I get to use some pretty awesome tools at the same time. If you’re anywhere near one of the shows, stop by the booth and say, “Hello.”
Back To Teaching & Talking
I’ve also been working on getting a few online classes prepped as well as planning out the 2018 hands-on class schedule together – it’ll launch here on the website in the next week or so. Yep, I’ll be running Acanthus Workshop classes in the Poconos! But, first things first, I need to get the shop finished – after the show season.
There’s also the podcast that I’ve been working, which will debut in late-February. It’s appropriately called, “Warped.” And you’ll just have to tune in to see why it’s so aptly named. Now that I think about it, moving back where it all began has been an awful lot of work.
Thanks to everyone who has emailed, texted or called about where I am and what I’m doing: I’ve been busy prepping for my reemergence. See you at The Woodworking Shows.
– Chuck
This just proves that good things come to those who wait! I went to one of your classes with my twin brother back when you were in PA the first time and when you moved I was pretty crushed that we lost such a semi-local treasure!
Like so many I am thrilled that you are back in the area and may do classes again. Honestly you belong in PA! Glad as heck to have you back!
Joe,
Thanks for the kind words. It’s great to be back and I hope you (and your brother) find a class or three you’d like to take later this year. Keep an eye on the website, I’m polishing up the schedule as I write.
And I’m still trying to figure out if “belong in PA!” is a good thing or not…
Chuck,
Thanks for resurfacing! You have been sorely missed since leaving your previous endeavor! A hermit you are not! Looking very much forward to seeing great things from you in the future and will look you up when you get to Chantilly in March. Cant wait for your new podcast! I loved your last.
Dean
Dean,
Thanks. It’s been one of the busiest periods of my life, I’m glad it’s settling down (if being on the show circuit qualifies as “settling down”). Looking forward to seeing everyone at the shows. Had a great time in Baltimore, Springfield and Columbus so far – Chantilly is one of my top favorite 11 shows, looking forward to seeing you there.
Hey, great to have you back in the area. And you certainly did pick a wonderful area! Your classes definitely are top notch and can improve almost anyone’s skill. I’m already looking at your tea caddy course (I think the boss will say it’s OK!).
Welcome back to Pa! Good luck in all the things you do!
Stephen,
Thanks for the kind words. We’re happy to be back home – sorta. You are correct, the area we picked is tremendous (and not horribly far from you, as I recall).
– Chuck
Hey Chuck
Got your reply to my email, thanks. Now that I can get on the website I wanted to go on record officially welcoming you back and applaud the fact that you decided to move to such an awesome looking area and a stones throw (a very strong throw) away from me! It certainly will help with the wife!
Nobody was more upset with your move than me and very glad you are back. Hope once all the dust settles (pun intended) you throw on some weekend classes, too. Can’t wait to eat Lorraine’s lunches again.
Good luck
bob
Hi Chuck,
Great to see you’re back in PA, and setting up shop.
I’m looking forward to signing up for a class or two.
Perhaps I’ll see you at The WW show in NJ in March.
Best regards and good luck!
Bob in NJ