How to answer "What type of woodworker are you?"

[Andrew More]

I get asked this a lot. I never know quite what to say to people. I find most things involved in woodworking to be interesting, and I've dabbled in quite a few. Mostly I seem to just build things for the shop.... using the shop. So self-referential woodworker? :)

[Anuj Prateek]

I say "nocturnal"

[Ken Fitzgerald]

Slow! Very slow!

Speaking of myself, obviously.

[Michael Burnside]

Fine furniture in whatever style that interests me mixed with CNC technology. And no, I can’t build it cheaper than IKEA

[John K Jordan]

I get asked this a lot. I never know quite what to say to people. I find most things involved in woodworking to be interesting, and I've dabbled in quite a few. Mostly I seem to just build things for the shop.... using the shop. So self-referential woodworker? :)

I tell them I'm the type who works with wood. The kind from trees.

(the distinction shamelessly stolen, er, borrowed from Brian Crane)
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JKJ

[Rob Luter]

I tell people I'm a hobbyist and hand tool enthusiast who aspires to get better at the craft.

[Lisa Starr]

I tell them that I seem to spend most of my time doing finish work on my home. Jamb extensions, custom made casings, cabinetry, built-ins...but, I'd like to build furniture. I hope to build an entertainment cent sooner than later. I very. very slow no matter the project.

[Alan Lightstone]

I tell people I'm an advanced semi-skilled amateur-professional. It's like when I'm asked what I do for a living, and tell them I'm a cardio-thoracic anesthesiologist. They glaze over and usually just walk away.

I like the "Slow one" answer above the best.

[Jack Frederick]

I tell them I specialize in making sawdust and kindling.

[glenn bradley]

I use the description "enthusiastic hobbyist".

[John TenEyck]

I tell people I'm a pretty good woodworker, but not as good as I hope to be, that I like new challenges and solving problems, and that I'm generally happy to build whatever people are willing to pay me to build. The last part is being revised yearly now; I'm getting more selective with what I will build for others, regardless of the pay, so I have enough time to work on what I want to.

John

[ChrisA Edwards]

Expert at turning fine species of wood into firewood.

[Zachary Hoyt]

I would say I am a mildly deranged woodworker.

[Tom M King]

I've never heard that question.

[Andrew More]

Lots of good answers here. I think part of it is that I'm starting to venture into pro-sumer levels of stuff. I've got a nice sawstop cabinet saw, 18" band saw, 8" jointer, 15" planer, cyclone dust collector, and a lot of other top of the line tools. Probably nothing outstanding for the fine folks here, but above 99% of the typical DIYers with a few construction/framer level tools.

I think when people see the setup they assume I'm a bit more serious than I myself think I am. The implication is that you've got this amazing shop, you must be really talented and have a strong justification for having all these expensive tools. I honestly feel somewhat obligated to rationalize the expense, even if it's just a hobby, when we all know there isn't a good economic justification. (And I know other hobbies have their own expenses, I used to own a motorcycle. :) )

[John Goodin]

Usually that question comes after someone has seen or heard about some of my work. I say “There are woodworkers, craftsman and artisans. I am woodworker who aspires to be an artisan but would be thrilled to call myself a craftsman.” One of the beauties of this creative outlet is that l can always improve my skill and l always have a new tool to lust after.

[William Hodge]

I say that I'm a "Master Carpenter", and tap my glasses.

[Michael Burnside]

Expert at turning fine species of wood into firewood.

Ha! I'm been known to be that type of woodworker myself.

[Jim Becker]

I would say I am a mildly deranged woodworker.
I resemble that remark... :) :D :p

[Paul F Franklin]

How about, I'm the kind who has spent a lot of time, energy, and money building up a very nice workshop where I occasionally produce something I'm not embarrassed to show others.

[Paul Haus]

I tell people that ask, I'm a retired restoration/repair specialist who now makes furniture when I can.

[lowell holmes]

I tell people that ask, I'm a retired restoration/repair specialist who now makes furniture when I can.

My response is " When swmbo (she who must be obeyed) makes a request, I get right on it.. . . .

[Howard Rosenberg]

Interesting question.
I just say I build furniture as a hobby.
If they ask I just explain I usually build bookcases.
If they’re truly interested I describe my processes as a mix of contemporary technologies (sheet goods) and ancient techniques (housed joints with glue only - no screws or nails) and hand-mixed green finishes (milk paint)

[Jack Llewyllson]

I get asked this a lot. I never know quite what to say to people.

A bunch of years ago, Dad picked out my 16th birthday present. It was a t-shirt that said "I'M NOT REAL SMART, BUT I CAN LIFT HEAVY THINGS."

That has a logic structurally similar to my answer to your question, which is, "I don't have much talent, but I'm dang good lookin'!"

[Myles Moran]

Slow! Very slow!

Speaking of myself, obviously.

This is my go to. I can make it happen when I want to (Christmas gifts), but my shop is for fun. The quicker I can shut down turning it into a business venture, the more time I have to enjoy it.

[Andrew More]

That has a logic structurally similar to my answer to your question, which is, "I don't have much talent, but I'm dang good lookin'!"

Clearly you have a face for forum posts. :)

@Myles that's another good point- never let your hobby stress you out, or turn into a business.

[Richard Coers]

I tell people I'm a furniture maker and artistic woodturner. Anything to shatter the idea that I am a carpenter like their cousin or uncle, or brother who built a deck or birdhouse.

[John Kananis]

I tell them, the kind that doesn't do installation of any type. But I'll make just about anything you want.

[John K Jordan]

...The quicker I can shut down turning it into a business venture, the more time I have to enjoy it.

That's the spirit!! That's why I usually make things to give away instead of do the selling thing. However I have accidentally made a few thousand $$ on occasion but I stay hopeful it won't happen again.

JKJ

[Bruce Wrenn]

I say RETIRED! Other than Toys for Tots car bodies, I haven't done much woodworking since retiring five years ago.

[Patty Hann]

Other person: What kind of woodworker are you?
Me: Slow. Even slower than Ken.
Other person: ????
Me: Never mind.

[Dwayne Watt]

I make very expensive sawdust.

[Brian Runau]

Wood butcher.

[Pat Rice]

I knew a man who use to work at a local Millwork, he said he was a wood machinist. I rather like that, for me as a hobbyist I tell people that woodworking is my passion but that wife says my shop is my hobby :D

[Steve Rozmiarek]

Very entertaining! I just tell people I'm a carpenter. Keeps the expectations low.

[Rod Sheridan]

I get asked this a lot. I never know quite what to say to people. I find most things involved in woodworking to be interesting, and I've dabbled in quite a few. Mostly I seem to just build things for the shop.... using the shop. So self-referential woodworker? :)

I describe myself as a purveyor of expensive scraps……Regards, Rod

[Stan Calow]

How about "an expensive one". That stymies the request to make something cheap they were about to make.

[Patty Hann]

How about "an expensive one". That stymies the request to make something cheap they were about to make.
I like that. :)

[Alan Lightstone]

How about, I'm the kind who has spent a lot of time, energy, and money building up a very nice workshop where I occasionally produce something I'm not embarrassed to show others.
That's probably the most accurate describing myself.

[Keith Hankins]

I say "....I make fine furniture on commission".