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

[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...

[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.