Advice to My Younger Self

How to get a better start at woodworking.

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Did you ever wish you could climb into a time machine, travel back a few decades, and have a heart-to-heart with your younger self about woodworking? Or that you could at least send a letter back in time to help set yourself on the right path and perhaps save yourself some grief? What are the high points you’d try to drive home? We gave this time-travel challenge to a handful of experienced woodworkers we know. Here are their stories, along with a sprinkling of tidbits from a bunch of other folks.

Paul Anthony, age 62

Senior editor, Woodcraft Magazine Current home: Riegelsville, PA

Began woodworking professionally in 1974

Hey kid! Yeah, you with the long hair and earring. Could you stop planing for a few minutes so we could talk? Who am I? Would you believe me if I told you I’m you in a few decades? I didn’t think so. So let’s just say I’m the ghost of your woodworking future. Anyway, I don’t have much time, so listen up: First of all, it’s great that you love woodworking. In addition to supporting you, it’s gonna teach you about creativity, focus, patience, pride, and humility. Some things you build will improve your life and the lives of those you love. And if you do your work well, it may outlive you to touch descendants you can’t meet. So here’s some stuff to think about as you make your way:

Soak up whatever knowledge you can from books, magazines, people—wherever it’s available. And, while you’re learning, don’t let anyone tell you that there’s only one right way to do things. Try everything. Revel in your mistakes. Remember that every screw-up is one more screw-up out of the way.