Shop Tour: Andrew Hunter
It would be easy to think that Andrew's shop is lavishly appointed and just as impressive as the work that comes out of it. Well, in some cases less actually does make more.
I’ve been in awe of Andrew Hunter’s work for years, but I’m not sure I was totally prepared to see Andrew’s work in person. Every surface of every single piece I saw was meticulously executed–as close to perfection as one could hope to achieve. It would be easy to think that Andrew’s shop is lavishly appointed and just as impressive as the work that comes out of it. Well, in some cases less actually does make more.
As a woodworker, it’s easy to get wrapped up in buying tools, and that’s fine, as long as you know it isn’t going to make you a better woodworker. I have been guilty of thinking that I was one tool away from nirvana. On the other hand, I’ve been in enough shops and watched enough masters to know that no matter what tool I buy next, the most important tool that I need to hone is my mind. Unfortunately, as Morpheus would say, “There is a difference between knowing the path, and walking the path.”
Andrew works out of a space barely big enough to hold a workbench with room to walk around it. A collection of Japanese handsaws hangs from the wall above a shelf that holds a modest collection of Japanese planes. In most shops, this collection would be little more than eye candy–a functional collage. In Andrew’s shop, it’s all he needs to produce some of the world’s finest pieces of furniture.
Andrew’s minimalist approach extends beyond his bench room. If you head outside–past the old Bronco with a plywood door–to Andrew’s garage, you’ll find his collection of corded apprentices. An old contractor’s tablesaw, router, drill press, and planer, none of which one would normally associate with the high-end work Andrew produces, but obviously, they all get the job done.
I can’t help but wonder if the sparseness of Andrew’s tool collection contributes to his ability to produce such exquisite pieces. By focusing on the technique instead of focusing on the tool, does Andrew get more out of a single handplane than I can a drawer full? I’m sure Andrew would produce jaw-dropping work whether he had a room full of tools or a warehouse full, but it might just be time I look inward and concentrate not just on the tools, but how I use them.
-Ben
Comments
This was an awesome tour. It’s not how I work, but it is humbling like Ben said. Andrew’s work and approach are a huge insipiration, and I always get excited when I see his name come up.
For me, this was the best shop tour I've ever seen. He said "the most important tool that I need to hone is my mind." that comment really made me think about woodworking in whole new different aspect. I think that applies to any work that you do. Thank you for the article and video.
Less is more! Nice video.
That tour was worth my subscription to FineWoodworking! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
So fun to see. Andrew's Country Hutch remains one of my all time favorite furniture pieces of all time. The simple lines, attention to detail, wood choice, and beauty are just exquisite.
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2014/07/30/make-a-country-hutch
Seeing his shop gave me great insight into some of the details of this piece and his work more generally.
Thanks for a great video!
Andrew Hunter to me is the essence of Fine Woodworking as he is always focused on the journey that he takes to beautiful and personally expressive furniture. A teacher and role model for the up and coming young woodworker as he does not rely on the newest tool technology for his extraordinary pieces.
While at FWW Live 2018, he let me use his (15) year old plane he referred to in this video. The finish which remained on a 2" wide by 6" cherry was that of glass. Zero plane marks and it glowed. Such a different approach as your mechanical strength emanates from your arms and abdominal muscles through the pull stroke. Andrew is an amazing craftsman I hope to spend time with again one day!
Nice interview and tour Ben!
I took a two day class that Andrew taught on Japanese tools. He is VERY knowledgeable and willing to share his expertise. I walked away with a deeper understanding of Japanese tools and woodworking, If you have the opportunity I would recommend taking one of his classes.
Wow - teaching by simple example! This is one of the best videos on woodworking I've seen in a long time. Thank you!
Great tour, one of the most meaningful tours that I have seen, quite humbling. I have been looking at all the tools that I can buy so that I can finish a few of the projects that I have on the go. I might just spend some time to hone my mind instead. Thank you, Ash
Wow! What a great shop tour! I am interested in hearing more about Andrew's work bench and sawhorses. They look like 4x6's 8 feet long. Are those Krenov sawhorses? Great concept. BTW, could not find that Veritas marking gauge anywhere.
I take it back... Veritas calls theirs a "sliding square".
I couldn't agree more with all the positive comments already made. Very inspiring and encouraging. It shows you don't necessarily need deep pockets and resources to make good work. Thanks to Andrew and the team at FW.
I have 2 shops, one fully equipped with power tools and one well equipped with hand tools. If not for cost and space, I would have 2 shops with wall to wall power tools. What a mistake that would have been. I'm very much "learning" to enjoy and appreciate my hand tools.
Log in or create an account to post a comment.
Sign up Log in