Our Members are our greatest assets. This is a chance to learn more about our members and their interests.
Each month, we will feature one or two member profiles. To view past profiles, please click the links at the bottom of the page.
Current Featured Members
Sanjiv Dhital
Sanjiv, working in the shop
Sanjiv became our vice-Chair in 2023, and as a result, was acclaimed to the role of Chair at the AGM in March 2024. He has been an active and engaged member from his initial joining of the Association in 2022. Sanjiv always seems to add something special to every presentation, tip, and comment he brings to our meeting and so we are very happy to feature him in this current profile.
Here is how Sanjiv answered our standard question list:
What is your occupation? Recently retired reconstructive and aesthetic plastic surgeon.
How long have you been a woodworker? Oh my – from the age of 8, I suppose – although more seriously for the past past 30 years. I was gifted a woodworking set at the age of eight. I still remember the Archimedes drill with a single bit and the fretsaw.
What is your favourite tool? Well, that’s like asking which child is my favourite! 🙂 But if I had to choose, it would have to be the hand plane.
What is your area(s) of specialty? I love making clock cases and smaller items of furniture for the home. My ambition is to make a Sam Maloof rocking chair.
Sanjiv presenting his work
What is your favorite wood to work with? My favourite is probably cherry as this ages beautifully; and a close second would be walnut because it works so well.
Tell us about your other interests. I am interested in medical and portrait photography.
What was a favourite project you can share with us? My favourite project so far has been a Vienna regulator [clock] case in cherry. I made it about 15 years ago and the wood has developed a priceless hue and patina.
What advice would you like to share with a newcomer to woodworking? Just start! I recently saw at the end of our drive, a pallet wood bench made by a sixth grade young lady, with a note on it that she used it to sit on while waiting for her school bus. The construction is simple but effective and she was able to start with very cheap materials.
