Gary Dumas
We started our series of feature profiles with a past chair, Gary Dumas of Dartmouth. If you have been to any meetings, you will know Gary and his work, which always includes some interesting design elements.
Gary sharing some of the secrets of his organized shop during the September 2015 AWA shop tour.
Here is how Gary answered our questionnaire:
What is your occupation? Retired from the R.C.N.
How long have you been a woodworker? As long as I can remember.
How did you get started in woodworking? My dad was a stone mason/bricklayer and was always doing projects but it just seems like this is something I’ve always done with varying degrees of success. Back in the early 70’s, I hard the pleasure of working with a very skilled woodworker (Boyd Littlewood) who had forgotten more than I will ever know. He helped me along with some of my first projects .
What is your favourite tool? My favorite tool or thing is the radio. I find it hard to concentrate in the absolute silence of the shop. Favorite tools really depend on the project, so that’s why you just need more and more tools.
A sample of work. This is a tote Gary designed from an image he saw online and presented as part of an AWA monthly challenge.
What is your area(s) of specialty? I only wish.
What is your preferred type of project? Just stuff in general with a lean toward the modern look.
Tell us about a special successful project. A rocking horse for my first grandchild
What piece of advice would you like to give a new woodworker? Do what you love … Love what you do.
