ABOUT US
Woodworking is our passion.
This video was made for the woodworking club of which I am a member. The Western Piedmont Woodcrafters club meets in Hickory NC and is a group for all woodworkers. We show shop tours regularly and mine was one of many that have been created in the past years. You will see that my shop is not clean and tidy like some you may see on You Tube. As with many shops, I have rearranged a few things and combined a few things to save space. Maybe one day I’ll do another video and update.
Woodworking has been my passion since I was introduced to it in the 7th grade, (1973-1974 school year). I was so fascinated by the beauty of a walnut gun cabinet that the instructor was working on that I had to learn all I could about the craft. It is a shame that the project that drew me into the woodworking field can’t be done in a school today, IF there’s even a wood shop to go to.
In the 50 years since, I have worked on skills to improve my craft and also teach my son. Together we have created some of the finest items, from pens to furniture, that can be found anywhere. All of our items are unique and even though we sometimes make many units of an item, they are all unique and you can see the craftsman’s hand in the project. We strive to make the best projects for you that we can. You can be proud of the project and proud to say who made them for you. I take custom orders in a large range of style and size. Currently my primary project list includes game boards such as chess, cribbage, and backgammon. I also make other fun games like Shut the Box. All my projects feature style that I have replicated as my own throughout my work.
Cooper’s Pens and Things became a business name when my son and I were making pens and a few other items. We sold them at local craft shows and were in select stores for a while, but eventually the pens part of the business took a back seat to the other stuff we make. Our ever expanding inventory of games and other items seems to overwhelm the pens demand, so while we still carry the pens in our shop, we concentrate more on other ‘things’. I felt that the word “things” was open enough for anything else we’d make.
In 2017 I added CNC capabilities and can do engraving and other CNC dedicated work in wood. Some of the parts I make on the CNC cannot be done in my shop any other way, and bring a new level of quality to the project. I maintain a high level of tools and jigs to make the best project that can be produced. And all that said, I’m still learning. Each project teaches me something new.
In 2020 I added laser engraving, and while the CNC part is still teaching me new things, I find the laser part easier, having the CNC background. I am fond of LightBurn software, and I use an Ortur 15 watt laser that has been upgraded to a larger dimension than factory. In 2022 I added another Ortur 30 watt laser that is still factory dimension. Both are in shop made enclosures for safety and vapor handling.
Club Associations
The North Carolina Woodworkers club is an online presence with primarily a message board style community. The club has annual picnics and members host “How To” classes at various places in North Carolina. If you want to learn from some of the best in any given type of woodworking, this is the place.
Western Piedmont Woodcrafters is a group of woodworkers from the North Carolina Piedmont area. The members have come to the area from all over the country. We have club meetings on the 4th Saturday of most months with demonstrations and a show and tell of projects you want to bring. There is a wide range of talent in the group and something for everyone. For up to date information visit their web site.
Sources for Materials
West Penn Hardwoods is a top of the line go-to-first source for all kinds of hard woods. They carry over 150 species of wood from all over the world. The staff and warehouse is first rate, and quality of product is second to none. I have never left the store without the material I needed, as well as some bargains. The staff there are very helpful in finding that perfect piece of lumber for your project.
Klingspor is one of the best names in abrasives. Their sandpaper is made in Germany and is a great value for the price. The stores in the North Carolina region are well stocked with all manner of woodworking tools and equipment, lumber, finishing materials, books and magazines, and a staff that is eager to assist. They also support local woodworking clubs with space to hold meetings as well as discounts for members. This is my go-to resource for most all my woodworking needs outside of the lumber area.
Lil’ Shavers is a general building store that features lumber in the rough as well as surfaced to dimension. I buy lumber in the rough occasionally so I can size it to fit my project, and often thick enough I can resaw to thin stock. This is a place worth the drive to Statesville NC for domestic softwood such as pine and select hardwoods, and general building supplies.
I am not sponsored by or endorsed by any of the above retailers. I have given them some free advertising because they are some of my favorite places to shop for quality materials in my shop. I do not offer discounts or premiums through my site for any business that this advertising may generate.