Jim Bany

 

What is your specialty in woodworking?
At the present time I’m into improving my shop and building my own tools. In the past its probably been building tables. My wife is hoping that in the future it will be dining room chairs.

How many years have you been woodworking?
Really all my life. I grew-up on a farm where I learned from my Dad how to use my hands. Then after college I became a carpenter. About 12 yrs ago I became a construction superintendent so I wasn’t able to use tools on the job anymore. To compensate I started woodworking in my shop a lot more.

What is your favorite hand tool and why?
I’m acquiring a set of Lie Nielsen planes. I’ve got a set of Bridge City squares and I have a Plump 13 oz trim hammer that I would not part with.

What is your favorite power tool and why?
I’ve owned a Delta Unisaw for about 15 yrs. It’s the benchmark of my shop. All the rest of my power tools revolve around my table saw.

What is your favorite wood to use and why?
Red oak, White oak, Cherry, Walnut, Ash, Mahogany,  Birch, Maple, Poplar, Plywood, MDF, I like them all. I’m trying to think of one thing I like about particle board  but I can’t.

What is your favorite project and why?
That would be my workbench. About 3 yrs ago I wanted to build something that my great-great grandkids would fight over so I built a traditional woodworkers workbench. It completely revitalized my desire to be in the shop.

What is the best deal on a woodworking tool?
Every year my wife asks me what I want for Christmas. I’ve got to say Santa is alive and treated me very well.

What guild activates have you been involved in?
I just completed a 2 yr stint as vice president which I enjoyed very much. Prior to that I was a director. For the last 8 yrs I’ve been a volunteer construction leader for Habitat for Humanity on about 20 houses. 4 yrs ago I got the guild involved as volunteers so I really appreciate all the contributions the guild members have made.

What has been your favorite guild activity?
Break time!! I love rubbing elbows with craftsmen and meeting new people.

What Shop Tip can you give us?
A practice that I’ve started doing is taking the time to get centered every time I go into the shop to work. I take just a few minutes to get focused ( meditate) on what I’m doing and why I’m there. It has made a difference on my work and in my attitude.

Thanks Jim for allowing us to feature you this month.

Entertainment Center	Hall Table	Hutch Top	Hutch Base
Shelves	Work Table	Coffee Table	Gift Tables