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Tool Hero: Pat Morrow, Fine Furnishings WoodworkerCozy in her oversized 2-car garage/workshop in Evergreen,Colorado, Pat Morrow can’t quite explain what inspired her to get into woodworking. "It was just the path I ended up taking." I followed her contagious laughter and bright blue eyes over the workshop and through her house to the basement where she showed me her current project: a 1920’s styled contemporary, cherry wood masterpiece. This was quite a few notches up from the first chair that she ever styled(see below). Everyone starts somewhere ~
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Pat's first chair
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Pat grew up in Des Moines, Iowa . She received a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Kansas, went to work as a photographer for the Kansas City Star after college, and then moved to Chicago where she successfully worked as a producer/director for large industrial business shows.
The decision to move to Colorado was not planned. She decided to retire from producing, and pursue her “Art”. What "Art" that was, she did not know. “I’ve always loved to design interiors and would redo every place that I lived in, whether I owned it or just rented it.” She tossed a bunch of geographic locations into a pile. Her long-time friend in Littleton made her promise to check out Evergreen, Colorado before she made her decision. Once in Colorado, there was no turning back.
After moving to Colorado, Pat took a few woodworking classes at Red Rocks Community College. She began to envision eclectic furniture pieces and the challenge was to figure out how to make them. Pat says “the most difficult part of the process is finishing the piece – the energy and the stamina required to get it done, state that 'it’s finished' and send it out the door. My goal for my work is having each and every piece exceed not only client expectations but also my own."
The most important part of woodworking is having the right tools. “A quality, reliable tool makes all the difference in the world to me. My savior is
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at the ToolKing store in Lakewood. He steers me in the right direction and educates me about which tools are better than others. I rely on him a lot”, says Pat.
Pat is continuing to learn how to reach out to people and network. It’s an important part of the process. “As an artist, you are most critical of your own stuff. What’s difficult is feeling like you just haven’t gotten it quite perfect and you can’t wait to do the next piece so that you can take what you’ve learned and improve upon your craft. Then you may see that previous piece a year later, and think, wow – that’s really good! I made that?” Talking with other woodworkers and artists helps get Pat through the “process”. And still, her favorite part is moving on to create the next piece.
Pat’s next adventure will take her to Anderson Ranch where she will study with the famous woodworker Michael Cullen. She is going on a scholarship that was generously awarded to her by Sam Maloof. She returns home only to pack up her furniture and head to the Milwaukee Fine Furnishings Show.
Pat’s Top Ten Woodworking Tools
- Delta Unisaw – “This is my absolute favorite piece because of its accuracy and reliability. It is nice to have a machine that does exactly what you want it to do. I used to struggle with a Powermatic and the difference is with the Delta, there is no struggle.”
- Makita hand-held grinder/sander – “This is my second favorite tool. Once I cut a piece of wood with the Bandsaw, I can carve and grind it out with this. It’s responsive and easy to use”.
- MultiRouter – “
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insisted that I get this and even special ordered it for me. I wasn’t sure I wanted it but now that I have it, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’ve made over 200 mortises in two days with this tool.
- Jet Bandsaw – “It’s like having a mounted jigsaw. It is a machine that does what it is supposed to so that I can create what I want.”
- Delta Drill Press – Everyone needs one of these at least once in their life.
- Delta Grinder – Different from the Makita hand-held, this one is permanently fixed.
- Delta 2 Speed Planer - "A great workhorse for the money."
- JET Dust Collection System – “It’s absolutely necessary to have some type of dust collection system set-up. With mine, all the hoses run all over the floor. I’d like to have them hung somehow but would rather hire someone to do it then try and tackle it myself. If anyone out there knows of someone, please have them contact me through my website: ”
- Makita palm sander – necessary for any woodworking studio
- Many various hand carving/cutting/sanding tools – Oftentimes you just need that manual touch.
Interviewer: If someone asked you how they could get started in woodworking, what would you suggest?
Pat: Just do it. Take a woodworking class at your community college. Red Rocks in Lakewood, Colorado has a great program. It’s all a process of discovery - if you can dream it, then you can do it. Just follow where your path leads you.
Pat has her workshop in her oversized 2-car garage in the beautiful mountains of Evergreen, Colorado. To contact her visit: www.trailmixstudio.com
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