Q & A with Andrew Shotts: The Art of the Build

Q: If you had unlimited resources and money, what would you build and for who/where/with what materials?
A: I'm drawn to the idea of woodworking and furniture as art. So I would want to make an art installation in a public place like a museum. I grew up boating with my family in the summers so I've always had the idea of building a table set inspired by classic mahogany runabouts, built completely from hurricane recovered genuine mahogany.

Q: Common misconceptions about building?
A: "I can build this cheaper than buying it from Ikea." If you want to build something on your own, beware. Wood is expensive, especially quality lumber and the equipment can be even pricier. However, I would still suggest building it. You'll love it, if you make it. Building and working with your hands is extremely rewarding and I recommend going for it if it's on your mind.

Q: Name the top 3 essential tools that every beginner woodworker should start with.
A: This is a tough question because every budget is different. I think the table saw is the heart of a shop. If you have the money, I would say start with a table saw then add a planner, then a jointer. If you have a smaller budget, I'd recommend start with a Japanese pull saw, clamps and a drill. 

Q: What is the hardest type of wood to turn on a lathe and why?
A: Surprisingly, Pine is a hard wood to turn. The main reason is its propensity to tear out while turning. You've just got to turn at higher speeds, maintain good technique and keep your tools sharp.

Q: Sketch out designs or wing it?
A: Personally, I like designing on 3d software. It helps me get a better understanding of dimensions but there's definitely a "wing it" part of the process when it's time to build. Clint is a design on paper kind of guy and then figure out dimensions on the fly. Insider secret: This is predominantly how we did all of the Fixer Upper builds.

Q: Have you ever almost seriously injured yourself woodworking?
A: Nope, I've had a couple cuts from chisels and razor blades but never anything severe. We try to be preventative in our safety measures at Harp Design Co. but accidents occasionally happen.

Q: What is something super interesting that people would want to know?
A: Find ways to be inspired to build, to work with wood, or to make and create in general. Some of my favorite woodworkers who inspire me that I would suggest checking out are Jory Brigham, Sons of Sawdust, and Andy Rawls. Ashley Harwood and Dan Tilden are my favorite woodturner to follow. Also check me out on Instagram at @andrew_shotts!

Q: You’re teaching a shop class. If your students don’t learn anything at all, what is the one thing you’d want them to remember forever about woodworking?
A: Wood movement is real! Wood is a living creature, even after it's made into lumber or your furniture piece. Wood continues to expands and contract with the seasonal changes of moisture and temperature. So you have to build with this in mind. For instance, a table top is going to expand and contact so you must attach it in a way that allows it to move. If you screw it down to the skirt, the table top will crack and split. If you're a beginning wood worker, remembering this will save you a lot of time, money, and frustration in the future.