Carpenter in Clarksburg, West Virginia

Hello, My name is Brian Cox. I am a 2005 graduate of the WVU Wood Science program. I have done carpentry work since 1996. I obtained my residential contractor license in 2000. I payed my way through college doing residential carpenter work not realizing at the time that not much would change after graduating lol. I stayed in school an extra 2 1/2 years and got my Masters only to find a stifled job market in 2008. Getting a job in my field would have meant moving out of state. In 2009, I tested into the Clarksburg carpenter union as a journeyman. I have worked steady as a commercial carpenter since then. Although I do like my job, I miss working with wood. As you know, commercial carpentry largely consists of steel,concrete, and drywall. Since having access to WVU's wood shop while in college, I've had a passion for using this fantastic natural resource. I have continued to read and learn about woodworking and enjoy every minute. I spend as much of my spare time as possible making sawdust lol. I take pride in building projects that will last a lifetime or three. I believe that learning as much as possible about the material you are using is the least a builder can do. We've all seen box store furniture falling apart and gaps and cracks in wood items all of our lives. Yes wood is a natural and variable material. But, using this material with intelligence can eliminate many of these common problems. Over the past several years I have collected machinery and have put together a nice, small shop. For now I can't quit my day job, but have dreams of making a living out of the shop ;). I also purchased a portable band mill and enjoy being able to go from log to product. Some of my common projects include: shaker style and slab furniture, farmhouse tables and benches, floating shelves, keepsake boxes with hand cut joinery, cutting boards, transition strips, etc. But really only limited to your imagination and my abilities :). I appreciate your interest and would be happy to answer any questions you may have.