About Merle Yoder
For over thirty years I’ve been involved in all aspects of furniture making. Everything from furniture and cabinet making to sales to designing furniture to managing furniture plants.
What Does All This Mean?
It means that over all these years, I’ve gained a lot of valuable experience and developed an abundance of plain old common sense about how solid wood behaves – how it lives and moves – and about what designs work and what designs don’t and why.
As you browse other websites and research other craftsman you will likely encounter stories of magic and romance between the craftsmen, the wood and the process… OK… whatever. Though that may be true for some, that’s not me.
Speaking for myself I’ve never received much gratification from breathing wood dust and finish fumes. I find little enjoyment in having my fingers pass within fractions of an inch of cutters, router bits and blades and dealing with the constant deafening noise that is inherent with woodworking.
They Say Patience Is a Virtue
To be a good craftsman one must work through the monotony of all of this and maintain the patience to persist with the integrity to do it right and to stubbornly insist on the highest standards of quality. To do it right there is no room for shortcuts. One must insist on paying attention to and carrying out the small details that add up to something special.
It is absolutely vital to “begin with the end in mind”. Put simply, it’s the end results that truly motivate me. The results of a beautiful piece of furniture that functions and serves a purpose in the everyday life of the customer. It is extremely gratifying to me to produce furniture that will be admired and enjoyed in the everyday comings and goings of some one’s life.
The Fun Is Joining In The Process With You
As you read this, you have probably figured out that you’re dealing with someone who doesn’t have a lot of flash or fancy words. You are learning about someone who is down to earth and has had a lot of experience in making furniture. I would love the opportunity to discuss your furniture needs with you.
Give me a shout and let’s get to work on what you are looking for. I think you will enjoy the process and thank you for taking the time to browse my site.