Background

My father was a die-maker for the Federal Paper Board Company for his entire career, cutting out box patterns to within a 32^nd of an inch tolerance for everyday articles such as ice cream cartons, cereal boxes, candy boxes, etc. Chances are you have handled and opened a box of something that my father's patterns have stamped out in a press. Dad's influence for the need of precision and accuracy, along with many practical experiences obtained as a teenager working on the Smith Brothers' Farm, affect my woodworking endeavors and accomplishments daily.

I promise, in dedication to my father, Harold Swiger, and the Smith Brothers, Arthur and Richard, that all my projects and pieces will always be made with love and a careful eye for detail so that completed items will show nature's work and all that Dad and the Smith Brothers taught me to appreciate and apply.

I owe a special thank you to my wife, Brenda, who always provides great advice and an encouraging word. I will be forever grateful, Sweetheart.

In addition, I want to thank Lloyd Parcell of Meander Run Reproductions who has been a mentor to me. Lloyd, thanks for all the shop talks, tips and woodworking advice that influences my work.

Lloyd and his wife Alice at the 2005 Waterford, VA Craft Show

Lastly, I need to acknowledge Lon Schleining. Lon is the author of "The Workbench" published by The Taunton Press, Inc., fall 2004. Thanks for the phone chats and emails that have encouraged and inspired me to build and sell workbenches.