Customer Spotlight

“This machine has opened the doors into woodworking for me… I have many more tools now because of it.”

Student to Crafstman
written by: Joe Lovchik

Floyd Harris retired three years ago from the Eastman Kodak Company in Greeley, CO.  As with many in retirement, he (and his wife) wanted to find a rewarding hobby to occupy his time.  In the summer of 2007 he saw commercials for a new and exciting machine.  Being a hunter and fisherman, the patterns available for this machine were right up his alley. After the “OK” from his wife he bought his CarveWright in September 2007 and hasn’t looked back.

Not having much woodworking or computer graphics experience, Floyd right away became a student of the many accomplished users on the CarveWright forum.  He did not waste any time getting carving either.  After carving nearly every piece of wood in sight, doing various photos and images, he found some coin patterns to play with.  They were a hit with his coin club so he did more for a local coin show. With these successful projects under his wing and the wonderful reception he received from their recipients, he began to really see the potential of what he could do.   He started cranking out projects for both friends and family. Signs for local establishments, boxes, coin displays, where among many of his next projects.  His state quarter boards have become very popular. He wanted a hobby and he had definitely found it. “This machine has opened the doors into woodworking for me… I have many more tools now because of it.”

Now with some experience, Floyd’s presence on the forum was active as ever.  Learning as much as he could, and now also sharing his knowledge with others.   He began collaborating with other users on projects, and became interested in full three- dimensional projects. Being a fisherman in Colorado, Floyd was attracted to a trout pattern with which he carved out two halves and glued them together to make a two sided piece.  This worked out well and soon he saw the ads for the CarveWright Project of the Month Newsletter featuring Michael Tyler’s Trout Clock Project. He immediately signed up and began carving this two-sided piece. Along his journey of learning the machine he also learned many finishing techniques.  His wife and daughter, being as he says “the true artists in the family”, have really helped him understand painting and blending of colors.  He seems to have picked it up pretty well. His use of these painting techniques and applying them to stain is masterful.  His trout are truly stunning.   

Floyd Harris says he still has a lot to learn, In fact he is probably on the forum right now absorbing knowledge, but he will also be sharing his knowledge as one of the accomplished CarveWright users.  His progression from student to craftsman has been truly amazing.

Find Floyd Harris on the CarveWright forum as fwharris, or visit his website at www.ringneckblues.com.