Injury Doesn't Hold Woodworker Back From Hobby

​Abilities come in many variations and each person responds to challenges in his or her own way. Calvin Pope of Palmyra, Missouri is a person who continuously overcomes challenges of his disability to do what he loves.  

Pope was seriously injured in a motorcycle accident nearly 30 years ago and now uses a wheelchair. His injury did not affect the use of his upper extremities, so he is able to continue working in his wood shop. He has adapted to focus on small projects that are attractive and functional like Shaker boxes and turkey calls. This allows him to sit and still enjoy his hobby.

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Pope trusts his experience will help others who may feel challenged by their own disability. He is able to channel his creative energy, enjoy his craft and reap immeasurable satisfaction.

At a recent gathering of the Quincy Woodworkers Guild, Pope demonstrated how to make Shaker boxes. The process involves cutting wood into very thin pieces on a bandsaw, then sanding them to specific thicknesses using a disc sander. The wood pieces are then placed into hot water for a period of time to make them flexible. Pope then bends the wood strips into oval boxes using base plates. He then repeats this process to make lids. 

"This kind of project requires very little space and very few tools. For someone who is new to woodworking, it is an easy project for them to start with," says Pope. 

The Quincy Woodworking Guild is a group of men and women who share their talents and interest in woodworking. Member's projects include a wide-range such as crafts, carving, cabinet making, scroll-sawing, bowl turning, building and restoring furniture and more. The group is designed to help members develop their skills, share projects, ideas, processes and techniques. 

Meetings take place the first Monday of each month and are usually held at a member's workshop and the group will take field trips to special locations. Guests and new members are welcome. 

For more information, email [email protected].