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Young Pros Show Off Their Talents in Woodworking Competition

Young Wood Pro finalists

Woodworking Network’s sixth #YoungWoodPros competition is underway, and the finalists have been chosen. The annual competition recognizes outstanding young woodworking professionals and their most impressive projects, drawing in hundreds of entries across the United States.

Open to all woodworkers between the ages of 18 and 35, the competition draws a fun array of projects in a variety of styles, from midcentury modern tables to electric guitars.

Young Wood Pro Zack Schaffer Johnson Dresser tiger maple and rosewood
Zack Schaffer’s Johnson Dresser
Young Wood Pros Mark Thomas Walnut Butcher Block Island
Mark Thomas’ Walnut Butcher Block Island

The Woodworking Network kicked off the 2021 competition by putting photos of all entries up on its Facebook page, and finalists were chosen by the public in the form of Facebook likes. From there, a panel of judges will consider the overall look and presentation of each project, along with the complexity of its construction and design.

Young Wood Pros Threlkeld Hawk Inlay
Daniel Threlkeld’s Hawk Hardwood Floor Inlay

The contest offers a peek into what young woodworkers consider to be their best work, and it’s fun to see all the unique ways the entrants use our favorite natural material to craft both functional and decorative objects. You can check all the entries out on the Woodworking Network’s Facebook page, and find the full list of ten finalists on their website. 

Young Wood Pros Luke Barnett Chair
Luke Barnett’s Birdcage Chair

Those finalists include Zack Schaffer, whose “Johnson Dresser” is made of tiber maple and hand carved rosewood, Mark Thomas, who made a walnut butcher block kitchen island, Daniel Threlkeld and his stunning Hawk Hardwood Floor Inlay, and Luke Barnett’s interpretation of the classic Windsor Chair, which consists of 13 uniquely steam-bent components designed to cradle the human body.

The winner of the contest will be announced at the 2021 Co-located Closets Conference & Expo/Wood Pro Expo on June 9, 2021 in Palm Springs, Florida. Last year, 31-year-old Andrew Morris won with a sleek and beautifully crafted walnut credenza.

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