I took a short session from Sam at the Smithsonian Museum and then went to LA to visit my son in LA who was studying architecture. On a lark I said lets go out and see if Sam will talk to us - it was his new home and shop because the state/county needed his property for a right-of-way. New home was built and Sam started to make it to his fit - show was the kind of place you would love to work. I was just blown away - he spent 3 hours with us showing his shop and home - because he was so kind this experience has stuck with me for over 20 years.
ITS NICE TO KNOW THERE ARE MEN LIKE SAM STILL LOOKING OVER YOUR SHOULDER AND GUIDING YOUR HANDS THRU THERE WORK THERE MEMORIES AND THERE SPIRIT GOD BLESS AND THANKS SAM
Sam was inspiring to me back in 1979 when he came and did a workshop. He was so energetic on that bandsaw. He let nothing stand in his way. He was a self taught craftsperson, as most of us commonly are. You only learn from the doing, so do alot of it (whatever you do) and keep focused.
Sam was a friendly, down-to-earth guy that was very approachable and humble. His work is amazing. I attended several of his workshops in the '90's and got acquainted with him a bit. The free-hand shaping and trimming at the bandsaw to a design in his head was amazing (Don't try this at home!!) Great video.
What a great video. Watch him walk away from the piece to go get a tool , he is hustling. So much energy. How about him holding the router one handed while shaping the backs of the chair! Awesome.