My college woodworking instructor, John Wesley Williams, used to tell me to make my furniture idiot proof because I am building a reputation as well as a piece of furniture.  As a furniture builder I don’t know how my customer will use my product.  A good example is a hutch with a door hung at chest height.  I don’t know if the future owner will open these doors with a downward force causing a racking strain on the door.  A good fitting, full-sized tenon joint is necessary and not just a stub tenon.  A person leaning back in a chair while the chair rests on the back two legs is another good example.  Although the chair is designed to sit on all four legs you don’t know how the new owner will utilize the chair your spent hours building.  So think of how to idiot proof your creations and build a positive reputation – one that will last as long as your furniture!  Thanks, John, for the lesson learned.  Now, if only I can get my students to understand!

Enjoy your shop time!

Jerill