A while back someone asked me how I learned the skills needed to be a woodworker. To this day the only honest answer I can give is “by the grace of God”! I thank Him for the gift because on my own, I am not sure I am patient enough to build.

If this is a gift, I do not take it for granted and try to share it with as many people as possible. Especially kids, I love building toys and things that kids can play with and keep for a long time.

I am married to my best friend and have been since 1981. While this may be a cliche and used by almost everyone, I will accept that and use it because it’s true. Without God and her, I would not be who or where I am today. We have two wonderful children that have helped me in the adventure. Both have provided us with wonderful, God-loving spouses and six beautiful grandchildren.

Building Out of Necessity

When we started having children I was working in a warehouse and not making a lot of money. I needed to learn how to build toys, cabinets, and other things for the kids and my wife. I learned how to build using old pallet wood from the warehouse and anything I could pick up that was being thrown away. I became a woodworker out of necessity!

My First Workshop

After 15 years of marriage, I transitioned out of the warehouse and into the computer room. While the IT industry provided a better income for our family, I never lost the desire to work with wood. However, the place I could call a shop was in a damp, dark basement that liked to flood when it rained too hard. I had an old craftsman table saw, a grinder turned into a disk sander, a used band saw, and a bunch of hand tools. Eventually, I was able to upgrade to a new table saw – woodworking started to come together a bit easier.

From New York to Tennessee

In 2009 we moved from Upstate New York to Middle Tennessee for my day job. After a year of looking at my tools packed in the garage of a rented condo, we found a house with a 20′ x 25′ outbuilding that would make a great woodworking shop. This shop has allowed me to expand my skills with new tools and more challenging projects.

What We’re Building

My family provides me with new opportunities to advance my woodworking skills regularly, and I use them as guinea pigs as I continue to learn new skills.

These days I appreciate the clients who have trusted me to build for them. Each project is unique but I have some favorites. Check out our Farm Table with a race track, A 60” round black walnut table, and a bunk bed for my granddaughters.

The Business

Bayne Custom Woodworking has been our plan to transition out of computers and into building custom keepsakes. It was not time to retire but change my office from a desk punching keys to a bench making sawdust. In November of 2019, my wife looked at me and said “I think it’s time we change roles in the family.” She started her graphic design business some 30 years ago and now is a successful book designer and self-publishing expert. So I put in my notice at the office and my last day was March 12, 2021. 

The Future

We’re excited to see what the future holds. Follow Bayne Custom Woodworking on Instagram to see active projects as they are built.  

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and be part of the adventure as I post both longer instructional videos as well quick one minute shorts mostly for entertainment. Of course, we have a Facebook page that my bride maintains and keeps updated with regular projects from her perspective.