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Welcome to Bark Crafters

My Story

Since the late 80s, I have been involved in the technology industry as a software engineer. For the last decade, I ran my own software consulting business. For the next chapter in my life, the thought of doing something that is not so dependent on technology seems very attractive. I have always been interested in woodworking but never really had the time or tools to seriously pursue learning more about it.

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It would be wrong to completely suppress my inner geek so I ended up purchasing a CNC machine. After doing some research and watching an absurd number of hours of YouTube videos, I settled on Carbide 3D’s Shapeoko Pro 5. I also added a few new tools like a planer, jointer, router table, benchtop sander and dust collection system. My workshop doubles as our garage (or is it the other way around) so I had to put everything on wheels just so we can get cars in the garage when necessary. My wife runs a dog training business, Savvy Dog Sports, on our property and has her own beautiful Morton Building. It does not seem fair that I have been relegated to the garage but that is how it is, at least for now. An exciting recent addition to my wife's training building is a new array of solar panels  on the roof that completely power our home's needs including my shop. Now I can run my CNC and other tools 24 hours a day and not have to worry about a big utility bill!

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I am fortunate to have a local lumber yard, Lakeshore Hardwoods, where I can source some very nice rough-cut lumber. The staff is extremely knowledgeable. Stan (along with his adorable dog Henry) and Steve are the two I deal with most often. Between them, they have decades of woodworking experience. I wish there was a way to magically transfer all their knowledge and experience but I will just have to learn at my own pace and keep asking dumb questions along the way.

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As much as I like having people pay me  for the things I make, it helps support my new found tool habit :-), donating my time and materials to some organizations is especially enjoyable. Some groups that I've been involved with include:

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Anyway, welcome to my website. Please contact me with any comments or questions and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

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-Ken Symons

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