Journey of a Master Craftsman: In the Shop with Alf Sharp Part 1

I had the opportunity to spend a day with woodworking master craftsman, Alf Sharp, and to hear his story and journey to becoming a woodworker making fine furniture. In this three part series we’ll talk about Alf’s history, his views and knowledge on woodworking skills, and the ongoing maker movement.

His journey started with a short stint in Law School and wound its way through work in the skilled trades and owning a large manufacturing business before finally finding his true passion in building high end furniture.

Alf has been building woodworking projects for the last 30 years and has concentrated on museum-quality, one-of-a-kind furniture, primarily in the 18th century American style. He is a master of high and low relief carving, inlay, marquetry, and French polishing. If you want to see more of Alf’s work you can find it here:

Produced, filmed and edited by Brad Rodriguez

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Brad Rodriguez
PO Box 680433
Franklin, TN 37068

[kenzpenz]

I am 80 years old and hanging on every word this man speaks. I went into the US Army at 17 years of age due to a poor childhood and no parental guidance. I worked my way up the ranks until I was commissioned a 2LT and finally retired a captain w/two purple hearts after two tours in Vietnam. After the Army I got into law enforcement and after 15 years and again retired after an accident. I finally got to smell the roses much later on in life, doing what I wanted to do working out in my shop. I turned hundreds of beautiful pens and with the exception of the really beautiful pens my wife kept, I gave the other pens to my kids and grandkids to sell and keep the money. This man is what makes this America beautiful. Imagine all the beautiful furniture and wood products he has created and still makes. The knowledge he has passed on to the rest of the world, yet is so soft spoken and unassuming . Now on the part 2, which I'm sure will be just as inspiring. Thank you sir, you are my hero. ..Ken..Marina CA .

[Omnihil]

Funny, that's exactly how my shop looks. Chaotic, dusty, cozy, beautiful! I have the greatest respect & empathy for someone who throws away the office jobs to build something good. Did it too. Never looked back since the day I walked out from the chemistry industry (Bayer) 20 years ago. These jobs kill the man inside IMO. Making things with your brain & hands makes happy on so many levels. I recommend. Money is important, but by far not the first thing you should think about. Everyone I know who has lots of money is unhappy, at least on one or two levels. And BTW: Wood calms me. Deeply.

[knownaigm]

What a wonderfully self-aware and tranquil human being. You can always tell someone has found their true passion by how effortlessly they are able to articulate their thoughts about it. There was no inflation of words, or exaggeration of his work, nor was there any struggling for explanation, Alf just fully understands the theory, the craft, and the spirit of his medium.

[AlphaJuliett]

Came in for a wood lesson, left with a life one. Craft on Mr. Sharp

[maff]

The world needs more Alfs, imagine how peaceful and beautiful it would be

[paddypup]

As a cabinet maker myself I can say this man is living the life most cabinet makers I’ve ever worked with only dream off.
Finding the customers to pay for custom pieces is the trickiest part. I know lots of great cabinet makers who had to do the kitchen and built in units to make a living and hope for the odd commission. Good luck to this man. Living the dream!

[realjackbronco]

I felt the urge to stand from my desk and clap at the end of this video. Very nicely done. Very nice. The spirit, love and essence of this man is very well captured here. Wonderful work. Thank You.

[roscotraining]

What a fascinating human being(Gentleman). Could listen to him all day. Very captivating.

[texasboy]

I admire this gentleman's passion.

[michaelcrocetto]

I love to listen to someone talk about what they are passionate about, no matter what it is. It's even better when it's something you like too

[zacc]

I'm a self employed carpenter working on domestic houses (skirting, doors etc.)

Would love to be able to go in to making furniture like this master.

You can feel his passion for it. (How can people dislike this?)

[williamwhittaker]

True craftsman..most certainly a rare special breed of man..wish there was more Alf' s around in today's society to pass this legendary skill to the younger generation..wish he was my neighbor..

[remkojerphanion]

Thank you so much for your inspirational story Mr. Sharp. My Dad was a picture frame maker/restorer and I used to help him in his workshop and I picked up his love for wood and his eye for beauty in seemingly ordinary things.

[TheWoodStroker]

Part of the joy of woodworking is simply gaining the knowledge and skill as you practice the craft.

[traumahtv]

I work as a software enginier at a very big enterprise but what i love for real is woodworking.

[captaincoyote]

Like CAPT Bartlett below, I too am retired Navy (35 years, E-3 to O-6)....and retired federal law enforcement. Retiring and after a failed attempt to hike the Appalachian Trail —- concerned with how I started feeling lost, I discovered a love for solid wood furniture found tag sales, second hand and even “curbside”! While I still want to complete the AT, I have found true joy in returning furniture to “better than new” glory——as well as decoy carving, training my Aussie, working on an old Porsche——and getting reacquainted with my wife and kids! Thank you Mr. Sharp....a most beautiful video!

[johndoe]

I CAN CLEARLY SEE THIS MANS LEVEL AND STANDARDS ARE HIGH JUST BY WHAT LITTLE I HAVE SEEN OF HIS INCREDIBLE WORKMANSHIP AND HIS DEDICATION TO THE HIGHER FORMS OF WOODWORKING MR. SHARP YOUR A INSPIRATION AND IT SHOWS ME THAT SCHOOL IS NOT OUT AND WHAT TO BE LEARNED IS ENDLESS THANKS FOR THE VIDEO.

[wslandry]

Isn’t it truly amazing how we can be so blessed and stumble into something that we love to do. Your shop is a mixture of loving chaos and 10, 000 hours of loving what you do. Enjoy and hang in there you are one lucky man!

[denisurbanczik]

Thank you for Alf, for being an inspiration to me and to so many others! Thank you for the interview Brad!

[simonoconor]

The carved dog at 4:07 is incredible, so lifelike you could nearly see him breathing. What craftsmanship.