Third and Main Antiques and Threads of Memories:
Brookings has some of the best antique stores I've ever seen. The furniture they stock is spectacular. I build so that someday, long after I am gone, my pieces will grace the floors of these shops.

I believe strongly in making your own way in this world. That doesn't mean you have to do everything yourself, just that you have to be willing and able to make the most out of what you have.

When I first started woodworking, I tried to work with new hand tools. I purchased a few tools online and did my best to put them into service. I was met with much frustration.

It wasn't long afterwards that my Grandpa Dave (his friends call him "Big D", and for good reason) gave me my first couple old tools. Although the tools looked a bit rough, my previous efforts with the new tools prepared me for a big of tinkering. That week I gained true appreciating for the phrase "They don't make them like they used to". From then on I've searched my local area antique stores for great tools that will outshine most modern equivalents. These antique tools are the best tools I own, with them I can confidently build pieces the way I want to. And when people look closely at the construction details in my pieces, I know they will take a step back and say, "I didn't know anyone still made things this way".

David J. Ulschmid
Designer / Craftsman