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The Editors Mailbox

Crafting a Hardwood Mustache

Ed Pirnik, Senior Web Producer

11 users recommend

A typical "Swansonism" from NBC's Parks & Recreation: Ron's homemad harp.

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You know you're addicted to woodworking when everything you encounter, everything you do, is somehow peppered with a reference to the craft. Case in point: our favorite woodworking actor, Parks & Recreation's Nick Offerman. Let's see, there was the reference to "spalted maple," the visit to Swanson's workshop (actually Offerman's real shop), and who could forget the recent Christmas special that portrayed Ron Swanson visiting a woodworking expo where he encountered Fine Woodworking editor Asa Christiana and contributing editor Chris Becksvoort?

Perhaps none of these however, can top the skill required to pull off Offerman's crafting of a typical Swansonesque bouffant and accompanying mustache out of wood. Slightly disturbing-yes-but typical of our slightly obsessive-compulsive tendencies as woodworkers. When you've got an opportunity to bring woodworking into the conversation, you might as well exploit it!

Nick's no stranger to the pages of Fine Woodworking magazine. His first appearance came in a cover article for issue #222.

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Comments (6)

labrat7357 writes: I'm a bit behind the time haveing only just seen the Toupe' and mo. I love them.and was wondering if the timber selected will take on that lovely silver /grey as it weathers so as to keep pace with the wearer.
All the best
Posted: 10:09 am on March 31st

thosporter writes: Donald Trump MUST be Jealous!!
Posted: 7:26 pm on January 21st

toolswede writes: Hilarious piece of woodworking Nick! If the humidity is correct he want have any problems with split hair ends.
Posted: 1:04 am on January 20th

Nick_Carruthers writes: To paraphrase Ron Swanson from the most recent episode of Parks & Rec ("There is no wrong way to consume alcohol"), there is no wrong way to enjoy woodworking. While the wood 'stache may be pushing the envelope, it is still completely acceptable in my opinion.
Posted: 12:59 pm on January 19th

woodrat59 writes: great work once again Nick! I am curious, however as what glue you use to keep the moustache on? Love your show!!!
Posted: 6:30 am on January 19th

poconofoothills writes: That's a really unique toupe' and probably not the most comfortable thing to be wearing, but it most certainly is a fine example of excellent craftsmanship. Hat's off to you!!!
Posted: 12:44 pm on January 17th

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