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Happy (Belated) Birthday Woodworker Carter

Gina Eide, web producer

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Happy 85th. Former President Jimmy Carter is also a woodworker. He celebrated his birthday Oct. 1.

Photo: Anatole Burkin

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President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 85th birthday on Thursday.

The Nobel Peace Prize winner is also a worker in wood. To learn more about his life outside of politics and off the global stage, scope out some of his hand-crafted furniture below. Read a 1984 Fine Woodworking profile by Jim Cummins (and learn how to build a porch swing). Or read 2005 a essay from FWW #174 where he talks about his love of the craft, its beginnings, and some of his most recent projects.

What's remarkable to me, reflecting on the work of people like Jimmy Carter and James Krenov, is that they've acomplished so much after 50. With these folks as role models... it's inspiring for a young(er) person like me to think that there still is a bit of time to do something useful in my life. :) 

Four-Poster Bed
Jimmy Carter began making furniture out of necessity. This four-poster cherry bed may have been made to be auctioned, as are many of Carter’s works. The piece has a Colonial feel and features tapered, faceted posts. Photo: Anatole Burkin

Shaker-Style Blanket Chest
This cedar chest, reminiscent of a Shaker blanket chest, was designed and crafted by former President Jimmy Carter. It features hand-cut dovetails and brass hardware. Photo: Anatole Burkin

Chess Set with Table
Former President Jimmy Carter, an avid woodworker, designed and built this chess table. It features pieces that are turned and hand-carved. It is one of the many pieces he has made for his home in Plains, Georgia. Photo: Anatole Burkin

Clamp
Carter used wood harvested from his family’s land to make this clamp. The 1-1/2-in-square hard-maple jaws measure 7-1/2 in. long, while the 12-in-long alternating dogwood and black walnut handles and dogwood threaded rods give the clamp a 6-in. throat capacity. “For threading,” says Carter, “I used a tap and die given to me in 1984 as a full fee for making a speech to a university.” The clamp is finished with oil. Photo: Jimmy Carter

Design Book Seven
From the editors of Fine Woodworking 360 Photographs of the Best Work in Wood from the Mid-1990s $24.95 more info...

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Comments (5)

jhonbaker writes: Great Articles. I never knew about this passionate woodworker before, and am pleased to read about an lifelong practitioner that still has the fascinations of it and not the prejudices that may come with the same level of dedication. Once again, these are great articles, thank you!
Posted: 10:43 am on October 15th

okahun writes: You think he's a remarkable woodworker, show me why, is what I want to read about in FWW.
okahun
Posted: 6:58 pm on October 10th

RJMcC writes: FWW is not politicized by writing about Jimmy Carter or mentioning his accomplishments. Whether one agrees with his political views, he is a remarkable woodworker. Part of what makes him interesting and inspirational to some woodworkers, like me, is what he does with his life. I admire woodworkers who are drawn outward to teach, share, inspire, lead or find ways to reach others. He has used his handiwork and leadership together to bring real benefits to many lives.

Our's is a craft where you can be alone with your thoughts and escape from the hurly-burly, if you choose. Ever stop to consider what President Carter thinks about when he designs a piece or sands through the grits? What inspires him? How does woodworking shape his views, and vice versa?

James Krenov's approach was shaped by his life experiences, like being born of displaced Russian nobility and his life travels. It seems unduly restrictive to omit mention of "President" or "Nobel Peace Prize" when writing of Jimmy Carter.

I once bought a woodworking magazine where the letters themselves (about Carter and others) were replete with political opinion, including harsh labels. FWW is well above that level. Insightful writing about what makes woodworkers tic is essential.

By the way, Happy Birthday, Mr. President. Thank you for inspiring me to volunteer with Habitat, and for making me think about, and while doing, my craft - and how I as a woodworker fit into this world.


Posted: 12:33 pm on October 10th

okahun writes:
Please let's keep politics out of FWW. Focus on his work with wood. I'm not interested in his awards unless it deals with woodworking.
Thank you
okahun
Posted: 9:20 am on October 10th

JorgeGaspar1 writes: Happy Birthday Mr President.

Thank you for every thing that you have done and continue to do on behalf of our country.

Regards

J Gaspar
Posted: 11:48 am on October 7th

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